You could say the Dutch invented gin. That’s because the Dutch (along with their similar-speaking neighbors, the Flemish) created juniper-flavored genever in the Middle Ages. It was originally intended for medicinal purposes (that it made you feel a bit tipsy was a bonus). By the 17th century, the British discovered it, called it “gin,” eventually mixed it with tonic, and the G&T was born.
This all just goes to show that the Dutch, particularly in Amsterdam, have a long history with spirits and cocktails. Today, Amsterdam is sprinkled with both traditional spirit-serving spots and newfangled cocktail bars stirring and shaking up craft cocktails that have been getting the attention of the international cocktailerati for a few years now.
If you’re in Amsterdam and thirsty for a spirit-laden concoction—with genever or something else—point yourself to one (or more) of what we consider to be the coolest cocktail bars in Amsterdam.
Labyrinth
An Afro-Caribbean-themed cocktail bar, Labyrinth is helmed by Cameroon-born Sam who has been shaking up excellent spirit-based libations at this bar near Vondelpark in south Amsterdam since 2016. If you want some food in your stomach to prolong a night of cocktail sipping, the bar also cooks up some excellent Jamaican-inspired fare.
Pulitzer’s Bar
One of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam is hidden in the stylish and central Pulitzer Hotel. A classic bar with its own entrance on Keizersgracht, Pulitzer’s Bar has a smattering of lounge-y chairs to get comfy in but the best spot is at one of the six leather-bound chairs at the bar where you can watch (and chat with) suspender-clad, bowtie-wearing bartenders who will be mixing up classic cocktails.
HPS
An acronym for Hiding in Plain Sight, HPS is a diminutive cocktail bar in Amsterdam with expert drink mixers behind the bar. Tell them, even in the vaguest terms, what flavor profile you like, and the bartenders will please your palate with a robust mixture of spirits and liquids. The name is a reference to the speakeasy vibe of the place: no sign in front, minimal website presence, all very hush hush. Since the space is so small, make a reservation before coming here.
Flying Dutchman Cocktails
No list of the cool cocktail bars in Amsterdam would be complete without the Flying Dutchman Cocktails. The first thing you might notice when you step into this local favorite is the enormous amount of bottles behind the bar. There are 800, to be exact, making it the largest stocked bar in the entire country. Friendly owners Timo and Tess serve up classic cocktails, often with contemporary twists. The award-winning bar, open every night until 4am, is smack in the center of the Amsterdam action.
Dutch Courage
The sister bar of Flying Dutchman—located near the main railway station—Dutch Courage trafficks solely in Dutch spirits. So, expect a lot of genever. In fact, the bar stocks over 150 brands of genever. You can even order a kopstootje—a beer and a glass of genever, a traditional combo that has been served in bars around Holland for generations. This is a great place to drink your way through Dutch history.
Door 74
Door 74 is not only one of the coolest cocktails bars in Amsterdam, but definitely one of the most mysterious. Around the corner from the Herengracht sits Door 74, a charming Art Deco-bedecked bar. That is, if you can find it. Ring the buzzer at the unmarked door—yes, that would be door number 74—and a gentle host will slowly swing open the door. Hopefully you’ve made a reservation. If so, you’ll be whisked to your seat, a menu will be placed in front of you, and the fun will begin.
The speakeasy-style bar is dark and moody—ideal for a romantic evening, sipping cutting-edge and unusual cocktails with someone you like having deep, intimate conversations with.
Want to enjoy more of Amsterdam’s best beverages? We recommend:
- Craft Beer in Amsterdam: Breweries & Bars From a Hop Lover
- Local’s Guide to Wine in Amsterdam: Wine Bars, Shops & More
- Cozy Cafés & Delicious Drinks: The Best Coffee in Amsterdam
- A Beginner’s Guide to Dutch Jenever (& Where to Try It)
The Tailor
Located in the city’s central Innenstadt near Dam Square, The Tailor shakes up some serious cocktails. With leather booths and plush leather stools at the bar, it’s easy to settle in here for the night of sipping classic cocktails in the dimly lit atmosphere. The bar is located inside the five-star Hotel Krasnapolsky.
Wynand Fockink
This centrally located spot is not your typical craft or hipster cocktail bar. Wynand Fockink has been around much longer than the word “hipster.” Since the 17th century, in fact, this diminutive space has been producing its own genever. You can buy a bottle to go or drink samples in the atmospheric tasting room. They also stock various other kinds and brands of genever, so you can taste the spectrum.
David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food & Wine, among other publications. He’s the author of three books, including “An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town,” which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley’s online homes here and here.