The Travelling Cocktail Drinker: The Best Bars in Paris

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Ah, the city of love, Paris has a special place in our hearts. We may not be able to visit it right now, thanks to the current travel restrictions, but when you do get a chance, it is the city to be in! The ideal destination for a romantic getaway, once you have finished scaling the Eiffel Tower, admiring the Louvre and soaking up the culture in the Cathedral Notre Dame, you will be more than ready for a drink or two with your significant other. Luckily, the French capital is more than ready for your connoisseur cocktail tastes. Here are our favourite bars in one of the most stylish cities in the world:

Le Syndicat, Strasbourg-Saint-Denis

With a hip-hop soundtrack that you can’t help but pop your hips to, Le Syndicat is a hive of
juxtaposition. On the outside, it looks little like a bar, giving off
prohibition vibes that mean you could almost walk past without noticing it is
even there. On the inside, however, the party is jumping and the cocktails are
beautiful – made up of traditional French ingredients including Cognac, Picon
and Armagnac that will have you believing you are fluent in Francais in no
time!

Combat, Arrondisement

Named after a circus that was run nearby many years ago, the Combat bar focuses its efforts on creating a welcoming atmosphere and well-made cocktails, rather than animal fighting, thank goodness. Snack on the appetizers available on the delicious menu to prevent getting too drunk on tasty mixed beverages including the Beregovoy, a gorgeous blend of calvados, cognac, Verdelho, curacao and bitters.

Cravan, Jean de la Fontaine

If you want to enjoy traditional classic cocktails while surrounded by incredibly intricate architecture, then this is the bar to head to. The building is a listed Art Noveau, which makes it a very interesting place to sit and sip a drink. Soak up the culture of a time gone by. We recommend The Tunnel, a variation of the Negroni.

Lulu White, Saint-Georges

Paris was once notorious for its brothels and Lulu White celebrates this sexy history, situated as it
is, right next to Boulevard de Clichy, where sex shops are ten-a-penny. There
is nothing trashy about this bar, however, with a cocktail menu that is based
on absinthe and therefore destined to ensure you leave drunk. Ideal for those
who prefer to drink later in the evening, this is one not to miss.

Pardon the interruption

Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.

Bisou, Le Marais

This bar boasts a master mixologist who refuses to work from a set cocktail menu. Let him know
your likes and dislikes and he will create for you a gem of a beverage that is
certain to get your tastebuds tingling. Bisou is also keen to work sustainably,
using organic ingredients and recycling waste products.

A romantic stroll through Paris can quickly turn messy with a stop at any of these top bars, but
you’ll have such a good time, that you won’t mind one bit! It might be worth
waiting until after you have visited the top floor of the Eiffel Tower, however!


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Bartender's top tip

Balance is key in mixology. Always measure ingredients. A dash less or more can transform a drink. Experiment with fresh garnishes; they can elevate even the simplest cocktails to new heights.

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