The guide to Gothenburg's best cocktail bars

Clarion Hotel Post has a number of strings to its bow and Norda, on the first floor, is one of them. They can proudly claim to have won the Bartender of the Year award in both 2014 and 2015. The drinks list is regularly updated and includes their own twists on classic cocktails along with modern cocktails with edgy flavour combinations. A treat for the eyes and the tastebuds.

You'll find Scandinavia's first steampunk bar in Kungshöjd. The term and subculture are influenced by 19th century Victorian industrialism and staff wear classic steampunk costumes. The bar specialises in cocktails, and don't be surprised if your carefully mixed cocktail arrives shrouded in dry-ice vapours, served by someone wearing goggles and a top hat.

Look for the neon signs and cruise into Bar Bruno - if there's room. Despite the small space, this little cocktail bar has a large heart and, as the Swedish saying (roughly) goes: if there's room in your heart there's room to park your bum. Check out Gothenburg's in-crowd and sip on some of the best cocktails in the city. 

Bruk is run by a bartender duo with a passion for service, food and drink. The cocktail menu includes both well-loved classics and Bruk's own creative interpretations. The atmosphere is intimate and homely and attracts a mixed crowd.

If you ask a Gothenburger where to go to drink really fabulous cocktails, there's a pretty good chance they'll recommend Adamo. Just a stone's throw from Avenyn, their mixologists shake and stir top quality drinks. Choose to sit with a view over the bar and watch them at work, or relax in the lounge area. 

Central Gothenburg meets the harbour at Stenpiren, and this junction is becoming an increasingly popular spot for sightseeing and entertainment. Few places are better for doing just that than a hotel bar, and OGBG is perfectly placed within the Comfort Hotel. The emphasis behind the large bar is on craftsmanship, and you can sip the results as you watch the world go by. In addition to fabulous drinks in a cool atmosphere, the kitchen serves Asian food.

Restrictions and rules have no place at festive Bongo Bar - here, creativity is allowed to flow freely behind the bar, where they shake and stir a really exciting range of cocktails. Happy hours and other post-work fun is on the schedule several days a week, when you can combine something fabulous to drink with a slice or two of pizza. With a DJ spinning tunes, you can count on a great atmosphere.

Inside the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, Mei Rose takes you on a culinary journey of discovery through China. The drinks also follow an Asian theme, with ingredients such as coriander, lychee and the Chinese liquor baijiu, which you can take a deep dive into with their “baijiu flight”. Eight floors above the ground, the restaurant boasts enchanting view sof the city's skyline, not least from the roof terrace open during the summer months.

You'll find this swanky bar inside the Clarion Hotel Post. Sit in luxurious Art Deco-inspired surroundings as you enjoy their innovative cocktails, snacks and lively international atmosphre. The bar regularly hosts magicians and artists who entertain guests during the evening.

Ego Distillers, Gothenburg's first distillery and spirits bar, is housed in the former machine room of Gamlestadens Fabriker. Drink creative cocktails, eat matching small plates, and attend tastings. Don't miss hanging out at the bar on weekends and listening to DJs playing vinyl records.

Downstairs from the restaurant at Botánico, you'll find their pulsating jungle bar where cocktails are shaken to the beat of the evening's DJ. You're greeted by a tropical oasis with a rainforest vibe and cocktails with tropical flavours. Ideal for everything from an post-work drink to an aperitif or a big night out.

Asian flavours are the name of the game at Cheri-Lee, both food and drinks-wise. The cocktail list is full of exotic ingredients like Roku gin, yuzu, cherry blossom, lemongrass and matcha and there's a wide selection of exciting wines. 

This glamorous resort has masses of bars spread out over 27 floors. On the 26th floor you'll find the hotel's Asian sky bar Gogogaga, where you can sip on Insta-friendly cocktails with spectacular views over Gothenburg. The bar oozes LA vibes.

On the fourteenth floor of the Scandic Göteborg Central hotel you'll find Above, Gothenburg's highest roof bar. Enjoy cocktails with views over the river and influences from Miami and the Caribbean. During the summer months you can sit out on the terrace and in the winter you can sit inside the restaurant. The menu consists of cocktails that follow the theme, such as Caribbean sour, Bananacolada and Miami mule. They also serve sharing dishes if you get peckish.

Rag rugs on the floor and portraits of the staff on the walls give this place an inviting, homely feel. The bar serves cocktails with Swedish flavours and names inspired by forests and nature. The restaurant has won prizes and awards from the Michelin Guide and White Guide, among others.

The stylish Mediterranean brasserie Voyage isn't just a destination for lunches and dinners with sunny flavours, it also houses a cocktail bar in the same well-designed style. Order anything from classics like negroni and espresso martini, to Voyage's very own creations. Nibble on snacks, cheese and charcuterie. 

Inside Hotel Bellora boutiqe hotel, overlooking Avenyn, is the hotel's ristorante and cocktail bar that exudes Italian 50s vibes. Settle into a soft armchair and sip on a well-mixed cocktail while you gaze out over the boulevard's vibrant life. Be sure to visit the hotel's award-winning rooftop bar when the weather permits.

