13 Best Cocktail Bars in Milan: Discover the City's Trendiest Spots for Drinks
Discover the best cocktail bars in Milan! From speakeasies to luxurious lounges, explore 13 must-visit spots for unique drinks and vibrant atmospheres.
Renowned globally as a hub for mixology, Milan’s cocktail bars have given the world iconic creations such as the Negroni Sbagliato and Campari-based cocktails that embody the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. From sophisticated lounges to hidden speakeasies, the city boasts a diverse range of venues where artistry and flavor come together.
Whether you're a fan of classic drinks or experimental concoctions, the best cocktail bars in Milan offer a perfect destination to savor some of the finest cocktails in the world.
The 13 Best Cocktail Bars in Milan
From secret speakeasies that transport you back to the 1920s to luxurious lounges with world-class mixology, Milan boasts a wide variety of cocktail bars that cater to every mood and occasion. Whether you're seeking a classic Negroni, an innovative molecular drink, or a vibrant aperitivo experience, the city delivers with its unique blend of tradition and creativity.
Here are 13 of the best cocktail bars in Milan that promise unforgettable flavors and atmospheres.
1. Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest is a legendary name in Milan’s cocktail scene, celebrated for its groundbreaking molecular mixology and global inspirations. This bar has earned its spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list multiple times, thanks to its inventive drinks and unique ambiance.
Signature creations like "One Drink With Balls", featuring bourbon and spherified fruit, and the "Molecular Infuse", a champagne-based cocktail with flavored molecular spheres, showcase the bar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mixology.
Since Nottingham Forest does not take reservations, it’s best to visit early in the evening or late at night to avoid long lines.
- Address: Viale Piave, 1, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.nottingham-forest.com
- Price Range: €€€
2. Camparino in Galleria
Camparino in Galleria is a cornerstone of Milan’s aperitivo culture and a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. Located in the historic and elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this iconic bar has been serving Milanese locals and visitors since 1915. Its timeless charm lies in its ability to blend tradition with sophistication, making it a quintessential spot to experience Italy's renowned aperitivo ritual.
The bar’s signature drink, the Campari Seltz, epitomizes simplicity and elegance, crafted with one part Campari and three parts seltzer. With its light, bitter notes, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy alongside the lively social atmosphere.
Guests can choose to stand at the bar for a quick drink or settle in to admire the marble floors, mosaic walls, and views of the Duomo.
- Address: P.za del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.camparino.com
- Price Range: €€
3. Mag Café
Mag Café is a relaxed and charming cocktail bar located along the picturesque Navigli canals, making it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors. With its eclectic decor and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a unique mixology experience. The bar’s philosophy, “Drink better, not more”, is reflected in its carefully crafted drinks menu.
What sets Mag Café apart is its fusion cocktails inspired by playing cards, offering a creative twist on classic recipes. Each drink combines premium ingredients with imaginative presentation, ensuring every visit feels special.
- Address: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- Price Range: €€
4. Iter
Iter is a cocktail bar like no other, with a concept that takes you on a journey around the world. Known for its rotating menu inspired by global destinations, Iter reimagines classic cocktails using ingredients and flavors unique to each featured country. The bar’s slogan, “From Italy to the world”, captures its adventurous spirit and ever-changing approach to mixology.
During a visit, you might encounter a menu themed around Norway, Japan, or another intriguing locale. One standout drink is the Mjollnir, a Norwegian-inspired Negroni served with custom-stamped ice bearing the bar's logo.
- Address: Via Mario Fusetti, 1, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- Price Range: €€
5. White Rabbit Speakeasy
White Rabbit Speakeasy is a hidden gem in Milan’s cocktail scene, offering a unique and immersive experience from the very start. To gain entry, you’ll need to solve a riddle sent via email when you make a reservation—an intriguing nod to the exclusivity of 1920s Prohibition-era speakeasies. Once inside, you’ll find a dimly lit, cozy lounge that perfectly captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties.
The bar’s decor, with vintage furniture and jazz-era accents, creates an intimate and nostalgic atmosphere. The cocktail menu features a mix of classic and innovative drinks, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Signature cocktails like the Poggio Di Berceto, made with rye whiskey, Campari, and a unique Speck del Tirolo fat wash, highlight the bar’s creativity and flair.
- Address: Via Garigliano, 4, 20159 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.whiterabbitmilano.it
- Price Range: €€€
6. Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano
Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano brings the elegance and sophistication of a London lounge to the heart of Milan. This upscale bar is known for its luxurious ambiance, featuring plush leather furniture, teal velvet accents, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for an intimate evening or a special occasion. The bar’s extensive collection of premium spirits ensures every drink is crafted with exceptional quality.
One standout creation is the Moulin Rouge, a bold and flavorful cocktail made with mezcal, Campari, Calvados, tonka bean, Angostura bitters and black pepper essence.
- Address: Via Panfilo Castaldi, 25, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.kilburncocktailbarmilano.it/
- Price Range: €€€
7. Drinc. Cocktail & Conversation
Drinc. Cocktail & Conversation is a chic yet welcoming bar in Milan, known for its inventive drinks with a distinctly Italian flair. The bar combines creativity with tradition, offering a rotating menu of seasonal cocktails that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold flavor combinations.
One of its standout creations is the Gingerone Negroni, a delicate twist on the classic Negroni with floral and vanilla notes, enhanced by ginger and lavender bitters.
