The sun’s going down in Bali and if you’re anything like us, you’re in want of a drink.
Sure, with all of Bali’s healthy cafes and restos, we said we’ll be eating healthier in 2018, but a little nightcap never hurt anyone, now did it?
Unlike with other parts of the country, it’s no challenge to find yourself with a drink in hand in Bali. There are restaurants, bars, and hotels aplenty serving up cocktails galore, but let’s separate the wheat from the chaff and get down to where you can find yourself Bali’s most perfectly crafted cocktails. Because let’s not kid ourselves, it’s an art form and life’s too short to waste time on crappy drinks.
Whether you’re a Don Draper and lean towards the old school classics or you’re a bit more avant-garde and prefer experimental mixology, Bali has it all. Rooftop bars, luxury lounges, and even speakeasy-style, there’s something for every night owl ready to hit the town.
While you may catch us day-drinking from time to time at the island’s best beach clubs, swim-up bars, and infinity pools, this guide is dedicated to our favorite spots in Bali to head after hours for a tipple.
Now name your poison and let’s get drinking!
The Night Rooster Cocktail Bar by Locavore
Since opening its doors in Ubud back in 2013, the much-buzzed-about Locavore has earned itself legend status, while its chiller little sister Locavore To Go has been a knockout too; their burger is foogasm good! So it’s no shock that Locavore’s venture into drinks, the Night Rooster has been received with just as much fanfare. At the helm is the visionary alchemist Raka Ambarawan who puts together some of the most exciting, complex cocktails in Bali, merging premium spirits with local fruits, herbs, vegetables, and spices. Raka makes his own bitters and dabbles in exotic infusions. Fellow gin lovers, try the “NEE-GRONI Shit! We forgot the Campari”: Tanqueray no. 10, lime juice, homemade sweet vermouth (dried wormwood, Isola wine, molasses, dried salak, cardamom, vanilla, brandy). Seating 40, the second-floor, cozy bar featuring recycled wood, is nestled in between the restaurant and Locavore to Go/Local Parts.
Jl. Dewisita no. 10b, Ubud
Monday-Saturday 4pm-midnight
+62(0) 361 977733
Bikini
As with eating at their restaurant, known for its line-toeing experimentation, drinking at Bikini is, as they like to put it, “an exploration of flavors.” Expect twists on classics with modern techniques and the winning combination of premium spirits and Bali’s local produce. Olive oil fat washes, house-made syrups, and infused gins are all a part of head mixologist Arey Baker’s carefully-crafted concoctions. Explore the menu which groups drinks into categories like “fruity, floral and vibrant”, “bitter sweet and spiced, and “bold, big and packed with a punch.” From the latter, sip slowly on the Old Nutcracker (yes, we realize how dirty that sounds!): Bulleit bourbon, cinnamon, and cashew nut syrup, toasted nut bitters, spiced cinnamon and orange syrup.
Jl. Kayu Cendanan no. 6, Seminyak
Everyday 12pm-12am (dinner 6pm-10:30pm)
+62 813 533 82346
reservations@ulookhotinbikini.com
WooBar at W Bali Seminyak
One of Bali’s favorite beachside hangs to laze the day away and then go for some partying, Woobar is the perfect spot if you want to go seamlessly from day to night. With its impressive wave-like structure, Woobar’s setting is on point, nestled right in between the resort’s pool and the beach. They’ve got one the most comprehensive cocktail menus in the land, with signature creations, classic mojitos, martinis, and margaritas, resconstructed classics, and pitchers and punches to share. For a fresh take on a favorite classic, reach for the cucumber jalapeno margarita; sweetened with a little honey and some added freshness from the cucumber.
Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak
Sunday-Monday, 10am-1am; Friday-Saturday, 10am-2am
+62361300010
whotels.bali@whotels.com
Single Malt
This Great Gatsby inspired bar on the second floor of the IZE Hotel in Seminyak is a must for whisky lovers. True to its name, Single Malt Bali was the first whisky bar on the island. Boasting an extensive whisky collection the bar pays special tribute to single malt whiskies–apparently coming in at about 70 at the moment– from some of the world’s most famous distilleries. Taking painstaking detail with the bar’s interior featuring vintage furnishings, oversized leather chairs you can just sink into, Persian rugs, and old-fashioned light fixtures, Single Malt is all about the pleasure of drinking.
