Cocktails in Cardiff

Now who doesn’t love a cocktail? Or two? Whether you'd rather a piña colada or a margarita, a negroni or a daiquiri, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cocktails in Cardiff. There’s something in the City for everyone. With happy hour occurring more often than not, if you’re a cocktail lover, here’s a list of places in Cardiff which are absolute must visits.

The Alchemist

If you’re looking for a fancy night out with delicious cocktails, The Alchemist might just be the place for you. The Alchemist possesses a large menu, full of exciting, hand-crafted gorgeous cocktails. Fruity, creamy, strong – whatever your preference, they do it! The Alchemist has got you covered when it comes to creative concoctions. The perfect place to watch your drink come alive, with colour changing and smoking cocktails.

However, if you’re on a tight student budget, this might be a bit too pricey, so perhaps read further for some cocktail deals you won’t want to miss.

Personal fav: The ‘Colour Changing One’

Be At One

The lively chain bar known for its fabulous cocktails, located on buzzing St. Mary’s Street, the bar possesses brilliant service and an upbeat atmosphere. Cocktails containing gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey, there’s something for everyone. Be at One’s happy hour varies – Monday-Thursday 4:30pm-8pm, Friday 3pm-6pm, Saturday 2pm-6pm and Sunday 6pm-8pm. However, download the app and not only will you get a £5 cocktail, you also have the opportunity to extend the happy hour! Sounds great if you ask me.

Personal fav: ‘Peach Cups’

Dirty Martini

The famous London cocktail bar has opened its doors in Cardiff, St. Mary Street. Whatever you fancy, they have it. Not only does their happy hour give you half price on selected cocktails, you can also get discounts on bottles of wine, beer and prosecco. Fabulous for everyone! If you sign up to their mailing list, they often send free cocktail vouchers or advertise their latest deals. Fancy a martini brunch? Every Saturday Dirty Martini offer martinis, bottomless prosecco and a delicious brunch featuring buttermilk children, sushi, spring rolls, and much more! Sounds perfect!

Personal fav: Chocolate Martini

Lab 22

If you’re looking for a sophisticated, unique cocktail experience, I would recommend a trip to Lab 22, a small cocktail bar tucked away on Chippy Alley. Just a small door next to Greggs, you could easily walk past without knowing it’s there. If you’re looking for an intimate atmosphere, or want cocktails with a twist, then Lab 22 is a brilliant place to try. With different, daring cocktails, Lab 22 is known for its unique range of drinks. Or if you fancy a classic that isn’t on the menu, just ask! They’re really good and make pretty much any drink you desire. On Mondays they have live jazz music which is absolutely fantastic and on Fridays and Saturdays they have a live DJ, a great place for a party!

However, the prices are a little on the expensive side, with drinks averaging at around £10, so for students it might not be the ideal drinking location.

Personal fav: ‘Buck Naked’

Las Iguanas

Although known for its delicious Mexican food, Las Iguanas also do fabulous cocktails that are definitely worth trying. With a variety of sharing cocktails also on offer, Las Iguanas is great fun for you and your friends (or just for yourself if you’re feeling thirsty?). With 2 for 1 cocktails all day, every day, why not?!

Personal fav: ‘Pink Guava Colada’

Revolution

Famous for its impressive premium spirit collection and great-tasting flavoured vodkas, Revolution, located opposite Cardiff Castle on Castle Street is a great place for cocktails, whether you’re fancying a classic or something slightly more daring. With 2 for 1 on certain cocktails, Sunday to Friday 5pm-9pm, Revolution have a large menu, with classic mojitos and long island ice tea, to the more Insta-worthy ‘Parma Violet’ and ‘Bubblegum Daiquiri’.

Personal fav: ‘Stud Puffin’

Revolución De Cuba

This unique, Latin-inspired, authentic Cuban bar located in the centre of Cardiff, is the perfect place for a fiesta! With regular live bands and happy Hour Monday to Friday 5pm-9pm and Saturday 5pm-7pm, there’s no excuse to not give this place a try! If you like rum-inspired cocktails, this is the perfect place.

Personal fav: ‘Raspberry Mojito’

Slug and Lettuce

A lively bar located in The Friary Centre, with 2 for 1 cocktails all day, every day, if you’re a fan of pornstar martinis, this is the place to be! Can’t get enough of pornstar martinis? Why not try their giant pornstar martini or their brand-new pornstar martini tree? The giant pornstar martini – just £35, comes with a whole bottle of Prosecco on the side! Or feeling really thirsty? Then the pornstar martini tree might be worth a try – the tree holds nine cocktails – perfect for sharing with friends! Slug and Lettuce is definitely the place for picture-perfect pornstars!

Personal fav: ‘Pornstar martini’ (in any form) – duh!

Steinbeck and Shaw

50% off all drinks every evening from 5pm-10pm, Steinbeck and Shaw is the perfect place for cheap, late-night cocktails. With a variety of flavours of mojitos, martinis or gin classics, Steinbeck and Shaw has something delicious for everyone.

Personal fav: ‘Shades of Disco’

Ten Mill Lane

Fancy cocktails until 6am? Then Ten Mill Lane is the place for you! The playful menu is perfect – whether it be a classic daiquiri or something from their nostalgia menu, with the likes of ‘Top of the Pops’ or ‘I’ll be there for you’.

Personal fav: ‘Chelsea Rose’

Turtle Bay

The Caribbean restaurant on St. Mary Street, known for its delicious jerk flavours, also has a cocktail menu to be shouted about. With a bar at the centre point and happy hour every day from midday-7pm and 10pm-close, if you like piña coladas, this is the place to go!

Personal fav: Piña Colada

Wahaca

Another Mexican favourite, located just outside St. David’s centre, in the heart of Cardiff. Why not give their top-floor cocktail bar a try? You will find Mexico’s finest tequilas, and enjoy fresh blends with Mexican twists. A must-try.

Personal fav: Passion fruit Margarita