GUIDe: TOP 10 cocktail bars in copenhagen

Impeccably dressed menswear enthusiasts André and David Marfil share a common passion for living well, eating well, drinking well and all things good in life. From well-crafted negronis at Bar Deco over authentic 1920’s speak-easy vibes at Curfew to rebel cocktails at Balderdash and everything in between, this is their guide to ten superb and unique cocktail experiences.

Whether you are in the mood for an informal midweek pick-me-up, a Saturday after-dinner party spot or a quiet nightcap in fashionable surroundings, this well-curated list will have the space for you. The bars featured all have entirely different and unique vibes, the Marfil Brothers promise. Yet, they are all - in their own way - top places to go for well-crafted cocktails, cozy vibes, beautiful interiors and great service from the most amazing, skilled people to graze the Copenhagen cocktail scene.

bar deco

Ny Adelgade 5B

Opened in 2019 in Ny Adelgade, Bar Deco is one of Copenhagen's absolute best cocktail bars, and probably the closest the Brothers Marfil will come to naming a go-to bar. Serving as a fashionable little brother to Palæbar next door, Bar Deco is a drinking den out of the ordinary. Here you will find seasonal cocktails run across the counter - with love, honesty and a touch of Copenhagen's creativity.

In record time, Bar Deco has become an award-winning cocktail bar with a large selection of quality spirits and an exciting seasonal menu consisting largely of classic cocktails done in what they call “the Deco style.” Presented simply and beautifully in an explanatory menu, Bar Deco puts a lot of work into putting their very own take on the classic cocktail experience. Boozy twists here include such clever reinventions as a barrel-aged take on the El Presidente cocktail and a pungent, absinthe-laced Zombie, featuring three types of rum and very wisely limited to two cocktails per person per night.

Not looking for a reinvented cocktail experience. No worries.. There is a bit of everything else on the menu: a classic and well-priced Champagne selection, a wine list, beers on draught and in bottles. There is even an entire page of the menu devoted to the cocktail phenomenon that is the Negroni, the brothers point out - done in more shapes than one, both classical and modern.

Go here for: Looking for something subtly bitter in cozy surroundings? Try the Deco Negroni! No doubt the best negronis are poured from the hands of the craftsmen at Bar Deco.

Ruby

Nybrogade 10

Ruby, the discrete sign on the entrance reads, giving no clue that what lies beyond this door is a multi-award-winning institution that helped drive the Copenhagen cocktail revolution as early as 2007. Once a well-kept secret, this charming bar, situated in an 18th century townhouse on the edge of Frederiksholms Kanal, is considered amongst the pioneers of the city’s cocktail scene.

 An impressive, modern main bar area leads to a set of stairs, taking you to an entirely different setting. An elegant turn-of-the-former century salon with Chesterfield chairs, genuine carpets, huge gilded mirrors and a well-stocked marble bar running along the far wall.

Ruby’s passionate bartenders are completely in tune with the setting, David and André smile. Warm, friendly, extremely knowledgeable - and not afraid to pause to talk about flavors and preferences if you cannot decide what to choose from the expansive menu of classics and seasonal creations. The drink menu changes regularly, showcasing playful twists on recognizable classics like the “Midnight Old Fashioned” made from Knob Creek Bourbon, fudge and sour blackcurrant - as well as new, playful creations like “The Nude Way” crafted from naked malt whisky, whey, cherry and kelp.

Go here for: Whatever suits your mood. Basically, anything served here will run down smoothly, but the Old Fashioned, especially, will knock your socks off.

Balderdash

Valkendorfsgade 11

Nothing can quite prepare you for what lies inside this quaint circa-1732 building in the center of the city. Balderdash is the edgy brainchild of mixology wizard and mad scientist Geoffrey Canilao, a bold American expat who blends bold flavors and idiosyncratic showmanship into cocktail experiences that defy explanation.

 Part neighborhood bar and part cocktail-lab, Balderdash is the sort of place where crazy flavor combinations, moderate use of profanity and an informal #keepithygge concept - a unique Danish reference to coziness - melts together to create a sort of social experiment that just works.

 The cocktails at Balderdash are amongst the most original and, quite frankly, wildest in town, according to the Brothers. The ever-changing selection includes highly unthinkable creations such as an Espresso Martini seasoned with bacon salt and a whirlwind spin on the Alexander featuring gin, mushroom, deer heart and other surprisingly well-played twists. All of them served with a lot of skill, a lot of showmanship and the occasional burst of flames.

