Best Cocktail Bars in Milan: the City’s Top Mixology Spots

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In search of a high-class hooch haven? Look no further than the cocktail bars of Milan, where sophistication and style are always on the menu.

Whether you’re a fan of elaborate, signature sips or a more laid-back imbiber, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste – Milan’s cocktail scene is brimming with diversity and class.

So if you’re ready to raise the bar on your drinking experience, join us as we showcase some of the city’s best cocktail haunts.

We’ll highlight their unique atmospheres, signature sips, and special features, offering a range of options for every budget and preference. Whether you’re a local looking to up your mixology game or a visitor seeking the ultimate Milanese cocktail experience, these bars are sure to impress.

So go ahead, take a seat at the bar, order your favorite drink, and get ready to savor the flavors of Milan’s vibrant cocktail scene.

(And if you’re planning a date night, check out our list of the most romantic restaurants in the city!)

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Nottingham Forest

Viale Piave, 1 (Cinque Giornate / Risorgimento)

Enter the mysterious realm of Nottingham Forest, where every inch is decked out in intricate details and decorations that will transport you to another world.

From antique-looking maps and globes to exotic plants and artifacts that look like they were plucked straight from an Indiana Jones movie, this place is truly unique.

But the real standout feature of Nottingham Forest is the presentation of the drinks. Each one tells a story and is served up like a small interactive game. For instance, to sip on the “Dexter” drink, you’ll have to don a glove and slice through a sheet of red-smeared plastic wrap with a knife.

It’s a fun and immersive way to enjoy your cocktails, adding to the overall atmosphere of the bar.

Unfortunately, Nottingham Forest does not take reservations, so be ready to wait on the weekends. The wait times can be up to an hour, so it’s best to try to visit during a less busy time if possible.

However, they do have tables available outside if you don’t want to wait, but it would be a shame to miss out on the unique atmosphere of the interior.

In short, this is a one-of-a-kind place with an amazing atmosphere. If you’re a fan of creative cocktails and a fun bar experience, don’t miss Nottingham Forest. 

Kilburn

Via Panfilo Castaldi, 25 (Porta Venezia)

Step into the luxurious Kilburn cocktail bar and prepare to be transported to an elegant, romantic world. Nestled in the vibrant Porta Venezia district, this sophisticated spot is perfect for a cozy night out with your special someone or a classy evening with friends.

As you sink into the plush seating and bask in the dim lighting, you’ll be struck by the bar’s commitment to quality and creativity. 

The mixologists here are true artists, crafting personalized cocktails based on your preferences and using dried fruit, flowers, and petals to add to their sophisticated presentation.

But it’s not just the drinks that make Kilburn a must-visit destination. The atmosphere here is electric, with jazz music setting the tone for a friendly and welcoming evening. So whether you’re in the mood for romance or just looking for a night out with friends, Kilburn is the perfect choice.

Moebius

Via Alfredo Cappellini, 25 (Central Station)

Looking for a truly upscale drinking experience? Look no further than Moebius, a stunning cocktail bar that’s just a few blocks from the central train station. With its industrial-style decor, complete with plants and mid-century accents, this airy establishment exudes an inviting atmosphere.

At the bar, you’ll find a wide selection of carefully crafted cocktails that pair perfectly with delicious tapas. And on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the bar comes alive with live music performances featuring jazz, blues, swing, and bossa nova.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Upstairs you’ll find “Moebius Sperimentale”, a small, 25-seat restaurant with a chef’s table in front of the open kitchen. Here, you can book more intimate tastings and watch the two-Michelin-star chef and his team at work as they prepare each dish to perfection. This renowned chef is the first Italian to earn a star in Spain and oversees the kitchens of both Moebius restaurants, ensuring that every bite is nothing short of extraordinary.

So if you’re looking to relax and indulge in a sophisticated evening out, Moebius is the perfect place for you.

The Spirit

Via Piacenza, 15 (Porta Romana)

Located just a short distance from Porta Romana, the Spirit is a hidden gem with speakeasy vibes. 

This sleek bar beckons with its promise of craft cocktails and rare spirits from far-flung lands. Step inside and be enveloped by the plush velvet seating and dimly lit rooms. The decadent atmosphere will transport you to a bygone era.

Let the skilled mixologists whisk you away on a journey of the senses as they tailor a perfect serve just for you or savor the unusual mixed ingredients of their signature cocktails. 

The focus here is on craft cocktails, and the bartenders pull out all the stops to create original creations that seamlessly integrate top-shelf spirits with fresh, distinctive ingredients. Whether you opt for one of their signature cocktails or request something off the menu, you can expect a drink that is expertly prepared and served with class.

The Botanical Club

Via Tortona, 33 (Navigli / Porta Genova) | Via Pastrengo, 11 (Isola)

The Botanical Club is a stylish and inviting restaurant with two convenient locations in the central Navigli and Isola areas. This unique eatery offers delicious healthy food options with an Asian fusion twist, featuring a menu that is predominantly vegetarian but also includes non-vegetarian options.

The dishes are expertly paired with exquisite cocktails, including their own in-house distilled gin. In the back of the restaurant, you can even see the equipment used to distill the alcohol.

