Translated by Bethszabee Garner
Between cult classic addresses, exceptional views and delicious cocktails, you are sure to find your next favorite hang out spot among these luxury cocktail bars.
The rooftop of the Soleil d'or in Megève
There are two magical places in this five-star hotel in the heart of the city: the chocolate shop, where the famous ‘chocolate granny’ will prepare yours for you, and the rooftop bar, the only one in the city, with an exceptional view of the mountains, where Simon (Boursignon) will concoct a delicious cocktail for you, such as the Burning Lady, made with chorizo syrup.
Peacock Alley at the Trianon Palace***** in Versailles
An emblem of the Waldorf Astoria brand, the iconic bar concept born in New York in 1931 has made its arrival in the Paris region. You can enjoy the Afternoon Tea, created by pastry chef Eddie Benghanem, and try the cocktails created by Thomas Roy: Rosemary Old Fashioned, Apple Garden Spritz, Bijou n° 2, Guillermo, Blossom Fragrance, La Marquise... Royal!
The American Bar at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco
Wood, velvet, patinated leather, refined lighting, the atmosphere of this bar, which is about to celebrate its centenary, has welcomed the world's greatest stars. Try the La Roseraie cocktail: rose-infused vodka (from the Princess Grace rose garden), rhubarb syrup (homemade), egg white, cranberry juice, lemon juice, champagne. It is one of the few hotel bars where musicians play live every night (jazz, swing, blues, soul, etc.). Open daily from noon to 1:30 a.m.
Doris Bar by Sir Winston
The Doris Bar, a hidden bar at the Sir Winston (5 rue de Presbourg 75116), has reinvented itself by collaborating with Fever-Tree, a benchmark in premium mixers. Nestled in the basement of the legendary pub, it immerses its visitors in an atmosphere inspired by the Orient Express, fusing India and England. This reopening is accompanied by a refined ‘Highball’ cocktail menu: Mediterranean Gin Tonic, thus based on gin, the Dark & Stormy, based on Plantation Original Dark rum, the Paloma with tequila...
Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris
In one of the most prestigious Parisian palaces, the Ritz bar (15 place Vendôme) is an integral part of its reputation. Leather armchairs, posters, photos of Ernest Hemingway... For this venue, which is celebrating its centenary, head bartender Romain de Courcy has created a new cocktail for the end of the year 2024, the Or bleu (vodka, rosemary, delicate notes of bergamot), which will complement the venue's classics: the Dry Martini and the Serendipity, a cocktail invented here.
Harry's Bar Paris
How could we not mention the oldest cocktail bar in Europe (5 rue Daunou 75002), which once again came into the spotlight during the recent American elections by organizing the straw vote, a mock ballot instituted during each of these elections, while celebrating its centenary. It is responsible for great classics such as the Bloody Mary, the Side Car, the Blue Lagoon, the White Lady, etc. In line with its motto, ‘traditionally inventive’, Harry's Bar perpetuates this expertise and continues to invent cocktails. Its menu includes 400 of them.
Bar of the Hotel Le Belmont in Paris
Laurent Greco, who recently published his first book, 110 Exceptional Cocktail Recipes (Le Cherche Midi), with and without alcohol, after more than thirty years in the world of cocktails in the United States, Singapore and other capitals, is the new head barman. His Classic but Trendy - Old Fashioned: a revisited version with Bulleit Rye, a touch of bitters, a hint of sugar, is a must-try.
Lordy's Paris Club at the Sofitel Paris Baltimore
Like a golf or polo club, or at any rate a chic bar for chic sports, the bar of the Lordy's Paris Club, or LPC, in the Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel (1 rue Léo Delibes, 75016 Paris), welcomes you to its horseshoe-shaped counter. Will you try the Rosy Whisky Bliss: Bellevoye, Double Cask 12 years, Italicus, rose liqueur, Jacoulot (cream and Burgundy liqueur), lime?
Bar 8 at the Mandarin Oriental Paris
The name of this luxury hotel's bar, ‘8’, was chosen because it evokes luck, prosperity and infinity. Quite a programme! It unveils a new concept inspired by the Italian Aperitivo: the Paris-Tivo, a menu of three cocktails based on Italicus (Italian liqueur made from flowers and spices with citrus notes infused in alcohol). Each of these cocktails is accompanied by three apetisers: mini truffle croque-monsieur, chicken and curry cromesquis and an avocado and prawn brioche roll with cocktail sauce.
Bar 1802 at the Hotel Monte Cristo Paris
The biggest rum bar in France! Run by a new duo, Donovan Chouari and Paul-Antoine Herbet, their menu is organized around 12 ‘materials to taste’: porcelain, ceramics, wood, terracotta, bamboo, coconut, leather, glass, plastic, wicker, plant, metal. Each creation uses the finest spirits made from sugar cane, vintage, arranged, specific... A gourmet experience, the bar offers a tasting-discovery of three glasses of rum, accompanied by a rum… baba, every day from 3pm to midnight (€40 for 2 people).
Bar of Saint James 5*
In her renovation project, decorator Laura Gonzalez has preserved the emblematic elements of the decor: wood panelling, cosy velvet and patinated leather. The ideal setting (reserved for hotel members and guests) to savor a cocktail shaken to perfection by the maestros of mixology of this exceptional Relais & Châteaux, such as Poire (pear juice + Armagnac + vanilla) or Amande, made with Jamaican dark rum infused with orange.
