There has been a revolution in the bar industry. In addition to classic drinks, inventive cocktails with intense flavours are often served, with inspiration frequently drawn from the kitchen. Bartenders also use new techniques, make their own syrups from both conceivable and inconceivable ingredients, freeze-dry, mortar, blend, smoke, create foams, and so on. Only imagination is the limit. INRIKES recommends eight bars in the capital that we think are worth a visit.

Lucy's Flower Shop
Make a note of the address, otherwise you might have trouble finding it as the entrance is completely anonymous. And be sure to book in advance – it's primarily booking that applies here, but there are also a few drop-in spots for spontaneous visitors. Once you've managed to overcome these two ”difficulties”, you'll be met by a magnificent display of colourful flower bouquets and subdued lighting. Lucy's is also award-winning and currently holds the title of Best Swedish Bar; they have several times been featured on the World's 50 Best Bar list, received the Gulddraken, and more. Here you'll find a short drinks menu with good, well-composed cocktails suitable for both the experienced cocktail connoisseur and the novice.

Lucy's Flower Shop
Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 20
www.lucysstockholm.se

Table of Contents
For those who dare to venture past the dapper concierge and up the grand marble staircase leading into Sweden's most stately hotel, the Grand Hôtel, a chic bar with a delightful sense of space and convivial atmosphere awaits. The Cadier bar is truly for everyone, so don't be put off by all the splendour. But yes, it is luxurious, and the bill might be a little higher than if you were to frequent, for example, Söder. The last time I was there, I sipped on a Pornstar Martini to die for (vodka, passion fruit, lemon, and champagne). Served alongside in the small shot glass was real champagne, not Prosecco, as is often the case.

– No, here at Grand we serve genuine champagne, of course, says Anton Windmar in a clear Dalecarlian dialect. He has been bar manager for two years and has experience from, among others, the internationally recognised The Artesian in London.

Anton describes Cadierbaren as a classic bar, but with innovative concepts and cocktails within a classic framework. And he seamlessly moves on to their brand-new bar menu, which has been named ”A Tribute to Swedish Nature”.

– When we developed the new drinks, we looked around us and were inspired by environments and places in our country, as well as our traditions, and then brought them here to the Grand Hotel. With elegance as our focus, he adds and smiles. For example, the Seven Flowers cocktail is based on the classic Midsummer's Eve tradition where seven types of flowers are picked and placed under a pillow to then dream of one's intended partner.

– We want Swedes to feel right at home, whilst at the same time showcasing what we have to offer our international guests. But anyone still fancying one of the classic drinks won’t be disappointed – the bartenders can, of course, mix those too (my Pornstar Martini wasn’t on the menu, after all).

Around half of what’s on offer are classics, and the rest are some of their signature drinks. Last but not least – the view.

If you manage to get one of the seats by the window, you’ll have a front-row view of Stockholm Palace. And do pop into the loo before you head home. It’s well worth it.

Table of Contents
Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8
www.grandhotel.se

The eighties
Tjoget had long been on the World's 50 Best Bars list. However, this year they had slipped to the top 100 list. This is not because Tjoget has worsened; the bar remains incredibly popular and the cocktails are of international standard. The competition around the world has simply increased. The bar is located at Hornstull and was opened back in 2012 by Joel Söderbäck and Andreas Bergman with the aim of becoming Stockholm's best cocktail bar, something they have more than achieved. Furthermore, bar manager Hedda Bruce was named Sweden's best bartender in 2022. While you're there, be sure to also try the delicious food.

The eighties
Address: 24 Hornsbruksgatan
www.tjoget.com

Social cocktail
Coquetel Social is located on Birger Jarlsgatan and next door to Lucy's (which is also among our tips), but the address is pretty much the only similarity. With its large windows overlooking the street and an outdoor seating area in the summer, it is anything but anonymous.

– We wanted to create a bar that felt like stepping into Yves Saint Laurent’s holiday flat in Rio de Janeiro in the mid-1960s. I can imagine it might have looked something like this back then, says Simon Ramn Alenius, one of the co-owners. The bar is cosily decorated with orange-painted walls, plenty of art, a wave-shaped marble bar, dark brown wooden floors, ceiling fans and a stuffed ostrich, amongst other things. South American jazz or funk music plays from the speakers. This has also earned them the award for Best Atmosphere. The drinks they serve are classic – with a twist.

Social cocktail
Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 20
www.coquetelsocial.se