An insider's guide to the 10 best places for an excellent cocktail on the Maltese islands.
1. Cafe Society, Valletta
Not only is this "wrong place for the right people" one of Valletta's most interesting waterholes, but it also offers genuinely good craft cocktails. You're not going to find false preserves in these drinks - the legit flavour is brought in by fresh aromatic herbs and fruits.
2. The Black Sheep, Gzira
Here you'll find a relaxed lofty atmosphere with flattering and cosy lighting, great for a date or with friends. There's often live music too, which just betters the mood. The staff are friendly and give you the feeling that they genuinely enjoy being there. They also get super excited when you order a cocktail. Hard to go wrong when so much love is put into it.
3. The Thirsty Barber, St Julian's
Cocktails are taken seriously by the team of experienced mixologists at Malta's first ever prohibition-style bar. To stay in keeping with the fun theme, the bar menu includes a variety of Prohibition-era cocktails, martinis and champagne cocktails, some of which are also to share. It's also worth noting that the bar’s signature cocktail also happens to be the most expensive on the island.
4. Piutrentanove Lounge Bar, Gozo
Set directly across the seafront in Marsalforn in Gozo, Piùtrentanove is perfect for after-work or pre-dinner cocktails, small groups, large parties, or dancing the night away. Oh, and according to the Lonely Planet Guide, this is THE place in Gozo to pick up a skilfully blended cocktail.
5. Charles Grech Café & Cocktail Bar, Valletta
The belle époque style décor and warm ambience of quality all hit you when entering Charles Grech in Valletta. Sit outside with a cocktail, snack on bar bites, and watch the people on busy Republic Street bustle by.
6. Hugo's Lounge, St Julian's
Here, you'll find music mixed by resident and international guest DJs and an uplifting 'all in one concept’ atmosphere for those looking to hang out and party into the late hours. The lounge offers an extensive Pan-Asian menu, while there's a focus on using fine spirits and ingredients in the cocktails.
7. The Villa Cocktail & Lounge Bar, Balluta Bay
Set up in a luxurious surrounding overlooking the lovely Balluta Bay, The Villa hosts an exclusive Johnnie Walker Bar and Lounge on the terrace. Beyond signature cocktails, they offer a range of specially hosted whiskies and classic wines.
8. TwentyTwo, St Julian's
They take their cocktails seriously at this club on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower. With a view that's second to none and the overall opulence of the space, beautiful cocktails are a must here. It gets going late and stays open until the wee hours of the morning, so you might want to plan to have dinner first.
9. Bar Native, Paceville
Apart from offering recommendable cocktails, Bar Native plays Latino music in different areas of the bar, inclusive of salsa in their unique Salsa Bar at the back. As the night goes on, the atmosphere warms up and the place becomes packed with patrons from all over the world - particularly Latinos.
10. Madliena Lodge Lounge Bar
Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking a breath-taking sea view lies Madliena Lodge, located in a prestigious residential part of the island, approximately 3km away from St Julian's. The lounge bar covers both indoors and outdoors, and is situated next to the award-winning restaurant, which offers an ever-changing seasonal menu.