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Aug 28, 2018 • 6 min read
The cocktail scene in Tel Aviv has dramatically blossomed in recent years. Consequently, drinking dens have emerged in locations ranging from upscale hotels to hidden speakeasies. Fun-seekers flock to the city center each evening, particularly on Saturdays, as the sun sets to mark the end of Shabbat.
Middle Eastern flavors, such as apricot and honey, meld with diverse global influences, from Scandinavian to American, in Tel Aviv’s vibrant cocktail establishments. The outcome is a reflection of the cosmopolitan culture of Tel Aviv, often likened to New York City by the sea. Whether you seek a classic cocktail perfected or an inventive new favorite, Tel Aviv caters to every type of drinker.
Best for a Posh Setting: Library Bar
Nestled inside the luxurious Norman Hotel, Library Bar provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv’s busy streets. This sophisticated venue is helmed by renowned bartender Noy Davidai, whose menu features both Norman Signatures and Norman Classics—ensuring there’s a drink to match every mood. Relax in plush leather armchairs or on the ornate stools while sampling the tropical Gringo Punch, which combines Olmeca gold tequila with mango puree, lime, and pineapple-chilli syrup, or finish your evening with the bar’s unique take on a negroni. Additionally, it boasts one of the most extensive spirits lists in the city, complemented by a selection of local wines. Open from 9 AM, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon refreshment or a pre-dinner cocktail.
Best for Late-Night Imbibing: Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar
Tucked behind the lobby of the Imperial Hotel, Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar provides a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere featuring a unique, avant-garde menu that changes seasonally. It remains open until the last patrons leave, with lively music often filling the air late into the night. The cocktail offerings, each cleverly named, are categorized by taste preferences, ranging from bitter and smoky to fruity and fresh. Bartenders are highly knowledgeable and can recommend drinks tailored to your palate. Don’t miss the Gold Fashioned, a stylish twist on the classic old fashioned, embellished with gold dust. It serves as the perfect locale to wind down a Saturday night, especially since the bar also offers delectable hangover-protectant dishes, such as pork belly and churros.
Best for Discovering a Hangover Cure: Spicehaus
Step into The East Jaffa Perfume Company to explore Spicehaus, a ‘sharing cocktail bar’ inspired by the charm of historic pharmacies. Here, bartenders concoct drinks in beakers while donning pharmacist attire. This trendy bar is among Tel Aviv’s largest and most popular cocktail venues, attracting a steady crowd. While there’s a varied food menu, the creatively crafted cocktails are the primary draw. For a classic experience, opt for the old fashioned, presented in unexpected vessels that evoke a nostalgic chemistry set.
Best for Something Unexpected: Double Standard
Double Standard, known for its link with Spicehaus, transforms from a mixology supply shop by day into a cocktail bar by night. Patrons may purchase pre-bottled cocktails to enjoy at home or relax on-site for a leisurely drink. Similar to Spicehaus, the drink presentations are uniquely creative (including a Bloody Mary served in a blood bag), with offerings that change with the seasons. Here, both the glassware and the cocktail flavors will surprise you—don’t be startled if your drink appears in a ceramic shark head. For those who prefer staying in, the bar provides a delivery option that brings pre-mixed cocktails straight to your hotel room, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Best for a Classy Evening Out: Bellboy Bar
At Bellboy Bar, experience the surprising novelty of sipping a cocktail from a small plastic bathtub adorned with a rubber duck. This atmospheric venue transports you to a vintage 1920s speakeasy, located in the lobby of the Hotel Berdichevsky. Offering a rotating drink menu and inventive small plates that highlight Tel Aviv’s coastal cuisine, this bar maintains a sophisticated vibe. Only guests aged 25 and older are permitted, ensuring a crowd that is often elegantly dressed. For an exclusive experience, venture further into Butler—a hidden speakeasy within the bar that accommodates only a few guests (reservations recommended). Don’t forget to check out the restroom, which offers an unexpected surprise.
Best for a Night Out with Pals: Concierge
Vintage-inspired Concierge on Dizengoff St shines as an ideal location for night-time revelers, situated in the heart of Tel Aviv’s bustling nightlife scene. The cocktail offerings are tropical and often served in eclectic glasses. The outdoor patio is perfect for warm summer evenings, especially in a group setting. Each drink, featuring fun names like Brain Freeze and Funky Monkey, provides a unique experience. Be sure to try the Chartreuse Swizzle—a more bitter variation using homemade spice syrup and Green Chartreuse—or the Pink Floyd, a vibrant tequila cocktail that gains its colorful hue from Aperol and guava. Arrive early to take advantage of happy hour, which runs from 5 PM to 8 PM, offering half off all alcoholic beverages.
Best for Seasonal Ingredients: 223
Located on the lively Dizengoff St, 223 is an offbeat, bohemian cocktail bar established by mixologist Ariel Leizgold in 2008. As Tel Aviv’s oldest cocktail bar, it showcases a vibrant legacy through innovative drinks that combine unique flavors and seasonal ingredients. Regularly changing its menu, it’s worth visiting at any time of year to discover what’s new. A notable recent addition is the Winter Gin & Tonic, a blend of 223 Aquavit, lavender syrup, rose syrup, sage, lime, and tonic, creating a surprising yet comforting experience that beautifully contrasts both cold weather flavors and a Mediterranean backdrop. Alcoholic gummy bears have even made sporadic appearances on the menu.
Best for Contemporary Classics: Botanika
Botanika, set within the Ultra Hotel, presents an unexpected fusion of Scandinavian influences with Israeli culture reflected in its cocktails and décor, crafted by owners with backgrounds in both Stockholm and Tel Aviv. This bar offers a unique experience that combines flavors from both traditions. With a wallet-friendly seasonal menu, you can expect a fresh reimagining of classic cocktails. The intimate atmosphere features concrete walls, understated leather accents, and an elegant minimalist aesthetic. Be on the lookout for unconventional ingredients like sesame, olive oil, and even smoked cotton candy—in the Tivoli Negroni, for instance, the imagination shines as it incorporates gin, strawberry-infused Aperol, and amber vermouth, with each dish on the menu artfully paired to enhance the cocktail experience.
