Nothing Beats a Well Made Cocktail

Old Quarter is known for its constant honking of horns, year round construction, and backpacker bars blaring terrible top 40 mixes. To get away from all the madness, I’ve found a couple bars that live up to Hanoi’s underrated internationally acclaimed bar scene. These bars have award winning drinks, chic decor, and innovative cocktail menus.

Calling All Gin Lovers

With over 100 different types of gin, Mad Botanist is Hanoi’s first ever specialty gin bar. The bar takes inspiration from the botanical elements of gin and creating their own infusions from local plants. Not only are the mixologists top notch, but the speakeasy eclectic type of vibe attracts your attention. First, you’ll need to pay attention to the location. It’s discreetly located above a Vpresso Cafe, so enter through the cafe and go to the third floor where you’ll find the bar. Tell the mixologist your drink order and enjoy the relaxed sophisticated vibe of Hanoi.

Name: Mad Botanist

Address:  45 Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Lo And Behold…a Pho Cocktail

People come from near and far to try this gem and it is so much better than it sounds. At Nê Cocktail Bar, you’ll find the birthplace of the creation of the original pho cocktail. Mixologist Pham Tien Tiep invented the “Pho” Cocktail back in 2012, as his entry to the Diageo World Class competition. He took home the “Best Bartender in Vietnam” award for his efforts that year nowadays he owns and manages Nê. It is a big deal.

Name: Nê Cocktail Bar

Address: 3B Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Design Dreams in the Heart of Hanoi

This is one of the most legendary expat bars in Hanoi, and rightfully so. This hidden gem looks fit for a 1920s prohibition era type gentlemens club. At Polite & Co., you will find a specialty menu with drinks sorted by the suburbs in Hanoi, from West Lake to French Quarter. Go during their daily happy hours of 4pm to 8pm!

Name: Polite & Co.

Address: 5b Ngõ Bảo Khánh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, 111000, Vietnam

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