IZE Hotel, 2nd floor
Jl. Kayu Aya 68
Everyday 6pm-1am
+62 89 99 28 28 28
info@singlemaltbali.com
Rock Bar
Undoubtedly one of Bali’s most iconic bars, drinking at the immaculate Rock Bar is an experience for the books. Jutting out from the cliff-side in Jimbaran, the award-winning Rock Bar at the elite Ayana Resort & Spa offers amazing panoramic views in an exclusive setting. Access the bar via an inclinator that will bring you down to the bar, nestled in at 14 meters above the sea. Order classic or signature cocktails, blending bits of Bali with premium ingredients like the “Rockatonic”: fig infused gin, Mancino Bianco Vermouth, orange bitter, dried fig, and tonic water.
AYANA Resort & Spa, Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran
Everyday 4pm-12am (1am Friday-Sunday)
(0361) 702222 Ext 40
fb.reservation@ayanaresort.com
Akademi Bar
Akademi Bar set in the lobby of Katamama Hotel of the Potato Head family is a learning center—they actually hold master classes—for budding mixologists hoping to study the craft and the more seasoned who desire to hone their skills, experiment, and see how champion mixologist Dre Masso does his thing, serving up classic cocktails with an Indonesian twist. The bar has a “library” full of homemade infusions, enhanced local arks, barrel-aged negronis, and house-blended tinctures.
Katamama Hotel
Jl. Petitenget no. 51B, Seminyak
Everyday 10am-1am
+62 8113891200
katamama@pttfamily.com
Baker Street Social
True speakeasy style with no overt signage and obvious entrance (find a staircase accessed through Tiffin restaurant on the first floor of the building), Baker Street Social pays hommage to the prohibition era, when booze was off the books and we wanted it all the more. Dark interiors, dim lights, in an intimate bar, a night out at Baker Street Social will transport you to another time. Pushing quality libations and craft spirits, the bartenders are actually real artisans who dig experimentation and whipping up custom tailored cocktails to suit your tastes.
Jl. Petitenget no. 17 (above Tiffin)
Monday-Thursday (8pm-2am), Friday-Saturday (8pm-3am)
0811-3973-073
drink@bakerstreetsocial.com
Copper Kitchen & Bar
For the Ubud take on the contemporary rooftop bar, head over to Copper Kitchen & Bar, sitting on top of the Bisma Eight. Keeping it local in an “earth to table” nature, the restaurant and bar sources its local produce from the gardens of Bisma Eight, Tegallalang Reserve, and Amed Fisheries. Enjoy the “relaxed buzz” from 3pm-6pm daily for a second signature drink free and if you’re interested in mixology, try the Crafty Cocktail masterclass offered on Saturdays.
Bisma Eight
Jl. Bisma, Ubud
Everyday 7am-11pm
0895-3847-92888
info@
Motel Mexicola
So much more than a pretty place to take pictures (Instagram bloggers flock to the technicolor hangout) and eat tacos, the ever-trendy Motel Mexicola is a great place to bust some moves and before that loosen up and grab a drink, especially if tequila’s your favorite flavor. Encouraging “serious drinking”, Motel Mexicola has you reaching for the lime and salt all night long. Try their self-titled “Mexicola” for something spicy: Jose Cuervo Traditional Silver, fresh lime, salt and Tabasco with cola.
Jl. Kayu Jati no. 9X, Seminyak
Everyday 11am-1am
(0361) 736688
info@motelmexicolabali.com
Double Six Rooftop
Atop the five-star Double-Six Luxury Hotel, named for its Double Six beachfront location, Double Six Rooftop is atmospheric and opulent. Go for sundowners to enjoy the epic ocean view with a cocktail in hand and stay for their sexy nightlife scene. Lap up your favorite drink or try something new from their exciting drink menu, while sitting 15 meters above sea level at the bar that sprawls out over 1700 square meters. If you’re going with a group, share the Tropiganza Express Sharing Egg, a combination of tropical fruits, vodka, passion fruit sorbet amaretto, vanilla syrup, and sprite.
Double-Six Luxury Hotel
Double Six Beach, Legian
7am-12am
0361734300 / 087761559666 (WA)
info@double-six.com, reservations@doublesixrooftop.com
Sea Vu Play
Playful, fun, and yes, nautical themed, Sea Vu Play is vibrant and funky spot right in the heart of Seminyak, perfectly placed and set up for a colorful night out. DJs on decks every night and live sports on tap, Sea Vu Play is full of good vibes and good drinks, like the “Red Sea”(rum, rosemary, cayenne pepper, strawberry jam, brown sugar, and lime juice) or the Mermaid’s Secret (dark rum, ginger, cardamom, lime juice, simple syrup).
Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak
Everyday 11am-1am
(0361) 4736579
play@seavuplaybali.com
KILN
Moving into what was once the popular Petitenget Cafe, we have to say KILN is killing it with their sizzling hot Eastern Mediterranean fare. Their cocktails are also worth writing home about. They’ve literally got cocktails on tap, using infused spirits and homemade mixers like the Coco-Bali-approved “Gin n Chronic”, which uses nutmeg infused house tonic with black, aka dried lime and clove mixed in. In addition to their draft numbers, they have an originals and favorites list, along with “shameless reinvented” cocktails, retro classics like the “Tanned Russian”, the KILN take on the espresso martini: espresso, vanilla infused vodka, bourbon, chai spice, served with a coffee, pecan nut and caramel brittle.
Jl. Petitenget no. 40X, Seminyak
Everyday 5pm-11pm (12am Saturday-Sunday)
(0361) 4733054
info@kilnbali.com
Tiger Palm
Tiger Palm is one of the many jewels in the cap of street food chef Will Meyrick, who started it all with Sarong, an institution in the Bali food scene, then went on to launch Mama San, Hujan Locale, and Som Chai on the island. Meyrick’s forged an incredible name for himself on the island with the success of all his restaurants that play deliciously with Southeast Asian flavors and ingredients. But we choose drinks at Tiger Palm in particular for its chilled out vibes yet hip location right in Seminyak. The restaurant’s got a sizable selection of cocktails, including signature, inventive creations, retro, and even a whole section dedicated to nutmeg cocktails—like the “sehat pria” (healthy man): Jack Daniels, citrus, ginger beer, syrup, nutmeg foam. Droolworthy.
Seminyak Village, Jl. Kayu Jati no. 8, Seminyak
Everyday: Bar 9am-12am; Restaurant 11am-11pm
+62 813-3942-3039
info-tigerpalm@saronggroup.com
The Blind Pig
Tucked away outside of central Ubud, Chapung SeBali is best known for Jungle Fish. You know, that sick infinity pool club overlooking the lush jungle of the breathtaking Osh River Valley–a favorite daytime hang for those looking to chillax and lounge around in the heart of Bali. But opening in late 2017 on the grounds of the resort is The Blind Pig, a hip speakeasy where you can down a stiff drink, right in Ubud. After spending the day soaking up the sun, dipping in the pool, and enjoying the greenery, transition over to the speakeasy to indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and drink up that opulent, old world feel.
Chapung SeBali, Jl. Raya Sebali, Ubud
(0361) 8989102
reservations@junglefishbali.com
Cuca
Situated in unassuming fishing village of Jimbaran, Cuca is a tapas bar with small potions (meant to share) but big, bold flavors. Behind the restaurant is a power couple, the much accomplished and visionary chef, Kevin Cherkas and managerial boss woman Virginia Entizne, who have established Cuca as a place of culinary excellence—they’re in Asia’s top 10 restaurants on TripAdvisor for godsake—using only locally sourced ingredients. The drinks at Cuca are right in line with these values; you can’t go to Cuca and not try one of the their signature drinks that are every bit just as creative and quality as their cuisine. We like to keep it fresh and spicy with a ginger tonic: homemade lime soda, gin, and ginger blossom nectar. We’re not drooling, you’re drooling!
Jl. Yoga Perkanthi, Jimbaran
Everyday 12pm-12am
+62 361 708066
family@cucaflavor.com
40 Thieves
The New York style speakeasy of Singaporean Shah Dillon, an award-winning mixologist and entrepreneur, 40 Thieves is where you go when you want to ‘Bourbon ’n’ Boogie.’ No, really, they’ve even got a regular event under that title. 40 Thieves centers on craft cocktails and artisanal spirits, so you better come thirsty. Whiskey lovers are especially welcome here, as they’ve got an international line-up of whiskies, but no matter your tastes, the lads behind the bar can help you out with bespoke tipples.
Jl. Petitenget no. 7, Seminyak
Tuesday-Thursday 8pm-2am; Friday-Sunday 8pm-4am
0878-6226-7657
midnightbrigade88@gmail.com
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