6 boutique bars for stylishly stirred cocktails in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has long been heralded as one of the most charming cities in the Nordics, a reputation bolstered by new eateries and bars popping up on every corner almost every season.

This ever-growing array presents a myriad of options, but from neighbourhood staples and canal-side bars to chic hidden dens, Vogue Scandinavia is here to guide you through the best cocktail spots for that sneaky tipple in the Danish capital.

Related: The 5 best natural wine bars in Copenhagen for your next after work drink

For an ambient evening of slow sipping and mellow jazz, Deco is one of the city’s most beloved pit-stops for something bubbly. With vibrant feature walls, pop-art inspired decor and mid-century furnishings, it’s an idyllic destination for a midweek catch up, and as the younger sibling of Palæ bar – one of Copenhagen’s most iconic pubs – it was created for exactly this.

With an illustrious offering of cocktails, the menu rotates on a seasonal basis. But no matter what time of year you visit, expect a lively team of bartenders experimenting with creative techniques and unexpected flavours.

Why you'll love it: This winter, each recipe is inspired by famous melodies. Mixes take their cues from everyone from Lil Wayne to Harry Styles and, of course, Abba. The fab Scandi foursome are honoured with a spin on the Pisco sour: the Honey, Honey blends sweet notes of honey and elderflower and a bitter squeeze of lemon into the classic cocktail and has quickly become a local favourite.

Ny Adelgade 5, 1104 Copenhagen

One of the most alluring cocktail spots in the city, Bird is a charmingly Danish boutique bar where the city’s most stylish retreat for quiet catch-ups. Find them perched cross-legged with a tumbler in hand against a backdrop of vinyl records and minimalist decor.

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Since opening their doors at the turn of the millennium, Bird has elevated Danish cocktail culture as we know it with their living room atmosphere and intimate environs. Settle into a sleek wooden booth or get comfy on a sepia-toned pouffe. Cocktails are aromatic and simple with a nod to the classics and largely made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Why you'll love it: Music nights are hosted multiple times a week, encouraging a flurry of vinyl enthusiasts and music professionals to drop by and linger.

Gl. Kongevej 102, 1850 Frederiksberg

While Veranda is traditionally known amongst locals for its natural wines and oyster variations, it’s slowly becoming one of the most stylish spots in the capital for sipping on a classic cocktail as well. There’s an undeniable charm among the terracotta walls, Moroccan tiles and marble furnishings, which compliment the fruity notes of their exotic mixes. Operating on a first-come-first-serve basis, this quaint little bar maintains a casual ambiance and is perfect for a post-work tête-a-tête with colleagues or friends.

Their selection of cocktails are a delight to the tastebuds and always come beautifully garnished with herbal frillings. For a real treat, order a bloody mary – the mother of all cocktails – or ask the bartender for their recommendation. Don’t be fooled by the small cocktail menu – quality over quantity is very much the standard here.

Why you'll love it: Veranda connects their community through flavourful experiences by hosting oyster nights every Saturday.

Griffenfeldsgade 17, 2200 Copenhagen

Nestled away on a quiet corner in Nørrebro you’ll find Yellow, everyone’s favourite (and ever so cool) neighbourhood bar. With a laidback and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the ideal place for a few rounds of cocktails and classic gourmet bites including stirred beef tatar and risotto croquettes.

Related: The 7 best rooftop bars in Copenhagen for cocktails with a view

When the weekend arrives there’s an exciting change of rhythm. Against a soundtrack of live music, the boutique bar vibrates with a palpable zeitgeisty pulse.

Why you'll love it: Yellow is home to the most unique array of cocktails in the city including a Hot Haitian Daquiri and the earl grey-infused gin-based A Tea Thing. Their take on the classic espresso martini is also a must, crafted with chocolate liqueur and orange bitters.

Kapelvej 1, 2200 Copenhagen

Lidkoeb is a popular go-to, but with tables spread across three floors, there’s always room for anyone looking to quench their thirst. Tucked away in a former 18th century apothecary in a little hidden courtyard smack in the middle of bustling Vesterbro, Lidkoeb situates modern Nordic design against a rich cultural history, blending the ever-stylish industrial aesthetic with clean contemporary accessories. It’s the perfect oasis for cocktail sipping.

The cocktail menu is an extensive three pages long, offering a charming variety of mixes hand-crafted by seasoned mixologists. The sherry and rum-based Flor de Jerez and the Braemble liqueur, vermouth and cider of the Pompier are both crowd-pleasers so be sure to try them during happy hour. Or if you’re tempted by unusual fusions, order a cream-based Biscoff Old Fashioned or Pistachio Frappe for a lasting, memorable sip.

Why you'll love it: If you’re looking for an intimate nook to unwind in, make your way up to the whiskey bar on the third floor, a calm space lit by gentle candlelight.

Vesterbrogade 72b, 1620 Copenhagen

Ruby is another perennial favourite for a slow evening of stylish cocktails, and as the name suggests, it’s one of Copenhagen’s best hidden gems. It was in between these very walls that the Danish Spirit Producers association was founded in 1882, making the canal-side mid-century building a natural place to sip on cocktails and connect to its Nordic heritage.

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The window views are dizzyingly beautiful just like the interior. Through a soft palette of neutral hues, plush leather armchairs and cabinets of curiosities, the bar pays homage to mid-century Nordic design and creates an alluring setting for mid-week drinks.

Why you'll love it: For avid cocktail spectators, Ruby is an ideal spot for perching on a bar stool and watching in awe as mixologists shake up new, flavourful creations.

Nybrogade 10, 1203 Copenhagen