The best cocktail bars to try in Hampshire

If you like to treat yourself to a tipple now and then then be sure to check out some of Hampshire’s amazing cocktail bars. Whatever your preferred base drink, you will find plenty of ideas for some cocktail classics or unique drinks in some iconic cocktail bars. Here are our top picks:

Incognito, Winchester

Up your Insta feed with theatrical cocktails to thrill at Incognito. Quirky cocktails on the menu include the Rubber Duck Duck featuring Bathtub gin, Dolin Blanc vermouth, rhubarb, rose, raspberry, apple and Yuzu, topped with lavender bubbles and an Eton Mess cocktail which includes fresh strawberries, Holy Trinity rum, Chambord liqueur and lime are topped with a vanilla foam, popping candy and fruit caviar. An alcoholic twist on this classic dessert! 

For anyone designated as a driver, or who prefers non-alcoholic drinks, take your pick from the equally colourful mocktail menu.

Find out more about Incognito

1932, Southampton

This intimate cocktail bar offers lavish furnishings and a roof-top view over Southampton’s city parks from the terrace. 

Select from an extensive cocktail menu which features your classics and the more unusual cocktail. Take a tour of the world with the different flavours of the corners of the globe with cocktails based on Jamaican, Swiss, Japanese and Brazilian flavours.

As 1932 only accommodates 60 customers, pre-booking is essential.

Find out more about 1932

The Alchemist, Portsmouth

Set in the heart of Gunwharf Quays, The Alchemist offers two storeys of world of theatre served delights, plus an expansive outdoor terrace right by the waterside.

With many a throw back to chemistry lessons – test out the Colour Changing One – a cocktail featuring Ketel One vodka, Briottet apple, soda, citrus and a dash of magic! Or perhaps opt for the Lava Lamp or the fiery Caramelised Jungle Bird. Whatever your tastes, you’ll be sure to be intrigued and surprised by what’s on offer. 

Find out more about The Alchemist

Sky Bar, Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Image credit to Compass Photography

Take in the sights of Portsmouth and the Solent at night as you sip cocktails at height at Spinnaker Tower’s Sky Bar. 

Cocktails on the menu include Passion Fruit Martinis, Manhatans and the Sky Bar’s signature cocktail, The Spinnaker Tower, which features vodka, white rum, peach schnapps, sambuca and blue curacao.

Find out more about Sky Bar at the Spinnaker Tower

The SP Bar, Andover

On the edge of Andover town centre, The SP Bar serves up a variety of colourful cocktails, including your everyday favourites and its own specials including The SP-ecial Bubble cocktail and the SP Fruitopia.

Look out for the bar’s weekend bottomless brunch sessions, which also tend to include cocktails.

Find out more about The SP Bar

Rita’s, Southampton

This Art Deco-style craft cocktail bar sits in the heart of Southampton’s Oxford Street. Rita’s cocktails have been carefully selected with special ingredients inspired to challenge your palate. 

Pick from one of the Veterans’ signature cocktails such as Waterloo or DamBuster on the menu and a percentage of the money goes to a local veterans’ charity. 

Find out more about Rita’s

Cabinet Rooms, Winchester

This small, independent coffee bar packs a punch when it comes to cocktails. Preferring not to go down the “High Street favourites”, Cabinet Rooms aims to add their own twist to classic and to encourage its guests to try something new. Their drinks list is changed seasonally so you can match your cocktail with the time of year. 

Find out more about Cabinet Rooms

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke

The home of the iconic blue bottles of Bombay Sapphire, this Laverstoke distillery can be explored on a variety of guided tours or experiences. 

Learn how to make your own gin-based cocktails on a cocktail masterclass with one of Bombay Sapphire’s Gin Experts or test out the different botanical aromas to see which cocktail would best suit your palate. 

Find out more about Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Escape Gin Bar, The New Forest 

If you love your gins, then be sure to book a visit in to the Escape Gin Bar in the Thatched Cottage Hotel. Try one of the themed Gin Tasting Flights, whereby you can sample three different gins and tonics or select from the extensive gin menu.

Find out more about Escape Gin Bar

Many of our cocktail bars featured also offer alternative drinks for guests who are driving or do not drink alcohol, please enquire for details.

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Please drink responsibly and keep Hampshire safe.