A cocktail bar specialises in preparing diverse high-quality cocktails, from classic to signature drinks. Its setting is refined, with dim lighting and elegant décor. The music might be soft or lively, depending on the bar’s vibe. Some even feature live performances.
But do these bars serve only cocktails? While cocktails are their main focus, they also offer spirits, wines, mocktails, and delicious bites.
In this blog, we’ll give you an insider’s look at a cocktail bar and highlight some of the characteristics that make this type of bar unique.
What Is the Cocktail Bar Experience?
A cocktail bar offers a distinctive experience, whether you’re on your own, with friends, or on a romantic date.
The Ambience:
The finest bars create warm, inviting atmospheres for guests to enjoy. Soft lighting, stylish decor, vibey music and comfortable seating are all usual characteristics of a cocktail bar.
Solo Seating
If you’re visiting alone, sitting at the bar is a great choice. You’ll get a good view of the place and can even chat with the bartender or others at the bar.
Seating With Friends:
The staff can help you find the right table for your group size.
Seating for a Date:
We suggest you choose a quiet corner so that your conversations are undisturbed.
Dress Code:
The dress code of a cocktail bar is typically is a mix between formal and casual attire. We recommend checking the bar’s website prior to booking to check the dress code prior.
The Drinks Menu:
You can find the classics on the menu. Some venues like Pinstripe Bar in Ubud are famous for their signature cocktails. These cocktails reflect the bar’s essence or Bali’s cultural significance. We suggest being experimentative. The staff are glad to recommend drinks based on your preferences.
The Food:
You can either gorge on your comfort food or ask the waiter to recommend some delectable bites that will pair well with your drinks. Again, some cocktail bars offer you the choice to indulge in gourmet food. We suggest not missing their signature dishes.
To sum up, a cocktail bar is an excellent setting for a date, a quiet night out, fun times, or a special celebration. But most importantly, cocktail bars offer exclusivity and personalisation over a standard bar.
How Do You Choose a Cocktail Bar?
Choosing the right cocktail bar depends on your preferences — overall appeal, inventive cocktails, or atmosphere and vibe.
You can follow these tips to find your preferred watering hole:
- Pick a bar that fits your mood.
- Find a bar that offers diverse cocktails, i.e. classic and creative cocktails.
- Choose a bar that’s conveniently located to avoid long commutes.
- Check Google or credible reviews to gauge the service and overall quality.
A great cocktail establishment should offer a memorable experience from the first sip to the last moment.
What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Bar and a Regular Bar?
A cocktail bar differs from a regular bar in two key ways: drinks and ambience.
Drinks:
A cocktail bar specialises in cocktails. On the other hand, regular bars offer a variety of drinks; they don’t focus on cocktails.
Setting:
A cocktail bar is refined and stylish, while a regular bar typically has a casual and relaxed vibe.
Types of Cocktail Bars
Speakeasy Cocktail Bars
These bars are typically hidden or have a secret entrance. The vintage décor recreates the mystery of the Prohibition era. They serve classic and artful cocktails.
Classic Cocktail Bars
They serve timeless drinks like Martinis, Old Fashioneds, and Negronis. The setting is usually elegant and traditional.
Tiki Bars
They bring a tropical vibe with fruity and exotic cocktails like Mai Tais, Pina Coladas and Zombies. The décor often includes Polynesian touches like bamboo furniture, tiki statues, and tropical plants. The vibe is fun and relaxed.
Rooftop Cocktail Bars
They provide stunning views along with their cocktail menus. They’re especially popular at sunset or nighttime.
Hotel Cocktail Bars
Located within hotels, these luxurious venues offer a mix of classic and signature cocktails. They cater to hotel guests as well as locals.
Pop-Up Cocktail Bars
These bars operate temporarily. Typically, they have a theme or menu that aligns with a particular season or event. For example, a winter-themed pop-up.
Themed Cocktail Bars
In these bars, the drinks, décor, and overall experience are all aligned with a specific concept, like a movie, book, pop culture, or historical period.
Bali Cocktail Bar
Pinstripe bar in Bali is a classic example of a quintessential cocktail bar. With a speakeasy style atmosphere, elegant atmosphere and plush seating, it offers guests a chance to mingle and sip on creative cocktails in a style setting.
This classy cocktail bar offers signature cocktails inspired from historical figures in Bali, created by head mixologist Panji, as well as classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Tom Collins.
This popular cocktail lounge also features a gourmet food menu to complement its drink offerings, cocktail making workshops, a full size billiard table and live music on certain nights.
Want to visit? Make a reservation and experience a drinking venue like no other in Bali.
