The Best Cocktail Bars in Dubai: Night Life for Mixology Masters
- Date: 30 Jul 2023
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- Author: Caspian Fairweather
Dubai: A Mixologist’s Paradise
It's truly mind-boggling, the kind of revolution Dubai has seen in just a few decades, transforming from merely a desert outpost to one of the most dazzling destinations globally. Spurred on by incredible ambition, you'll find that it's not just the skyline that's reaching for the stars here, but also the remarkable obsession for quality and elegance that's manifested in the city's cocktail bar scene. It’s enough to make any connoisseur, like yours truly, brim with excitement!
If your idea of an excellent night out involves spirits shaken, stirred, and served with a side of suave, prepare to be led on a journey through the vibrant and inventive cocktail bars of this desert city. Whether you're a mixology master or just someone who appreciates a darn good drink, I promise you're not going to be disappointed.
The Art and Science of Mixology in Dubai
The mixology scene in Dubai is burgeoning every day, and you don’t have to take my word for it. It’s evident in the ever-growing tally of bars and mixology schools and the continuously evolving menu of concoctions they present. I have had the privilege of sampling drinks where the influences travel the globe, from tropical tiki traditions to the distinct notes of the orient, every cocktail was an adventure in a glass.
Armed with ingredients of every color, taste, and smell under the sun, and dubbing themselves mixologists rather than mere bartenders, you’ll find that the creators behind these cocktails are artists of the highest order. If you think I'm exaggerating, then my friends, you are in for a real treat. The time, effort, and creativity that go into these creations are remarkable, resulting in more than just a simple wind-down-after-work drink.
Experience Dubai’s High life: Sky-high Cocktail Bars
It's no secret that Dubai loves to build upwards. The city hosts a bevy of sky-high cocktail bars, proving that the world's tallest buildings offer more than just panoramic views. From sleek resorts to architectural marvels, a cocktail here tastes sweeter than anywhere else, especially when it's accompanied by 360-degree views of this bustling metropolis.
I remember my first time at a rooftop bar in Dubai. It was the Vault, located on the 71st and 72nd floors of the JW Marriott Marquis. I was initially attracted by the breathtaking view, but it was the sheer audacity of their cocktail menu that won me over. It was here that I experienced my first molecular cocktail, a contemporary twist on the classic Old Fashioned, made with apple wood smoke, bourbon, and homemade bitters. It felt like I was sipping from an ethereal cloud as the smoky fragrance wafted from the jar. Getting high on the views while savoring an expertly crafted drink, it's an unparalleled experience; one could argue it's the epitome of the high life.
Cocktails Afloat: Dubai’s Marina Mixology
So, we've covered sky-high bars, what about waterside ones? Fortunately, Dubai’s marina district provides just as intoxicating (no pun intended) a backdrop as its skyscrapers. With its gently bobbing yachts, modern high-rises, and the cerulean waters of the Persian Gulf, the Dubai Marina is a mixologist's dream and a sight to behold.
Not long ago, I discovered Barasti, a beach club known more for its vibrant party events. However, the cocktails here could rival any upper-crust establishment. After a quick swim in the pool and a chat with the friendly, expat crowd, I sat down with an icy Piña Colada. The mixologist shared his secret: adding a splash of Myers’s Dark Rum to the drink, setting it apart from a standard Piña Colada. These little splendid nuances are the mark of a true mixology master.
Cocktail Culture: From Gold Leaf Martinis to Bedouin-Inspired Concoctions
Getting down to the nitty-gritty, let's talk about the actual cocktails themselves. After all, what is a cocktail bar without its stars, the cocktails? Here, you'll find everything from classic standards to drinks that could be on a modern art gallery's walls. Dubai promises a unique mixology experience that's ever-evolving and continuously impressive.
I find it remarkable that cocktail culture in Dubai is heavily influenced by local traditions and flavors. For instance, the Gold Souk Martini at Gold On 27 in the iconic Burj Al Arab. This opulent drink is a blend of premium vodka, passion fruit, pineapple, and lime, garnished with an actual gold leaf. Or the Bedouin-inspired Fennec Fox at Breeze Beach Grill, a cocktail with strong Arabic roots featuring arak, fresh lime juice, and rose syrup.
Experience it for yourself and take your palate on a delightful journey. Dubai's cocktail bars celebrate creativity and ambiance in equal measures, and it's truly a scene that's bourgeoning under the ambition of the city's thriving nightlife. Join me on this journey as a mixology master, or simply bask in the incredible options this city has to offer. Either way, here's to good times and even better drinks!
