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While Istanbul understandably might not be the first place you think of when it comes to cocktail bars, the city’s small-but-mighty cocktail scene is not to be missed if you’re a drinks connoisseur. Yes, alcohol is expensive in Turkey, but there are many great cocktail bars in Istanbul that are serving up quality cocktails that include local Turkish flavors. Here are my favorite spots for cocktails in Istanbul.
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Best Cocktail Bars in Istanbul
Flekk
Flekk is my favorite Istanbul cocktail bar. It’s one of the more established bars in the city, with knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly bartenders. Many of the liqueurs, vermouth, and bitters are homemade.
It’s a cozy art-covered space in Beyoğlu with several nooks and small tables, making it a great date spot. Alternatively, you can sit at the black marble bar and chat with the bartenders. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
Their Mörklägga, a bitter and aromatic drink made from Bourbon, Spiced Rum, Cognac, and Orange, is my favorite cocktail on the menu. I order it each time I visit.
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On my last visit, I also enjoyed the Bære, which sounded similar to a drink I hadn’t been able to have at another cocktail bar since that bar had been out of an ingredient. The Bære is a smooth cocktail made with Black Label, Milk Vermouth, Pistachio Orgeat, and Coconut Soda.
It was slightly sweet, but not overly so. The coconut and pistachio are a nice combination, with pistachio, of course, being a classic Turkish ingredient.
Address: Tomtom, Yeni Çarşı Cd. 54/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
Website
The Bank Roof Bar
There are several rooftop bars in Istanbul that are of varying quality. Some merely just serve overpriced basic drinks, while others, such as The Bank Roof Bar, are worth seeking out and paying extra for.
Located atop The Bank Hotel in Karaköy, The Bank Roof Bar has some of the best views in Istanbul.
The drinks ranged from around the equivalent of $25-30 USD when I visited, so they’re certainly not cheap. But think of it this way, the views you get are just as good as some Istanbul landmark you would pay an entrance fee for, such as Galata Tower. It’s a great bar to visit to impress someone or go for a treat.
My recommendation is to wait for a day with great weather to get the most out of the experience. The rooftop is entirely open, but there are plenty of heaters for colder days and nights. The patio is filled with comfy chairs, so you’ll be comfortable staying a while. It’s a relaxing atmosphere high above the din of the city.
A mellow pop and jazz soundtrack sets the mood, but thankfully is not so intrusive as to completely drown out the sound of ferry horns signaling departures at the waterfront below.
The stunning panoramic views include the Bosphorus, so you can watch the ferries cross and cargo ships and tankers heading to and from the Black Sea.
Ah yes, the drinks. I enjoyed the Brazen Head, made from Tequila, Mezcal, Peachtree, Passionfruit, Cardamon, Pineapple Juice, and Lemon Juice.
The bar also has a large selection of Turkish wine. Drinks come with nuts and olives too, so make sure you go at least a bit hungry.
When you see these panoramic views, it’s easy to understand why so many writers and artists have been inspired by the beautiful city of Istanbul.
Address: Arap Cami, Bankalar Cd. No:5, 34321 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
Website
Fahri Konsolos
One of my favorite things to do in any city is to seek out cocktail bars that are taking heavy inspiration from local flavors and ingredients.
Kadiköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul, is filled with bars, but many tend to be generic places that are just like other bars you’d find anywhere else in the world.
Fahri Konsolos is different. Their creative cocktails with local flavors are some of my favorites in Istanbul.
It’s a tiny spot that doesn’t take reservations, so if you want to be sure to get a seat, get there early. I arrived 15 minutes before opening on a Friday evening, and there were already some people sitting and waiting.
The cocktail bar has just six tables outside and a small bar inside. A mirrored ceiling makes Fahri Konsolos feel bigger than it is, at least vertically. An eclectic mix of music from all over the world fills the space. I found myself using Shazam several times to learn what was playing.
As is my preference, I sat at the bar so I could watch the bartenders in action. The menu changes seasonally and utilizes special techniques such as foams, carbonation, and live greens, so it was mesmerizing to see each drink’s construction.
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Their hammered metal barware is a unique and cool attention to detail, even though only those sitting right at the bar will really even see it.
First, I had the Isret Sarmasi. The local flavors started with olive oil-washed gin and continued from there. In addition to sake, the dolma-inspired cocktail included sante currants, dolma spice mix, pine nuts, and vine leaves.
It was a lovely drink. It’s best enjoyed by alternating between sips of the drink and then nibbles of the leaf on top, which is crunchy & a bit salty, almost like seaweed, which also ties it to the sake.
Next, I enjoyed the Kehr-I Bahar. Its local flavors include ambergris-washed Martell VSOP, Raki, hazelnut milk fermented with figs, wild pistachio, and mahaleb.
It wasn’t overly sweet, but the drink definitely leans toward that direction with the flavors.
The cocktail comes with an ambergris-scented bit of fabric that you can take with you to remember the drink & the place, making it an excellent finisher to any evening.
