Best cocktail bars in Prague

The take. The benchmark for Prague cocktails: rum, absinthe and Champagne done with real care, and a team that has trained half the city's bartenders. Book ahead – walk-ins on weekends often end up queuing.

The take. The Gothic cellar setting under Old Town Square is genuinely atmospheric and the classic-style drinks are well made. You pay for the location, and service can feel rushed on busy nights.

The take. A Prague classic that still mixes solid, generous drinks from a huge menu. The vibe is more hotel-bar polish than cutting edge, and prices match the Pařížská address.

The take. No sign, no menu, just a small room and bartenders who listen and mix to your taste – precise, clean drinks without gimmicks. Seats are few and groups are capped, so reserve for Friday or Saturday.

The take. Proof that great cocktails don't need Old Town rents: inventive drinks and a local crowd in Vršovice. It is busy for a neighbourhood bar, so booking helps.

The take. Great fun for a first night out – the drinks come with theatre, smoke and surprises. Expect crowds, a tourist-heavy audience and occasional waits for a table.

The take. Pretty, intimate and consistently good on classics, with Champagne by the glass as a bonus. It is small and fills quickly after 21:00.

The take. A calm, grown-up room for a whisky, a cigar and a well-made classic close to Old Town Square. Cigar smoke won't suit everyone, and it is more about mood than mixology fireworks.