Paris. You probably think of wine, cheese, baguettes, and those cute street cafés before cocktails come to mind. That’s totally fair, since for ages cocktails took a back seat to a perfectly poured glass of Bordeaux. Fast forward to 2025, and Paris is suddenly mixing things up—literally. Right now, it’s one of Europe’s hottest cities for mixology, with hidden speakeasies, jazz-age lounges, and a new wave of bartenders who treat every pour like an art project. If you love a good drink with a twist (and not just a lemon peel one), you can't leave Paris without tasting the city’s best craft cocktails. So, what’s the Paris mixology scene really about? Let’s find out.
Why Mixology Matters: Paris and the Art of the Cocktail
Back in the day, ordering a cocktail in Paris often meant a watery gin and tonic or a basic mojito. Times have changed in a big way. Today’s Parisian bartenders are super serious about their craft—they’ll zap you with a flash of a blowtorch, spritz you with absinthe, and serve your drink in a teapot, all without batting an eyelid. They're not just mixing drinks; they’re building flavors layer by layer, thinking about everything from the story behind the spirit to the crunch of the garnish. Why does this matter? Cocktail bars are now a staple in Paris nightlife for anyone who wants more than just a beer at a brasserie. They’re places where locals and travelers actually pay attention to what’s in their glass. And Paris has become a trailblazer in using wild botanicals, French liqueurs, and even local herbs—yes, thyme and basil show up in cocktails now. (A bartender once used smoked rosemary in my martini. Whiskers, my cat, would have loved sniffing that.)
And the numbers back it up. Paris boasts over 150 dedicated cocktail bars as of 2024, with more popping up every month. The city hosts the Paris Cocktail Week each January, drawing crowds from all over Europe, and the annual World’s 50 Best Bars list often includes three or more Paris bars. The bar culture here blends French style with new-age confidence. Think: velvet armchairs, candlelit corners, and a menu you could read for days. Plus, bartenders here love to chat—don’t be shy to ask about their latest creation or their favorite local distiller.
Types of Paris Cocktail Bars: From Hidden Speakeasies to Chic Lounges
The best part about the Paris cocktail scene is just how diverse it’s gotten. Are you into secret doors and codes, or stylish hotel lounges? Paris has both—and then some. Speakeasies are having a moment. Little Red Door in Le Marais is well-known, sure, but still feels like a discovery with its hidden, password-free entrance and Instagram-worthy drinks artfully matched to emotions. Then there’s Candelaria, which is literally hidden behind a taco shop—step inside and you’re in a buzzing, candle-lit tequila den that constantly lands on “best of” lists. The Experimental Cocktail Club, pioneers of Parisian craft cocktails, made the city care about creative drinks back in 2007, and they’re still a must-visit for whiskey lovers or gin fans. Want somewhere glamorous? Head to Le Bar at the Ritz or the Hemingway Bar (if you can get a seat), where you can try a legendary French 75 or a fresh take on the Sidecar.
But Paris also loves its neighborhood haunts. You’ll stumble across local favorites in Belleville and Bastille, where bartenders serve bespoke drinks tailored to your favorite flavors. There are mad scientist-style bars like Danico, hidden behind the Daroco trattoria, where the focus is on showmanship and fun. Vegan and eco-friendly cocktail spots are on the rise too, like Le Syndicat, which uses only French spirits and even forages its own wild herbs. Whether you’re after something classic or totally new, there’s a Paris bar for every taste. Oh, and don’t forget rooftop terraces like Le Perchoir, where the mixology comes with an Eiffel Tower view. There’s just something magical about sipping a smoky old fashioned as the city lights sparkle below.
How to Find and Enjoy the Best Cocktail Bars in Paris
Hunting down the perfect Paris cocktail isn’t as easy as following Google Maps and hoping for the best. You need local intel. Want to avoid tourist traps? Skip anywhere with huge neon signs screaming “Happy Hour!” and look for spots with queues outside or an unmarked, unassuming door. Paris cocktail bars don’t blast their presence; they seduce you inside. Local neighborhoods like Le Marais, South Pigalle (SoPi), and Bastille are packed with gems. For starters, try these:
- Little Red Door: Regularly ranked among the world’s top bars. Try their conceptual tasting menu, where the drinks change every season.
- Candelaria: Hidden behind a taco joint, it’s cozy and creative—a must for agave fans.
- Experimental Cocktail Club: The birthplace of Paris’s modern cocktail scene. Ask for anything with Armagnac.
- Le Syndicat: Only French-made spirits, lots of attitude, and inventive drinks named after French icons.
- Bar Hemingway: Legendary, tiny, and pricey—splurge on a classic.
- Bisou: Bartenders mix personalized drinks based on your mood instead of a written menu.
- Le Perchoir: Rooftop with gorgeous views and sunset vibes.
- Moonshiner: A 1920s-style American speakeasy hidden behind a pizza shop’s walk-in fridge.
Paris also loves its themed menus—so let the bartender guide you. And if there’s a queue, don’t bail. The best places fill fast, especially on weekends. Pro tip: go early (before 8 p.m.) for a chill vibe, or aim for a late-night session if you love the energy. Parisian dress codes are relaxed, but do dress smart-casual for hotel bars. Most places don’t take reservations unless it’s a hotel lounge or a larger group, so spontaneity is part of the fun. Don’t forget to tip! In France it’s not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving a euro or two per drink is always appreciated by the staff.
Tips for the Best Mixology Experience in Paris
The cocktail menus in Paris go way beyond the usual suspects. Don’t just order a gin and tonic—unless they’re infusing their tonic with local botanicals. Ask for a signature drink, or let the bartender surprise you. If you see unfamiliar French spirits like Suze, Chartreuse, or Calvados on the menu, that’s your chance to taste something you won’t find at home. Want a crash course? Many bars offer short mixology classes or tasting experiences in the off-hour; Le Syndicat and The Cambridge Public House are good bets. And don’t worry about language—most bartenders speak English and love to share the story behind every bottle.
Price-wise, expect to pay €12-18 for most house cocktails at good craft bars, or up to €30+ at the fanciest hotel lounges. You can sometimes score happy hour specials before 8 p.m., but in Paris, you’re mostly paying for quality, creativity, and a bit of theater. The glassware will be perfect, the ice carved by hand, maybe even a sprig of lavender to sniff. Looking for a snack? Many bars partner with nearby kitchens for cheese boards, tapenade, or even tacos and bánh mì. Everything is tightly portioned so you can focus on the drinks. Want to know how Paris stacks up against, say, London or New York? Check out this handy table:
| City | Avg. Cocktail Price (€) | Speakeasies (2024) | Signature Spirits | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 14 | 28 | Cognac, Chartreuse, Armagnac, Suze | Chic, theatrical, romantic |
| London | 16 | 40 | Gin, Scotch, Pimm’s | Trendy, historic, lively |
| New York | 17 | 60+ | Rye, bourbon, bitters | Edgy, experimental, fast-paced |
Last tip—don’t rush. Parisian bartenders pride themselves on the details, so sit back, people-watch, and let the night unfold. Who knows? You could end up drinking something that changes your mind about what a cocktail truly is. There’s nothing like catching the magic of Paris in a glass. And hey, if in doubt, just watch what the regulars order—those veterans with the mysterious smiles know best.