- Address: Via Plinio, 32, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.bydrinc.com
- Price Range: €€
8. Monkey Cocktail Bar
Monkey Cocktail Bar stands out in Milan’s cocktail scene for its casual, hip-hop-inspired vibes, offering a refreshing alternative to the city’s more upscale bars. With a lively and unpretentious atmosphere, this bar is a great spot to unwind and enjoy expertly crafted drinks without the frills.
Specializing in tropical cocktails, Monkey Cocktail Bar delivers bold and vibrant flavors. One must-try is the Jungle Fizz, a refreshing blend of vodka, homemade sweet and sour mix, fresh pineapple, mint and soda water. It’s the perfect drink to cool off and relax after a day exploring the city.
- Address: Via Napo Torriani, 5, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.monkeycocktailbar.it
- Price Range: €€
9. Rita & Cocktails
A staple of Milan’s Navigli district since 2002, Rita & Cocktails is a beloved institution that continues to impress with its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to quality. Known for its welcoming vibe and expertly crafted drinks, this bar has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of modern Milanese mixology.
The bar’s signature cocktail, the GinZen, is a fresh and spicy creation made with crushed ginger, lime, gin, and a touch of soda. This refreshing and vibrant drink perfectly captures the bar’s philosophy of simplicity and balance. Alongside its innovative cocktail list, Rita & Cocktails offers a selection of delicious aperitivo bites, making it an ideal spot to start your evening in Navigli.
- Address: Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.ritacocktails.com
- Price Range: €€
10. Bar Basso
Bar Basso is one of Milan’s most iconic cocktail bars, renowned for its rich history and its legendary contribution to mixology: the invention of the Negroni Sbagliato. This accidental twist on the classic Negroni, created in the 1970s, replaces gin with sparkling prosecco, resulting in a lighter, more effervescent cocktail that has since become a worldwide favorite.
The bar’s vintage charm, with its retro decor and warm ambiance, makes it a popular destination for locals and travelers alike.
- Address: Via Plinio, 39, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.barbasso.com
- Price Range: €€
11. 1930 Speakeasy
1930 Speakeasy is Milan’s most elusive cocktail bar, shrouded in mystery and exclusivity. As the brainchild of the team behind Mag Café, this secretive spot is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. True to the spirit of Prohibition-era speakeasies, the bar’s location is kept under wraps and access is by invitation only, making it a coveted experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
Once inside, you’ll find a dimly lit, intimate setting that feels like a journey back in time. The bar is known for its sophisticated cocktails, crafted with precision and innovation using premium ingredients and creative techniques.
- Address: Secret Location (invitation required)
- Price Range: €€€€
12. Mandarin Garden
Nestled within the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel, Mandarin Garden offers an elegant and sophisticated setting for an exceptional cocktail experience. The lush interiors and serene garden courtyard create a tranquil atmosphere that transports guests away from the hustle of the city, making it a perfect retreat for refined evenings.
The bar is renowned for its "Around the World" themed cocktails, which draw inspiration from global destinations. Each drink is a meticulously crafted journey, blending premium ingredients with creative techniques to deliver a unique flavor profile.
- Address: Via Andegari, 9, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/it/milan/la-scala/dine/mandarin-garden
- Price Range: €€€€
13. Tripstillery
Tripstillery is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar in Milan that seamlessly blends the art of mixology with the science of distilling. This innovative venue allows guests to not only enjoy exceptional cocktails but also experience the unique opportunity to create their own spirits. Equipped with a miniature distillery, Tripstillery invites you to dive into the world of spirit-making under the guidance of expert bartenders.
The bar’s cocktail menu features a mix of classic favorites and signature blends, crafted with the highest quality, artisan-sourced ingredients.
- Address: Piazza Alvar Aalto, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
- Price Range: €€€
Milan's Cocktail Culture and Tips for Visiting Bars
Milan's cocktail culture is deeply intertwined with the city's vibrant lifestyle and rich traditions. At the heart of this is the aperitivo, a cherished ritual that combines light, flavorful drinks with small bites, serving as a prelude to dinner and a social gathering all-in-one. This tradition reflects Milanese elegance and hospitality, making it an integral part of the city's nightlife.
When planning your visit to Milan's cocktail bars, timing is key. Early evenings, particularly during aperitivo hours (around 6-8 PM), are ideal for a relaxed start to the night, while late nights (after 10 PM) often bring a more lively and energetic crowd. To explore more, check out Experience Milan by Night: Top Attractions, Bars, and Nightlife Spots for a comprehensive guide to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
For popular or exclusive venues like 1930 Speakeasy or White Rabbit Speakeasy, it’s essential to plan ahead. Bars like these may require reservations or invitations, so reaching out in advance is crucial.
Additionally, arriving early to high-demand spots such as Nottingham Forest can help you avoid long lines, as many bars do not take reservations.
Conclusion
From historic bars that pioneered iconic drinks like the Negroni Sbagliato to modern venues redefining cocktail creativity, Milan offers an unparalleled experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers. The city’s vibrant bar culture, deeply rooted in its aperitivo traditions, makes it a global hub for exceptional cocktails.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this dynamic mixology scene. Plan your visit, explore these incredible spots and raise a glass to the Milanese passion for extraordinary cocktails! Cheers! 🍸
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