Shanghai’s Top Places to Try Craft Cocktails

Shanghai’s nightlife is as dynamic as its skyline, and for cocktail enthusiasts, the city offers an impressive array of bars where mixology is treated as an art form. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges with breathtaking views, here’s your guide to the best spots in Shanghai for craft cocktails.

The Hidden Gems: Speakeasies & Secret Bars

Speak Low

Tucked behind a faux bookshelf in a bartending supply store, Speak Low is a multi-level speakeasy that consistently ranks among the world’s best bars. Each floor offers a different vibe, from the lively ground level to the intimate top-floor lounge. Their signature Oaxaca Old Fashioned—a smoky mezcal twist on the classic—is a must-try.

The Odd Couple

A collaboration between two legendary bartenders, The Odd Couple blends creativity with playful presentation. The "Shanghai Vice" cocktail, featuring baijiu-infused pineapple and coconut, is a bold fusion of local flavors and modern mixology.

Rooftop Lounges with a View

Flair Rooftop

Perched atop the Ritz-Carlton Pudong, Flair Rooftop offers panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the Bund. Their "Jade Dragon"—a gin-based cocktail with jasmine tea and lychee—pairs perfectly with the glittering skyline.

Bar Rouge

A long-standing favorite, Bar Rouge combines high-energy vibes with expertly crafted drinks. The "Rouge Martini", infused with rose and lemongrass, is as glamorous as the venue itself.

Classic Cocktail Bars with a Twist

Union Trading Company

This cozy American-style bar is a haven for cocktail purists. Their "Peanut Butter & Jelly Old Fashioned" is a nostalgic yet sophisticated take on childhood flavors.

Sober Company

A three-in-one concept by the team behind Speak Low, Sober Company features a café, restaurant, and bar. The "Tipsy Pudding"—a boozy dessert cocktail—is the perfect nightcap.

Experimental Mixology

Epic

Helmed by one of China’s most celebrated bartenders, Epic is where tradition meets innovation. The "Tea & Tonic" reimagines a classic with oolong tea and house-made tonic.

The Cannery

A seafood restaurant by day and a cocktail hotspot by night, The Cannery serves playful drinks like the "Lobster Bloody Mary", garnished with an actual lobster claw.

Local Flavors in Craft Cocktails

Shake

Inspired by New York’s dive bars, Shake keeps things simple but bold. Their "Five-Spice Manhattan" incorporates Chinese spices for a uniquely Shanghainese twist.

The Nest

A sleek lounge with Nordic influences, The Nest crafts drinks like the "Smoked Pineapple Daiquiri", using locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a memorable night out, Shanghai’s craft cocktail scene delivers. Each bar tells a story through its drinks, making every sip an adventure.