Go here for: A place where a let loose attitude prevails. The pure spectacle of cocktail-making in the bar is worth the trip. The Balderdash Zombie - made with three kinds of rum, passion fruit, cinnamon and fire - is the absolute showstopper!

lidkoeb

Vesterbrogade 72B

Tucked away in a courtyard on a side street, Lidkoeb is an absolute Vesterbro hotspot. Sister bar to Ruby, Lidkoeb gives off a modern vibe absolutely best experienced from the ground floor bar that is the definition of cozy with wood finishes, white walls, industrial-style lamps and leather seats. And, of course, a roaring open fire to keep you warm during the colder months of the year.

In addition to classic cocktails like Grasshoppers, the energetic staff also shake up a great selection of creative modern drinks with strong Nordic influences. One notable example, according to the Brothers, is the “Østersø Cola”, made with vodka, Pimm’s, peach liqueur, lemon and liquorice syrup.

On weekends, two upper floors come into play to make room for an energetic crowd of locals and visitors, creating a unique, buzzing tri-level bar experience that perfectly matches the neighborhood’s edgy spirit. A sort of constant, high-energy party vibe that fits the mood of the clientele.

Prefer your spirit neat? Look no further than to the Whisky Bar at the top of the tri-level bar. Built as a shrine to all things whisky and stocked with over 200+ varieties of the brown spirit, it offers an intimate alternative to Lidkoeb’s otherwise radiant atmosphere - open as a boozy refuge on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Go here for: The ambiance and cocktail selection of the lower floor bar, or the secluded comfort of a quiet dram from the unparalleled selection of the top floor whisky heaven.

Strøm

Niels Hemmingsens Gade 32

Hospitality and warmth are the cornerstones of Støm’s cramped quarters as the owners have invested heavily in staff who exude friendliness, passion and attention above all. Another solid foundation is the exciting selection of playfully named, elegantly twisted cocktails like “Georgia On My Side” or “Dawn Of The Dead” and even a clever selection of half-sized Martinis - frozen not stirred.

As a perfect little sidenote, all drinks are served on napkins with little checkboxes like “I think you are pretty” and “Want to come home with me?” - A perfect chance to engage with the person in the next booth by passing a napkin with some appropriately checked boxes.Who knows, maybe one hour here can quickly turn into a long evening of sipping and savoring.

The cocktail menu changes every three or so months and reads as a captivating  and beautifully illustrated story full of enticing names that make you smile. Names like “Figs me up,” the non-alcoholic “Chauffeur's Choice.” or the quirky “Queen’s Revenge” which can only be paid for in cash. Why? You will have to ask the staff to find out.

Go here for: An informal setting, creative cocktails and a chance to find out what The Queen’s Revenge is all about.

Kester Thomas

Studiestræde 9

In the mood for a glass of Champagne or a fizzy Champagne cocktail, then Kester Thomas in the inner city should be on the top of your list. Kester Thomas offers a large selection of champagnes by the glass or bottle and creative, seasonal cocktails with or without bubbles. In an ambiance that really ties in with our personal style and sense of classic menswear, André and David both agree.

The broad menu features a particular focus on grape and sustainability. Cocktails are made from not only Champagne but brandy and fortified wine for extra pungency and character. Verjus, early harvested grape juice, is used as a sustainable alternative to citrus while oxidized Champagne is turned into Champagne syrup and mulled Champagne wine to prevent waste and create new, bold cocktail flavors.

Venture up the stairs from the small and intimate bar area and find yourself immersed in a living room-like setting. Here, an intimate atmosphere, soft lighting and charming interior with small groups of furniture set around an open fireplace create a setting perfect for a more mature audience. While up here, be sure to check out the restroom. It hides an unlikely photo opportunity. A full-sized vintage bathtub filled with Champagne corks, simply perfect for lounging with a full glass for a quick selfie.

Go here for: Anything bubbly! Try a Champagne flight to broaden your horizons or perhaps one of the often Instagrammed classic house cocktails like The Dark Knight, or XO. They are considered classics for a reason.

TaTa

Tordenskjoldsgade 15

Set inside Sander’s Boutique Hotel, close to Kongens Nytorv and The Royal Theater, TaTa offers one of the city’s most relaxed atmospheres. Think modern cool meets classic Parisian vibes in an Art Deco-like style and you have one of the perfect places for pre-dinner cocktails.