Address: Caferağa, Dr. Esat Işık Cd. No. 30 D:C, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
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Finn
Finn is a cool alleyway bar in Karaköy. I love the area’s street art and nightlife.
I knew I was in good hands when I saw a sign in the kitchen that read “This kitchen is for dancing.”
The fun atmosphere doesn’t stop there. The playlist included cool 70s & 80s music plus hip hop beats, all of it being fun danceable music.
I sat down at a spot where I could see the bar, which has a plant wall and windows behind it, and was immediately greeted with a welcome drink. I thought I’d misheard when I was told it was pickle juice and tequila, but nope. That’s what it was, and I liked it!
The cocktail menu at Finn includes a list of their new creations as well as a list of their unforgettable classics.
Wanting some local flavors, I opted for the Satsuma. It included Jameson Whiskey, Satsuma, Za’atar, and Lemon.
It was an outstanding, refreshing cocktail. The za’atar and lemon were perfectly balanced.
Other drinks also include local & Mediterranean flavors like sumac, rose Turkish delight, and the Greek liqueur mastika.
The bar even sells their cocktail mixes for enjoying at home or without alcohol.
Address: Müeyyedzade Mah. Necatibey Cad, Karanlık Fırın Sk. 8/B, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
Website
Skull & Bones
Skull & Bones is a bar at the JW Marriott Hotel in Karaköy. Inside, it’s a cozy space with metal paneled walls, brick walls, a tiled floor, and a brightly lit painted skull that looks like stained glass.
Alternatively, you can sit outside on the patio on the busy pedestrian street, which has plenty of activity.
When I visited, they had just updated their signature cocktail list that day, so I got to be the first person to try one of them.
But first, I had to have the Skull Mule, a house favorite. It was made from Rum, Mezcal,, Apple Juice, Fennel, and Lemon.
I also got an order of the truffled potatoes from the small bites food menu. I enjoyed the crispy layers of the dish.
Then, it was time to try one of the new signature cocktails. I ordered the Old Jam, which consisted of Whiskey, Orange Jam, Lapsang, Line, and Bergamot Cream.
It was phenomenal.
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cd. No:26, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
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Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib & Sushi (formerly 5 Cocktails & More)
On my first trip to Istanbul, there was one cocktail bar that I hung out in multiple times with my friends.
Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib & Sushi is a fun bar and restaurant. It has an upscale feel without being pretentious. There are high ceilings, leather barstools, a lit onyx bar, and plants everywhere. There’s also outside seating on the alleyway.
On my most recent visit, I ordered the Chilled Wave. Its inclusion of Palo Santo Flavoured Tanqueray, Skinos Mastic Liqueur, Aperol, Moretenders’ Vanilla Sauce, Orange Bitters, Lemon, and Vegan Foamer felt like a good pairing with sushi, and I was right.
I enjoyed it along with some salmon tartare and a spicy tuna roll.
Address: Asmalı Mescit, Müeyyet Sk. No:5, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
Website
Ziba
While creative cocktails can be nice, sometimes you just want to relax with the classics.
Ziba is one of my favorite Istanbul bars. It’s a laid-back spot for hanging out with friends (and the local cats), whether you’re inside or on the busy patio in the alleyway that wraps around the building.
In addition to well-made classic cocktails, there are also a few local craft beer selections available. They make an excellent Manhattan. See here for my other Istanbul craft beer recommendations.
Address: Tomtom, Akansu Sk No:10, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
Rooftail Galata
Jigger Istanbul is a cocktail design consultancy that also offers cocktail classes and hosts special events.
Their bar, Rooftail Galata, is located atop the Root Hotel in Karaköy. Note: When I visited, the bar was open and operating as a regular bar, but it seems they have shifted more to just hosting events and classes rather than being open to the public. They’re experts in the local drink industry, and it’s worth checking out their website to see what they’re up to.
The 9th floor space has fantastic views all around, looking across Galataport and the Bosporus as well as around the Golden Horn.
Upbeat, mellow electropop was a perfect soundtrack for the forthcoming sunset. I was offered a glass of water as soon as I sat down. Interestingly, it had a hint of cinnamon in it.
The cocktail menu has a range of specialty cocktails, which include specially made ingredients and Turkish flavors. Prices range from the more reasonable up to the equivalent of about $30 USD. You do pay for the view, but they also use high-quality ingredients, including many made in-house.
I treated myself to The Shaman, which was not only delicious but also included an impressive tableside presentation.
First, the drink included Hennessy VS, Volcan Tequila, Quince Marmalade, and Jigger Istanbul Flower S&S. The quince marmalade is specially produced for the bar in Tokat.
The server piled some zest and herbs in front of me, including sage, thyme, and lemon. These were set aflame, with smoke going into the specially made mug. Then, the drink was poured inside.
It was a lovely drink. The only thing more impressive was the beautiful sunset over Istanbul.
Address: Hacımimi, Necatibey Cd. No:95 Kat 9, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye (map)
Website
If you’re interested in Istanbul’s history, I recommend the Istanbul Railway Museum, the Istanbul Tunel, and the Museum of Innocence.
Here are some great Istanbul tours.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these Istanbul hotels.