In glamorous surroundings on Avenyn, The Parlour blends up delightfully creative cocktails. With a restaurant section and a cocktail lounge, the idea is that you can drop by any time for a Peruvian-inspired dinner or just luxe up your weekday with a really great cocktail.

In true Mexican spirit, cocktails based on tequila and mezcal take centre stage on Amano's drinks menu. You can choose from classics like frozen margaritas and palomas, or try the bar's own creative versions. If you want to alternate drinks with something to eat, there are plenty of tacos and other small dishes available for ordering.

During the summer months this is a real oasis, where you feel as though you're sitting in a garden rather than the heart of the city. Top quality cocktails with sophisticated flavours fill the drinks list and if you're hungry you can order snacks from the bar menu. In the winter you sit in light, airy cellar rooms. Run by the same team as the restaurant Dinner 22 right next door.  

Whether you're in the mood for a proper taco fest or just want to sip cocktails at the bar, you're equally welcome at La Taqueria. Mexican vibes reign supreme when it comes to both food and drink, with cocktails based on tequila and mezcal. Order a margarita or paloma, and perhaps some guacamole if you want to line your stomach.

What could be more delightfully decadent than champagne and cocktails? This luxurious, colourful hotel happily combines both components, resulting in a drinks list filled with bubbly cocktails. During the warmer months, head out to the roof terrace to drink cocktails under the city's summer skies.

At Ilse Krog in Majorna, the focus is primarily on bistro food and organic wine, but you can also pop into the bar for cocktails. Meet up for an after-work drink, sneak-start the weekend or round off the week with classic brunch drinks.

You'll find Rollin Bistros Backyard in a former industrial space in Gamlestaden. If you enjoy the feeling of being at a food hall, where you choose between heading to a bar for a cocktail, eating a burger or sitting down for an omakase, this is the place for you. The cocktail bar shakes up cocktails to order, or choose from the cocktail menu which includes cocktails with names like Messy Margarita and Cosmo but better.

Mercado is the Spanish word for market and Mercado Mexico's light, lively surroundings feel just like being in a busy, colourful marketplace. As well as Mexican food with a twist, the team here are experts in creating well-balanced cocktails. Unsurprisingly, many of them have Mexican flavours and are made with a base of tequila or mezcal. Why not cool off with a refreshing Frozen Margarita?

Kaifo is the Orrmyr family's fusion restaurant on Södra Vägen, but it's not all about the Asian dishes here. The glassed-in bar on the ground floor also serves cocktails and mocktails with Asian flavours. Try one of their gin & tonics with various flavourings. On Fridays and Saturdays DJs spin tunes in the bar.

In surroundings reminiscent of an English gentlemen's club, this stylish cocktail bar is next to the hotel restaurant, Swea Hof. Sink into a comfy armchair and order something from the bar's own Martini menu, or choose a refreshing long drink. Drop by and relax for a while in the warm, classic setting.

A "secret" bar which you can only get into by ringing the doorball. A place for real dyed-in-the-wool barflies. The concept is influenced by the USA's Prohibition era and the emphasis is on both classic cocktails and their own creations.  

This bar, in the corner of the restaurant, is large and roomy with plenty of space to hang out. They're passionate about skilfully mixed cocktails, both popular classics and innovative creations. Craftsmanship is the name of the game. There's also a bar menu that follows the restaurant's rustic North and South American style.

Mixologists get busy shaking up fabulous cocktails in Brasserie Lavette's spacious bar. Drop in for a post-work drink or take a seat in the open-all-year outdoor dining area and enjoy classic and modern cocktails, all with a signature Lavette twist.

Thirsty guests will find no fewer than six bars at Hjortviken Country Club in Hindås. Pick and choose freely according to what suits your mood on any particular day and go for one of the hotel's fabulous cocktails if you want to stick with the hotel's theme: low-key American glamour.

Hidden behind the doors of Puta Madre is an entire world from a bygone age. The decor oozes early 1900s vibes and culinary and cultural influences come from Mexico. The bar shelves house Gothenburg's largest selection of tequila and many of their cocktails are built around this agave-based spirit.

Stack two containers on top of each other, put in large glass windows and decorate with colourful art and a bar that focuses on cocktails and you have Pixbar. A top spot for anyone who wants to meet over cocktails and snacks in the afternoon or evening.

Right at the top of the Scandic Rubinen in the middle of Avenyn, this rooftop bar serves up cocktails and a great view over the rooftops of Gothenburg. A central oasis for thirsty guests keen to admire the view with a clinking glass in their hand. The restaurant on the hotel's second floor also has an elegant bar.  

The team at Zamenhof have started a new place with everything they like - including cocktails. You'll find the fabulous creations in the area called The Silver Lining, where they also bbq food with strong influences from classic smokehouses. You can also have fun with arcade games and table tennis.