 Since opening in 2018, TaTa has amassed a loyal fan base and harvested a number of awards including Best Bar in the 2019 and 2020 Bartender’s Choice Awards and that of Best Bartender Denmark 2020 for Bar Manager Harry Bell.

The cocktail list is an extensive, ever-changing, mix of elevated classics like a Manhattan made with Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey, and more elaborate, playful concoctions like “Winter is Coming” featuring plums, citrus cordial, sherry and 12 year-old whisky. All creations come cleverly ranked for intensity and booziness in a beautifully designed menu of drinks that suit both the posh feeling of the main bar and the relaxed atmosphere of the dimly lit, intimate corner space that lies behind a set of discrete curtains just next to the bar. A perfect setting for a date night.

Go here for: A warm and welcoming pre-dinner spot where cocktails flow from the hands of award-winning bartenders. Try The Manhattan - if ever there were a spot for the classic cocktail, these classy surroundings would be it.

Duck and Cover

Dannebrogsgade 6

In Dannebrogsgade, Danish bartending mastermind Kasper Reiwe Henriksen has created a sort of charming refuge - a hotspot for extraordinary cocktails set in a beautiful tribute to 1950’s and 60’s Danish interior design.

”This is exactly what we would wish our living room looked like,” the Marfil Brothers say about Duck & Cover where uniquely Scandinavian spirits like aquavit and schnapps are used as base spirits and play surprisingly well with mixers like lemon, rosehip syrup and lavender. Indeed, the bartenders here like to push the boundaries of creativity. But even if you are just looking for a G&T or a beer, this Mad Men-inspired hangout will prove a wonderful setting as well.

With its spectacular surroundings and enticing menu, Duck & Cover is a perfect hideaway for a nightcap and has already won multiple awards such as Best Danish Cocktail Bar and Best Cocktail Menu at the 2017 Bartenders Choice Awards.

Go here for: A trendy hotspot where Danish interior design and mixology go perfectly hand in hand. Try for example the aquavit- based “Next Century Cocktail” or the “Mexican American”, a sort of Mezcal-driven Manhattan.

Curfew

 It is obvious that the speak-easy smuggler dens of the prohibition era were an inspiration for Curfew, its award-winning cocktails and its 1920’s Americana vibe.

Even if you get the feeling as soon as you face the cleverly disguised entrance, this is not Chicago in the 1920’s. This is a 2022 version of the golden era of cocktails revisited. Old jazz records provide the soundtrack as you step into this glamorous space decorated with thick black curtains, vintage photos and wooden cabinets stocked with books and antique cocktail paraphernalia to complete the illusion of a trip back in time. 

Huddle up on one of the corner ottomans or grab a seat at one of the antique wrought iron stools at the bar. Flag down a bartender and make him conjure up something breathtaking from the selection of owner Humberto Marques’s award-winning concoctions. Try for example the “Bonnie & Clyde '' made from Four Roses Bourbon, Havana Club Selection de Maestros, maple, walnut and orange bitters. Or a fiery “Devil’s Touch” mixing tequila, mezcal, sichuan and red pepper cordial with other unusual and fiery ingredients.

Go here for: The innovative, thoughtful drinks but even more so the sophisticated, relaxed vintage setting quite unlike anything seen elsewhere in the city.

Brønnum

August Bournonvilles Passage 1

Situated next to the Royal Theater in a beautifully ornamented building with its name brightly bent in neon above the door, this classic establishment has served as a hideaway for members of the cultural elite, such as famed author Hans Christian Andersen, over the past century and a half.

Inside these historic walls, you will first find a huge ornate bar desk - the only original piece of furniture kept in a complete modernization. And it is, indeed, a beautiful centerpiece of an establishment that plays out like a wonderful maze of rooms with ornate wood carvings, tall windows, and ample seating. Pull up a chair by one of the windows to watch life pass by while listening to the upbeat soundtrack, or make your way towards the back of the house to the smaller Salon Bar where the music is softer and more suitable for private conversations - even on weekends.

Visiting during summer? Do not miss the spectacle of city life passing by the outdoor serving area facing the Royal Theater and the central plaza of Kongens Nytorv. Or savor instead the perfect calm of the secluded courtyard - a unique place to cool down and take a break from inner city life. A cocktail in hand, of course.

Go here for: A perfectly cozy, classic setting and a great selection of cocktails, quite a few of them non-alcoholic. For those so inclined, there is also a great selection of cigars available!