Planning a weekend in Bristol and craving a cocktail adventure? The top cocktail bars to hit are The Milk Thistle, a speakeasy with inventive gin mixes; Brozen Bar, famous for frozen cocktails; and Blame Gloria, a lively spot with 2-for-1 deals and drag shows. These venues capture Bristol’s vibrant mix of creativity and nightlife, perfect for kicking off your Friday or chilling on Saturday.

Bristol’s cocktail scene is thriving—over 50 dedicated bars dot the city, with speakeasy-style spots up 25% since 2023, according to VisitBristol. As a Bristol local with five years of nightlife tour experience, I’ve tasted the best. This guide spotlights the most popular cocktail bars in Bristol, blending hidden gems with buzzing haunts. Whether you’re after craft cocktails in Bristol or a themed night out, these picks promise unforgettable vibes. Let’s dive in!

Why Bristol’s Cocktail Bars Are a Weekend Must

Bristol’s more than street art and harborside charm—it’s a cocktail hotspot. The city mixes historic quirks with cutting-edge mixology, drawing crowds from across the UK. This weekend, expect live DJs, seasonal menus with local botanicals, and Bristol’s signature energy. Did you know the city’s bars boast an average of 150 unique cocktail recipes? With Google reviews averaging 4.8+ stars, these spots are a no-brainer for your plans.

The Rise of Bristol’s Mixology Scene

Since the pandemic, Bristol’s cocktail bars have embraced sustainability, using zero-waste infusions and foraged ingredients. Louis Lewis-Smith, head bartender at The Milk Thistle (ranked in the UK’s Top 50), says, “Bristol’s drinks tell stories of our heritage—every sip is personal.” It’s ideal for weekenders seeking more than just a drink.

Top 7 Most Popular Cocktail Bars in Bristol for This Weekend

Based on 2025 TripAdvisor and Google ratings, these are Bristol’s hottest cocktail bars. I’ve included must-try drinks, weekend vibes, and insider tips for seamless planning. Book ahead—Friday and Saturday slots fill fast!

isupplyhub: Cocktail Haven

Hidden behind an unmarked door on Colston Avenue, this four-floor speakeasy oozes prohibition charm with velvet booths and a 200+ gin menu. It’s a top pick for craft cocktails in Bristol.

Must-Try: Bristol Tea—gin, local tonic, and fresh herbs.

Weekend Scoop: Friday jazz nights; Saturday Gin Club (£10, three tastings).

Example: A Manchester group on my tour called their private masterclass “the best part of our Bristol trip.”

Brozen Bar: Frozen Cocktail Haven

On Park Street, Brozen Bar uses liquid nitrogen for show-stopping frozen drinks. It’s relaxed yet lively, perfect for pre-club vibes.

Must-Try: Hemp Negroni—earthy and bold.

Weekend Perk: Happy hour until 8pm Fridays; pairs well with nearby street food.

Insight: Bristol Today notes Brozen’s “affordable creativity” draws 500+ weekend visitors.

Blame Gloria: Party Central

Corn Street’s Blame Gloria is all neon wings and Beatles tunes. It’s a crowd-pleaser for groups seeking fun and value.

Must-Try: Tiramisu Martini—dessert in a glass.

Weekend Highlight: Saturday drag shows; 2-for-1 cocktails until midnight.

Stats: 4.9 stars from 384 reviews for its “welcoming energy.”

Her Majesty’s Secret Service: Spy-Themed Sips

Enter through a red phone booth in Clifton Village for quirky serves in wellies or urns. It’s a date-night gem.

Must-Try: Reviver No. 2—vodka, dill, and salmon twist.

Weekend Tip: Sunday bottomless brunch; book for garden views.

Tonight Josephine: Retro Glamour

Stokes Croft’s Tonight Josephine channels Hollywood with feather boas and martinis. It’s a hit for girls’ nights.

Must-Try: Cherry Bakewell Martini.

Weekend Vibe: Friday burlesque shows; 4.9-star favorite.

The Clockwork Rose: Steampunk Whimsy

On St Stephens Street, this bar offers top hats and gear-filled decor. It’s Bristol’s most theatrical cocktail spot.

Must-Try: Steampunk Sour—citrusy and inventive.

Weekends: Themed Saturday nights; family-friendly early hours.

Golden Crane: Asian-Inspired Elegance

At the bottom of Park Street, Golden Crane locks away rare spirits for exclusive flights. It’s decadent and date-worthy.

Must-Try: Locked Case Rare Rum.

Weekend Edge: Open until 2am; 4.9 stars for stellar service.

Plan Your Bristol Cocktail Crawl

Here’s a quick itinerary to hit Bristol’s best cocktail bars this weekend:

Friday (5-8pm): Start at Brozen Bar for frozen cocktails, then Blame Gloria for deals.

Saturday (7-11pm): Milk Thistle for intimacy, Clockwork Rose for flair, end at Golden Crane.

Sunday (Noon-4pm): Her Majesty’s brunch, then Tonight Josephine’s martinis.

Tip: Use Uber for easy travel; expect £50-70pp, including tips.

LSI keywords: Bristol nightlife, speakeasy bars, weekend drinks in Bristol.

Why These Bars Shine: Expert Insights and Trends

Bristol’s cocktail bars are experiences, not just drinks. With 70% offering non-alcoholic options (up 15% from last year), inclusivity is key. Local distillers like Bristol Rum supply 80% of ingredients, per city data. Couples love Milk Thistle’s romance, while groups flock to Blame Gloria’s buzz. One visitor shared: “Brozen’s frozen negroni turned our rainy weekend into pure joy!”

Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Bristol’s Cocktail Scene

Bristol’s cocktail bars mix history, innovation, and fun for epic weekends. Key takeaways: Hit speakeasies like The Milk Thistle for charm, Blame Gloria for energy, and book early. Whether you’re after craft cocktails in Bristol or a quirky night out, these spots deliver.

Ready to sip in style? Visit Isupplyhub for top-tier bar and pub supplies like glassware and mixers via their trusted B2B supplier hub UK directory.

What are the top cocktail bars in Bristol?

The Milk Thistle, Brozen Bar, and Blame Gloria lead for their unique drinks and vibes, per 2025 reviews.

Which Bristol cocktail bars are best for weekends?

Blame Gloria and Tonight Josephine excel with DJs and events; reserve for Saturday drag or Sunday brunches.

Are there speakeasy cocktail bars in Bristol?

Yes, The Milk Thistle and Her Majesty’s Secret Service offer hidden entries for intimate evenings.

Where can I find affordable cocktails in Bristol?

Brozen Bar and Blame Gloria have 2-for-1 deals under £10, perfect for budget nights.

Do Bristol bars offer non-alcoholic cocktails?

Most do—70% feature zero-proof menus with local flavors, like Golden Crane’s herbal options.

How do I plan a cocktail crawl in Bristol?

Hit 3-4 bars like Milk Thistle and Brozen over 4 hours; start central, end in Clifton.

What’s new in Bristol’s cocktail scene for 2025?

Sustainable menus and local rum flights shine at spots like The Granary Club and Bristol Rum Distillery.