Amsterdam is buzzing, and the bar scene is more international than ever. Whether you’re in the mood for a hidden speakeasy, a breathtaking view, or a funky interior, the capital has it all. But where can you find true craftsmanship?
In this guide, you’ll discover Amsterdam’s absolute best cocktail bars. We’ll take you on a tour of award-winning mixologists and unique hotspots that will make your evening unforgettable.
CUE
CUE combines a groundbreaking restaurant with an underground vinyl-only listening bar. Upstairs, the kitchen serves bold dishes cooked over an open fire, led by a Michelin-starred chef. In the basement, you’ll find the 1950s-inspired “listening bar.” Here, you can enjoy award-winning cocktails and music from a custom sound system.
Drink recommendation: Sgroppino. A surprising twist on the classic, featuring Planteray 3 Stars Rum, white chocolate, bergamot sorbet, and Three Cents Tonic Water.
By 74
Behind a hidden door in the historic heart of the city, you’ll find Door 74. This iconic speakeasy exudes a mysterious Prohibition-era vibe with its atmospheric Art Deco interior and innovative themed cocktails. Because comfort is a top priority, there’s a strict seat-only policy, and you must reserve a spot in advance.
Drink recommendation: LIFT – FLOW. A floral and fruity fizz made with Tanqueray gin, enriched with the fresh notes of pomegranate and a sparkling, nutty finish.
Hiding in Plain Sight
If you love a mysterious, intimate atmosphere, you definitely shouldn’t miss Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS). This hidden gem near the city center exudes the style of the Roaring Twenties. The vintage interior is filled with plush Chesterfield sofas and luxurious wallpaper, while the staff, dressed in classic vests, serves the drinks. The extensive menu reads like a cocktail bible, full of pre-Prohibition classics and original creations with a subtle Tiki twist. You don’t need a secret password here for an exclusive bar experience.
Drink recommendation: The Walking Dead. A potent mix of Appleton Estate and Bacardi 8 rum with Velvet Falernum and fruit juices, flambéed at the table with a pinch of cinnamon.
Bar TwentySeven
Inspired by Restaurant Bougainville, Bar TwentySeven introduces the “Fine Drinking” concept to the capital. In a lavish, luxurious atmosphere, you can enjoy groundbreaking creations and exclusive spirits. The bar team uses only the very best ingredients to tantalize your senses with completely new flavor combinations.
Drink recommendation: The Daiquiri, but make it dangerous. A fresh, tart, and potent cocktail made with Plantation Pineapple, Bacardi Reserva Ocho, and William George rum, complemented with hibiscus-lime cordial and tepache.
Tula Cantina
In Amsterdam Noord, you’ll find Tula Cantina, an intimate, candlelit mezcalería inspired by colorful Oaxaca. This hidden agave bar serves complex seasonal cocktails and layered Mexican spirits. Combine your visit with a fantastic Mexican dining experience full of authentic food and even more mezcal at neighboring Coba.
Drink recommendation: Chocolate Oaxaqueño. A full-bodied, complex creation made with Bozal Tepeztate Mezcal, Campari, Tula Vermouth Blanco, and house-made Tula cinnamon bitters.
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is the bar of top bartender Tess Posthumus, who runs the place together with co-owners Alina Lucia and Rosa Moolenaar. With a massive back bar housing over 900 bottles, this hotspot focuses entirely on the perfect execution of classic cocktails. Here, you’ll discover the true DNA of mixology. The atmosphere is energetic and professional, and you can stay there until late into the night. An absolute must-visit for enthusiasts who appreciate pure craftsmanship.
Drink recommendation: Flying Dutchmen Cocktail. This signature drink combines Bols Barrel Aged jenever with speculaas syrup, lemon juice, and orange bitters for a distinctive twist.
Twenty Third Bar
For a high-end, luxurious bar experience, visit the Twenty Third Bar at Hotel Okura. This chic skybar offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Amsterdam skyline. Bar manager Markus Vennemann and his skilled team shake up exclusive signature creations and serve an impressive selection of top-quality champagnes. The elegant atmosphere makes this sophisticated hotspot the ultimate place to relax in style, high above the bustling city.
Drink recommendation: Classic Champagne Cocktails.
Labyrinth
Close to Vondelpark, Labyrinth blends Afro-Caribbean soul food with live poetry and spoken word. Founder and top mixologist Samuel Kingue Ebelle has been bringing the vibrant energy of African metropolises to life here since 2016. The result is a sensory-stimulating cultural bar where groundbreaking cocktails and rhythm blend seamlessly.
Drink recommendation: Swahili Spice. A layered cocktail made with Tequila Reposado, Ancho Reyes, cacao, lime, and honey syrup, topped with a zesty salted lime foam.
Dutch Courage
On the historic Zeedijk, Dutch Courage pays a liquid tribute to jenever and traditional Dutch liqueurs. Owner Timo Janse combines 150 different jenever varieties with innovative cocktails. An absolute world first is the unique “kopstootjes” vending machine, which lets you pull this liquid tradition straight out of the wall yourself.
Drink recommendation: Dutch Courage Cocktail. A potent mix of Bols Genever Barrel Aged, Swinckels’ Superior Pilsner beer syrup, Bittere Lijdenstroost liqueur, lemon juice, hop oil, and a sea salt solution.
Pulitzer’s Bar
In this timeless hotel bar on Amsterdam’s canals, historic grandeur blends with effortless elegance. Pulitzer’s Bar offers a serene retreat by the fireplace or at the impressive Art Deco bar. Thanks to a unique collaboration with a New York perfume house, they transform bold fragrance notes into layered, aromatic cocktail creations.
Drink recommendation: UNCOMMON. An earthy, aromatic, and effervescent drink made with Wynand Fockink jenever, bitter coffee, anise-like licorice, and a fresh, mysterious citrus top note.
Bar Bukowski
Looking for a bar with a raw, literary edge? Right near Oosterpark, step into a lively Amsterdam spot where the spirit of writer Charles Bukowski lingers. From early morning until late at night, you can pull up a chair here to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and excellent mixed drinks.
Drink recommendation: Plum-Rum Sour. A fruity and silky-smooth cocktail that combines Gosling’s Black Rum with plum syrup, Bénédictine, lemon juice, vegan egg white, and bitters.
