It’s no secret that London’s bar scene boasts a wide selection of dangerously enticing and delicious cocktails. Every season, bars and restaurants refresh their respective menus to bring the capital’s thirsty residents a new selection of sips. Now that summer is in full swing, we have combed through London’s top watering holes to bring you our pick of summer cocktails.
108 Brasserie & Bar, Marylebone
What: Part of Marylebone’s vibrant drinking and dining scene, the bar here is ideal for those seeking cocktails that are as chic as the neighbourhood they call home. For a particularly decadent and citrusy sip, order the Copper Royal, made with gin, Champagne and grapefruit juice.
Where: 108 Marylebone Lane, W1G 8DN
How much: £12
Bocconcino, Mayfair
What: This Mayfair bar is indulging in glitz, glam and the beauty of life this summer. As part of its ‘La Bella Vita at Bocconcino’ celebration, the restaurant has launched five brand new cocktails. Expect classic favourites, including a Negroni (above), and modern twists on old favourites, such as a Milanese G&T.
Where: 19 Berkeley Street, W1J 8ED
How much: £13.50
Bokan at Novotel Canary Wharf, Docklands
What: This three-floor, sky-high eyrie is far sexier than its Novotel wrapper suggests. With sweeping views of the capital, Bokan’s 38th floor bar is celebrating summer with a brand new cocktail menu featuring sips such as the Monkey King, made with rum, banana and hazelnut bitters.
Where: Novotel Canary Wharf, 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
How much: £12
Crazy Bear, Fitzrovia
What: Like its plush basement bar and the velveteen staircase used to get to it, Crazy Bear’s summer cocktail menu boasts drinks that are as refreshing as the atmosphere is glamourous. Our top pick is the Lychee Mojito made with rum and lychee purée, for a sweet twist on a tried and true staple.
Where: 26-28 Whitfield Street, W1T 2RG
How much: £12.95
Laki Kane, Islington
What: Though a newcomer to the Islington restaurant scene, this Tiki Bar is spread across two floors and serves up a clever selection of cocktails from around the globe. Order the dangerously intriguing Fatal Attraction, made with vodka, lychee and aloe vera, all served in a vessel made to look like a mermaid.
Where: 144-145 Upper Street, N1 1QY
How much: £10
The Lighterman, King’s Cross
What: An impressive, three-storey modernist addition to Granary Square, this pub-cum-dining room is furnished in an inviting, understated style perfect for a relaxing summer’s evening. While there, enjoy a new menu selection of spritz inspired cocktails, including the Saint Blossom, mixed with Belsazar rosé and St Germain.
Where: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
How much: £10
May Fair Bar, Mayfair
What: To celebrate summer, May Fair Bar’s newest cocktails are putting a twist on an old school spritz with a limited edition menu of spritz-inspired cocktails. Enjoy a Limoncello and Thyme Spritz with vodka, Limoncello and Prosecco, or a Hendrick’s and Elderflower Spritz with gin and Prosecco.
Where: The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, W1J 8LT
How much: £35 for three cocktails
Mere, Bloomsbury
What: With an elegant, sumptuously upholstered bar which allows guests to peruse the menu, Mere is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely summer cocktail. Set your sights on El Patron, which mixes Tequila with vanilla syrup and pear juice for a refreshing drink on a warm day.
Where: 74 Charlotte Street, W1T 4QH
How much: £12
The Balcon, St James’s
What: Sitting neatly at the cross-section between tourist-land and serene St James’s, The Balcon is a place for daytime deal-making or a night-time romance. Regardless of whether you’ve just struck a deal or met the love of your life, make merry with The Balcon’s newest summer cocktail, Celebration, made with Pimm’s and Champagne rosé.
Where: Sofitel London St James, 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
How much: £17
Tootoomoo, Islington and Whetstone
What: As the food menu at Tootoomoo boasts a please-all menu of pan-Asian favourites, it’s no surprise that its cocktail list features equally as satisfying options. We particularly like the look of the hard-to-miss, luminescent green Midori Illusion, made with Midori, Cointreau and vodka.
Where: 278 St Paul’s Road, N1 2LH; 1371 High Road, N20 9LN
How much: £7.50