The Botanical Club has an exclusive partnership with tonic suppliers, ensuring that their cocktails are of the highest caliber. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed with brick walls, black iron, and big windows that let in plenty of natural light during the day and offer views of the outside at night.

When the weather is nice, there is also nice seating outside to enjoy, providing the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing meal or evening out.

Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious meal with a unique twist or a beautifully crafted cocktail, The Botanical Club has you covered.

Officina Milano

Via Giovenale, 7 (Navigli)

Officina Milano is a hip, high-end bar near the Navigli canals that has a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

A wide, back-lit bar, stocked with an impressive array of high-end spirits and labels, welcomes you in this location that is evocative of a chic loft. Variety is the name of the game on the cocktail menu, which includes both traditional and inventive takes on classic drinks from across the world.

In the relaxing common spaces, you’ll find works of contemporary art tucked here and there.

Complimentary tapas are served with your drink, and they more than make up for the high cost of the drinks.

These scrumptious morsels, given in ample helpings, will do more than enough to satisfy your appetite, but if you’re still hungry after that, you can order a couple more small plates from the menu to complete your meal.

The Doping Bar

Aethos Hotel, Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio, 8 (Navigli)

This lively cocktail bar is part of the Aethos hotel, which is in the cool neighborhood of Navigli.

Featuring an eclectic and charming decor, complete with cozy corners and quirky details, this bar is the perfect place to kick back with friends and indulge in some delicious drinks.

And let’s talk about those drinks: the bartenders at this establishment are true masters of their craft, putting their hearts into every single cocktail and resulting in some truly innovative and tasty beverages.

But be prepared to splurge a bit for the full experience; with its exclusive atmosphere and top-notch cocktails, it’s well worth the price.

As the night wears on, the bar only gets more lively and electric, making it the ultimate place to let loose and have a great time.

Agua Sancta

Corso Garibaldi, 110 (Brera)

Agua Sancta is a Mexican cocktail bar in the heart of Brera, with an extensive tequila and mezcal menu to match.

They’re skilled at crafting classic cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas, as well as Agua Sancta’s signature creations.

Along with their tasty cocktails, Agua Sancta also offers a selection of small plates featuring Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, nachos, and more. These dishes are perfect for snacking on while you sip on your cocktail and soak up the lively atmosphere.

The tables at Agua Sancta are mainly outdoors, situated on the main street of the area, providing a great opportunity to people watch, but it’s best to visit on a nice day when you can enjoy the atmosphere and weather.

Traditional cocktail bars in Milan

Bar Basso

Via Plinio, 39 (Porta Venezia)

Bar Basso is a Milanese institution located near the Porta Venezia district, known as the birthplace of the iconic “Negroni sbagliato” cocktail.

This signature drink is made by mixing equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine, typically Prosecco. The cocktail is served over ice and garnished with an orange peel.

The name “sbagliato” means “mistaken” in Italian, and the cocktail is said to have been created by accident when a bartender at Bar Basso grabbed a bottle of Prosecco instead of gin while preparing a Negroni cocktail.

The resulting drink became a hit and has since become a popular variation on the classic Negroni cocktail. The Negroni sbagliato is often described as being lighter and more refreshing than the traditional Negroni, due to the addition of sparkling wine. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy the flavor of the traditional Negroni but want a drink that is a bit more approachable.

But if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, the bar also serves up perfect versions of the classic Milanese “Aperol Spritz,” served in big glasses and always accompanied by small snacks.

The ambiance at Bar Basso is vintage and unchanged since the bar first opened its doors in the current location in the 1940s.

As one of the first bars in Milan to start creating cocktails, Bar Basso exudes a sense of history and nostalgia, offering a glimpse into another era. What sets this bar apart is its authenticity—it’s a real place, not too sophisticated, with a focus on quality and tradition.

Camparino in Galleria

P.za del Duomo, 21 (Duomo)

Camparino is a historic bar located in the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery in Milan’s Piazza Duomo, known for its beautiful view and its connection to famous artists such as Verdi, Toscanini, and Marinetti. These artists would often stop at Camparino for an aperitivo before performances at La Scala.

At Camparino, you can still order the same aperitivo that these famous artists sipped on by asking the barman for a “Zucca done secco.”

The “Zucca done secco” is a cocktail made with Campari, a popular Italian bitter, and other ingredients, including a secret blend.

Camparino is known for its long history and connection to the arts, and is a popular destination for those looking to experience a bit of Milan’s cultural history while enjoying a drink.

This venerable bar just turned 107, further solidifying its position as an essential part of Milanese heritage and culture.

Ginrosa

Piazza S. Babila, 4/B (Duomo)

Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Duomo, in the gallery facing Piazza San Babila, Gin Rosa beckons with its reputation as the creator of the eponymous and highly celebrated drink.

A visit to this classic bar is incomplete without indulging in a Gin Rosa cocktail, expertly shaken and served up with a dose of nostalgia.

As you drink at an outside table in the gallery, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked back to the groovy 1980s Milan scene.

Don’t miss the opportunity to step into the past and raise a glass at Gin Rosa.


Photo by No Revisions

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