These cocktail bars in Riga aren’t only fun, but also delicious!

Riga’s cocktail scene is very much on the rise with creative concepts, and passionate mixologists eager to expand the landscape. More bars are focusing on incorporating ingredients naturally grown from the land, like: beetroots and rhubarb. Others are focusing on developing the science behind cocktails, bringing back to Latvia what they’ve acquired from other countries.

In a city full of beer lovers, here’s a list of cool cocktail bars in Riga that you must try.

If you were to ask around mixologists in Riga, nosaints is hands-down, everyone’s favorite spot. In addition to artisanal cocktails, the highly acclaimed bar also features a taproom. Situated in front of the Italian Embassy, the speakeasy was founded by bartenders Ilya and Pavel, with a drink menu created by chef-mixologist Eric. Cocktails are not only handcrafted but also changes according to seasons and ingredients available. The bar is well hidden but once stepping inside, there’s an intimate and an edgy vibe with a touch of sexiness.

Known to create inventive cocktails from produce sourced directly from the Baltic Sea, Gimlet Nordic Cocktail Bar is the inception of three mixologists: Edgars, Arturs and Ilmars. If you’re interested in cocktails that truly cover the Nordic flavors, come check out the Queen’s Cup, for instance. It utilizes Latvia’s rich growth in beetroots, hence the drink combines raspberry infused beefeater gin, beetroot raspberry cordial and aperitivo. Gimlet might not have a massive drink list but each one is exceedingly intentional.

Despite that the cocktail scene in Riga is currently fostering, there’s a pretty good list of go-to’s and A’Drop is definitely one of them. The stylish bar makes a mean Strawberry Balsamic Negroni, it’s both original and flavorful. Other options on the menu are based off of fine champagnes. Situated on the posh side of the city, A’Drop evidently caters to Latvia’s chic crowd. Fortunately, it definitely lives up to the expectation. The fish tank on the polished bar table is certainly a humorous touch to a sophisticated ambiance.

JACKIE cocktail bar, on the other hand, is the refined accompaniment to JOHN restaurant at A22 Hotel. The former First Lady was globally renowned for her immaculate fashion style and graceful etiquette. JACKIE bar’s cocktails recount stories of JFK’s famous lovers, but each drink also interprets an ultimate femininity, try: “Oh, Jackie!” (strawberry infused gin, blueberry, vanilla, lemon. Or “Marilyn Passion-Martini” (whiskey, passion fruit puree, vanilla syrup, pineapple juice, citron.) Reflecting upon Jackie O’s proper mannerism, there’s also Afternoon Tea available at the bar.

Herbary truly defines a bar with a view, as it is located on the rooftop terrace of Galleria Riga. The so-called concept bar is full of greenery, as the bar itself is inspired by botany, shrubs, herbs, grass and trees…etc. The rooftop glasshouse serves up drinks that are fun and quirky, like: Salted Banana (rum, salted caramel banana, bubbles,) Melemele (OBDO gin, sea buckhorn, apricot,) Just Happy (zero rum, aple, rhubarb, pineapple.)

HEX is where drinks come true! In the quieter part of Riga center, the MASA studija exhibition space encompasses this cool cocktail bar. HEX is where drinks and design infuse, in addition to numerous events often held at the creative space. HEX becomes an ideal place to mingle with artists and locals.

Hailed as the first speakeasy bar in Riga, Bar Six broke grounds by paving the way for signature drinks with wacky names, cocktails utilizing local ingredients and hidden entrances. To reach Bar Six, head to Gertrudes 14 then spot a lantern at the black gate, followed by pressing “6” at the intercom. Every drink is around six euros, which not only complies with the name of the bar, but it also makes delicious and well-made cocktails quite accessible to the mass.

Want to grab a drink at the market? Then head on over to Marmelade inside the Āgenskalns Market which is the largest and oldest market in its district since 1898. On the first floor, you can taste specialties like Straupes milk or Grauda spēks bread as well as buying vegetables and fruits from various vendors. On the second floor, is where you can find the Marmelade bar where you can taste some pretty fantastic cocktails like: Crafter’s Wild Forest, Blueberry Gimlet, and Aromatic 75.

Stabu Mākonis, bārs is not just a bar. It’s also a café, and restaurant serving burgers and sandwiches. Inside a renovated edifice outside of Old Riga, the bar is a combination of chic yet hipster as the street has risen to be on of the top spots to hangout at night. If you’ve passed cocktail hour and are feeling hungry, Mākonis also serves up a mean breakfast.