The best cocktails in Athens are served in bars where craftsmanship meets imagination and every drink tells a story.

Athens’ cocktail bars are anything but static, with menus shifting weekly depending on what’s in season, and experimentation being part of the ritual. Behind the bar, technique is sharp, creativity is constant, and whether you are in the mood for a perfectly balanced Negroni or something entirely unexpected, you are in expert hands. It helps that Athens is now home to some of the best cocktail bars in the world, a scene that has become essential to the city’s nightlife.

Line Athens

At Line, cocktails are only the start of a daring journey in flavour and imagination. Housed in a former art gallery, this industrial-chic bar crafts many of its ingredients in-house, transforming seasonal fruits and botanicals into inventive wines, small-batch beers, and vermouths. Each creation fuels a cocktail menu that reworks classics with unexpected twists, from strawberry-tinged Alexanders to winter-melon-infused sours. Globally recognised, Line has claimed a spot on the world’s best bar lists, celebrated for its fearless approach and exacting craftsmanship. For those in search of a drinking experience that surprises and delights, Line Athens is where innovation meets impeccable style.

A: Agathodemonos 37, Athens 

The Clumsies

A standout cocktail destination, The Clumsies is consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars for the bold creativity of its founders. In the heart of Athens, this all-day spot fuses expert mixology with subtle nods to Greek culinary traditions. Signature drinks are where the magic happens, such as the Flowers & Cacao Amorum or the Sujukum, a daring blend of vodka, mezcal, and a hint of umeshu that surprises at every sip. Elsewhere, Tanqueray London Dry meets lemongrass, rosemary, celery, and myrtille vinegar, balancing herbal depth with bright, sweet-sour complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail devotee or simply chasing a memorable night out, The Clumsies delivers an experience that is inventive and undeniably Athenian. 

A: Praxitelous 30, Syntagma

Baba Au Rum

Having earned its place among the world’s 50 best bars, Bab Au Rum offers a consistently sophisticated and addictive cocktail experience. Renowned for its inventive drinks’ menu, the bar boasts an impressive collection of over 400 rums from across the globe, making it no surprise that this dark spirit is at the heart of the menu. Whether you are exploring rare international bottlings or indulging in flawless classics like the Daiquiri and Mai Tai (the latter crafted with Worthy Park rum) and the Daiquiri with the bar’s own house blend, you will surely be impressed. Baba Au Rum is a destination for anyone seeking cocktails that are as creative as they are impeccably executed, a true testament to Athens’ world-class drinking scene.

A: Klitiou 6, Monastiraki

Bar Amore 

Set in the cool neighbourhood of Neos Kosmos, Bar Amore is where Italian spritz culture meets Mediterranean flair. This playful spritzeria puts the art of aperitivo front and centre, pairing light, vibrant cocktails with a menu full of flavour- from local olives and Burrata Pugliese to lasagne and a rotating selection of Greek wines, including sparkling gems and retsinas. Spritzes take the spotlight, with Aperol, Campari, and Cynar making regular appearances, while Negronis and Garibaldis offer a slightly more elevated sip. The bar’s relaxed, welcoming vibe has quickly made it a local favourite, a place to chat over drinks and experiment with flavour combinations. Each cocktail reflects Bar Amore’s unique identity, marrying classic Italian ingredients with modern twists to deliver a little taste of Greece’s beloved neighbour in every glass.

A: Menechmou 1-3, Neos Kosmos 

Galaxy 

Tucked inside a downtown arcade, Galaxy is the city’s timeless hideaway, where editors, journalists, and curators come to sink into a comfortable haze. A stylish whiskey joint since 1972, it exudes classic old-school bar vibes, offering a boozy portal to the past. Here, expertly crafted daiquiris and dirty dry martinis sit alongside a curated selection of Scottish and Irish whiskies, each sip steeped in tradition. Galaxy is more than a bar, as every cocktail tells a story, making it a cherished fixture in Athens’ nightlife for both seasoned regulars and curious newcomers. A large wooden bar dominates the space, while walls lined with photographs of Greek and international luminaries hint at decades of history, giving the bar its distinctive time-capsule charm that sets it apart from the city’s modern drinking scene.

A:  Stadiou 10, Syntagma

Kyrios

This casually chic gem in Mavili Square is celebrated for its signature non-shaking cocktail style. At Dorileou 4, the bar blends craft cocktails, fine wines, and local beers with a warmly welcoming vibe. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shape a menu that’s as inventive as it is rooted in Greek flavours, while the space itself invites long conversations and easy catchups. The bar’s playful energy comes alive during themed nights and events, making it a go-to for both locals and visitors seeking a stylish yet relaxed drinking experience. Kyrios has quietly cemented itself as one of Athens’ most popular and creative spots to enjoy a cocktail.

A: Dorileou 4, Athens 

Bar in Front of the Bar

This inventive street bar turns cocktail-making into an art form, with a menu that evolves daily to reflect the mood of its talented bartenders. True to its playful name, the venue features two bars, with the main being an indoor space and a smaller, intimate one out front. A zero-waste ethos drives the operation, with leftover ingredients repurposed into new, surprising concoctions. Handcrafted syrups, purees, and bitters are paired with bold, memorable flavours, while LED mottos add a hint of theatrical flair. From inventive takes on classic cocktails to the ever-changing daily specials, the Bar in Front of the Bar guarantees a fresh, dynamic experience every time you visit.

A: Petraki 1, Syntagma