Amsterdam’s cocktail scene is as vibrant as its culture. From historic bars to cutting-edge mixology havens, this city is a playground for cocktail enthusiasts. Dive into its spirited legacy, buzzing venues, and the creators shaking up the craft.
Amsterdam’s cocktail culture has evolved into a blend of traditional Dutch heritage and global inspiration. The city, once dominated by its famed genever (a precursor to gin), has embraced a new era of mixology.
Trendy bars in De Pijp, Jordaan, and Amsterdam Centrum have turned the city into a hotbed for creative cocktails. Cocktail bars here pride themselves on offering immersive experiences, with menus designed as narratives, drawing inspiration from Dutch history and art. Mixologists experiment with unique ingredients, including locally brewed spirits, fresh botanicals, and innovative techniques like molecular mixology.
The scene is supported by a strong nightlife catering to everyone, from locals looking for a casual sip to connoisseurs on the hunt for the next groundbreaking drink. Contributing to Amsterdam's standing as a cocktail capital are its craft distilleries, including Bols and Wynand Fockink, serving both education and inspiration to aspiring bartenders.
A bit of history...
Amsterdam really has a thing for spirits, which goes back to the 16th century when genever was THE drink of choice. All those cool, exotic spices flowing in from its prime trading spot totally shaped Dutch spirits.
During the Prohibition era, Amsterdam became a haven for experimenting with cocktails, with hidden bars serving creative concoctions to travelers and locals alike. The post-WWII years were a bit of a lull in cocktail culture, but the early 2000s heralded a revival, with a new focus on mixology and craft. This revival is further driven by local distilleries and global influences that see to it that Amsterdam pulls its weight as one of the world's great cocktail cities.
Did you know that...
Gin, now associated with Britain, has Dutch origins? In the 16th century, the Dutch created Genever, a juniper-flavoured spirit. British soldiers, who encountered it during the Anglo-Dutch Wars, nicknamed it 'Dutch courage' for the bravery it seemed to inspire. Over time, the English adapted the recipe, giving rise to modern-day Gin. Amsterdam remains the proud home of Genever, offering a taste of the original spirit that started it all.
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Ingredients & Spirits used locally
Dutch genever
Advocaat
Curaçao liqueur
Dutch tulip vodka
Oranjebitter
Ketelone botanical extracts
Cocktail Education in "Amsterdam"
Amsterdam offers exceptional opportunities for cocktail education, blending history and hands-on experience.
House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience
A mixology haven teaching the art of crafting cocktails with Bols genever and other spirits.
European Bartender School Amsterdam
Renowned for comprehensive courses in mixology and flair bartending.
Perfect Serve Barshow
An annual event featuring masterclasses and workshops by renowned bartenders.
Iconic Cocktail Bars in "Amsterdam"
From speakeasies to innovative mixology hubs, Amsterdam is home to some of Europe’s finest cocktail bars.
Tales & Spirits
A cocktail sanctuary with a focus on classic techniques and storytelling.
Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7
Door 74
Amsterdam’s first speakeasy, offering bespoke cocktails in a hidden setting.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 74
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
Celebrated for its passion for cocktail history and expertly crafted drinks.
Singel 460
The Pulitzer’s Bar
A timeless bar within Pulitzer Hotel, famed for its elegant atmosphere and innovative menu.
Keizersgracht 234
Vesper Bar
Named after James Bond’s favourite cocktail, a sleek spot for creative drinks.
Vinkenstraat 57
Bar TwentySeven
An upscale venue in Hotel TwentySeven with luxurious cocktail offerings.
Dam 27
Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS)
A stylish, intimate bar serving inventive drinks.
Rapenburg 18
Rosalia’s Menagerie
A bar blending modern mixology with a nod to Dutch history.
Kloveniersburgwal 20
Lotti’s Cocktail Bar
Located in The Hoxton Hotel, a chic space with playful creations.
Herengracht 255
The Flying Pig Downtown
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and funky cocktails.
Nieuwendijk 100
Bar Bukowski
Inspired by the famed writer, offering simple yet stellar concoctions.
Oosterpark 10
Botanique
A botanical-themed bar with refreshing herbal cocktails.
Spuistraat 109
Super Lyan
A whimsical bar by Mr Lyan, blending creativity with precision.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3
MOMO
A fusion of Asian dining and stellar cocktails in a chic setting.
Hobbemastraat 1
Distillery 't Nieuwe Diep
Known for its genever and locally inspired cocktails.
Flevopark 13
Future expectations...
Amsterdam continues to innovate, with new bars and distilleries pushing the boundaries of mixology, making it a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers.
