by Amy Glasgow
We’re extremely lucky in Glasgow that in the west end alone, there are so many incredible bars and eateries to choose from. So much so that actually choosing where to go can be quite overwhelming. Which ones are good? Which ones will let you down? I’m here to help! Each month, I’ll bring you my top five spots for a specific category or type of cuisine. Today we’re talking cocktails. Where can you find the best cocktail bars the west end? Here are my top picks.
KELVINGROVE CAFE
I have to be honest, my personal reason for putting Kelvingrove Cafe at the top of the list is because it is one of the only places I can get my two favourite cocktails: the Apple Martini, and the Coconut Daiquiri. I don’t know why more bars don’t offer these, because both are absolutely delicious and the perfect blend of sweet and sharp. Cocktails here are expensive, with prices generally starting at £11, but they are expertly made with quality ingredients, so I’m willing to splurge every now and then.
THE CRESCENT
The Crescent is one of those bars that I feel tends to be overlooked and not one that first comes to mind, despite it having a great menu and a relaxed but slightly luxurious feel to it. My recommendation would be their Spicy Mango Margarita, which has just the right level of heat and is balanced by the tropical flavour of the mango. If that’s not really your thing though, why not try The Devil You Know? And no, I don’t mean the song. This cocktail combines Ketel One vodka with strawberry, raspberry, cassis and prosecco – a fun twist on a classic Kir Royale.
RASCAL
Located above the Drake, Rascal offers a range of truly expertly crafted cocktails and spirits. While the skilled mixologists will be more than happy to whip you up a classic Espresso Martini or Margarita, it is definitely worth sampling some of their more unique and signature house cocktails. Take, for example, the Royal Crush. Described as a silky and smooth egg white sour, it combines Hearach single malt, crème de cassis dijon and Pedro Ximinez sherry. Definitely one for the whisky drinkers.
WEST SIDE TAVERN
They do a mean Spice Boi pizza and excellent value Tuesday Parm Club, but West Side also has one of the best cocktail menus on offer in Partick. With a diverse selection of cocktails, both on tap and made to order, and an entire cocktail collection inspired by New York icons, there is definitely something here to suit every taste. While on tap you can get classics like a Paloma or a Hugo Spritz, their icons menu features cocktails inspired by legends from Carrie Bradshaw to Madonna, Andy Warhol to King Kong.
SECESSION
Perfect for cosying up in the winter months, you might not realise that Secession also offers a robust cocktail collection, with a mix of old school classics and contemporary libations. While you’ll find your favourites like a Margarita, Negroni, Long Island Iced Tea and Aperol Spritz, there are some more unique options too. My personal favourite is the Lemon Bon Bon, which combines Absolut Vanilla with limoncello, fresh lemon juice and butterscotch schnapps – a perfect mix of sour sweetness.
