“Modern Swedish bars are identity-driven spaces where craftsmanship, sustainability, and social storytelling converge.”
— Erik Holm, Swedish Journal of Cultural Hospitality
Many people don’t think of Sweden as a top destination for food and drinks. Besides Swedish meatballs, what else does the country have to offer? I used to think the same way. However, after spending a week in Stockholm, I can confidently say that Sweden boasts some of the best produce in the world. This fresh, high-quality produce plays a huge role in crafting some of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted.
In this guide, I’ll share my experiences at some of the best cocktail bars in Stockholm. These bars are not only about great drinks—they are also about passion, creativity, and showcasing local ingredients.
1. A Bar Called Gemma: A Passionate Cocktail Haven
Cozy, Creative, and Local
A Bar Called Gemma stands out as one of my favorites in Stockholm. It’s the kind of place that feels like a true passion project, created by people who truly care about cocktails. Unlike bars backed by large investments and big teams, Gemma is different—it’s all about the care and creativity that goes into each drink.
A Bar Called Gemma
The bar focuses on zero waste, using local ingredients and flavors as much as possible. The cozy and relaxed atmosphere makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout, where every drink is crafted with lov e and expertise. Hidden behind a fake flower shop, Gemma is a must-visit for anyone looking for unique, delicious cocktails in Stockholm.
Signature Items at Gemma:
Morning Dew: Gemma Light Rum, Pisco Waqar, Peach Vermouth, Cloudberry, Milk Verjus.
Velvet Thunder: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Laird’s Jerst Lightning, Lustau PX, Fermented Chicha Morada, Citrus.
Golden Hour: Naked Malk Whiskey, Norbottens Destilleri Sun, Pickled Mango, Champagne Acid, Rose Hip Cream Soda.
Website: https://www.abarcalledgemma.se/
2. Lucy’s Bar: Velvet, Rye, and Lingonberries
A Cozy, Elegant Vibe
Lucy’s bar is the kind of place that feels like it could belong in a dream. Covered in velvet, the space feels dark and moody but still welcoming. The cocktails here are all about pairing two main ingredients, like Rye and apple or Scotch and coffee. They also feature classic Swedish flavors such as Lingonberry and Spruce, creating a perfect blend of elegance and creativity.
Lucy
Signature Items at Lucy:
Rye and Apple: Michter’s Rye, Gloster Apple, Apple and Malt Vinegar.
Safforn and Barbarry: Bacardi 8 Rum, Telling Whiskey, Osterlen Safforn, Barbarry, Honey.
Cognac and Cherry: Pierre ferrand 1840 cognac, Cherry.
Marzipan and Cream: Nardini Mandorla Grappa, Choya Umeshu, Empirical Spitits Plum, Egg White, Arla Unika Cream.
Scotch And Coffee: Naked Scotch Whisky, Coffee, Condensed Milk.
Website: https://lucysstockholm.se/
3. Haktet: Bold Flavors and Unique Vibes
A Cocktail Experience Like No Other
Haktet is a cocktail bar with a twist. It’s set inside a former prison, and the atmosphere will keep you guessing. With phenomenal drinks, great vibes, and a talented staff, it’s everything you could want in a cocktail bar. The bar has a long history of creating unique and fun menus, proudly displayed as wall art. Some menus have been inspired by LEGO, Star Wars, lottery tickets, and even the color spectrum.
Haktet
When I visited, the menu was printed on a children’s puzzle. The drinks are as creative as the menu, with each drink matching a shape on the menu, both in glassware and flavor. It’s the kind of innovation that keeps you coming back for more.
Haktet
Signatute Items at Haktet
i) Ford’s Gin, Black and Red Currants, Milk Punsch.
ii) Takamaka, Snap Peas and Apple, Sour, Bubbly.
Website: https://haktet.se/
4. Paradiso: The Rum Lover’s Dream
A World-Class Rum Bar
Every city needs a great rum bar, and Stockholm has Paradiso. With a massive selection of rum from across the Caribbean, it’s a place for rum lovers to rejoice. Their cocktails are just as impressive.
Paradiso
I had the Miami Vice milk punch, and it was spectacular. Though I didn’t have enough time to stay longer, this bar is definitely worth a visit for anyone who enjoys great rum and expertly crafted cocktails.
Paradiso
Signature Items at Paradiso
Miami Vice Milk Punch: Angostura Reserve, Strawberry, Pineapple, Coconut, Lime, Salted Cream.
Website: https://www.paradisostockholm.se/
5. Roda Huset: Seasonal Drinks and Local Ingredients
Swedish Produce at Its Best
Sweden is known for producing exceptional crops, especially considering its location near the Arctic Circle. The focus is always on quality, with an emphasis on local farmers and hyper-seasonality. One bar that highlights this perfectly is Roda Huset.
Roda Huset
The menu at Roda Huset changes with the seasons, showcasing the best local ingredients like berries, apples, and carrots. The cocktails here might seem simple, but they’re full of depth, bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient. If you visit, don’t miss their seasonal hot drink—it’s the perfect combination of warm berries and cold cream, a drink that will make you smile and rethink your ideas about flavor.
Signature Item at Roda Huset:
SWEET VERNAL GRASS WITH GOOD CREAM: Good cream from Jylland flavored with vernal grass, Absolut Elyx, Galliano & Swedish green apples.
MEADOWSWEET & CHERRY: Carbonated cherries flavored with The plum, I suppose & meadowsweet.
HONEY: Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon flavored with fresh summer honey & apple cider vinegar.
CARBONATED RASPBERRIES FROM GOTLAND: Raspberry soda flavored with Jim Beam Rye.
ALMOST FROZEN WATERMELON: Almost frozen watermelon from Mia flavored with fermented chili & Woodford Reserve Rye.
Website: https://rodahuset.nu/
6. Brannerian: A Local Distillery Experience
Experimental Spirits and Local Flavors
Stockholm is home to many small-batch distilleries making high-quality spirits like gin, vodka, and aquavit. Brannerian is one of the best spots for a local distillery experience. Branneri is the distillery, and Brannerian is the bar, where they showcase experimental distillates in creative cocktails. They use local ingredients to highlight the best flavors of Sweden. If you’re a fan of unique spirits, Brannerian is not to be missed.
Branneri
Signature Items at Branneri:
STRAWBERRY & SORREL: Vodka, strawberry distillate* & rejects*, black currant acid från Sandberg Drinks Lab, Spriteriet rosé vermouth, black pepper oil, sorrel oil, cream oil.
GRAPES & BERRIES: Stockholms Akvavit, Stockholms Aperitif Röd, lingonberry acid from Sandberg Drinks Lab, & rescued pressings of grapes, raspberries and aronia berries from Årets Glögg 2023 production.
Website: https://www.brannerian.se/
7. Stjartilleriet: Where Humor Meets Bold Flavors
A Unique, Fun Cocktail Experience
Located in the basement of an artillery museum, Stjartilleriet is a cocktail bar with a sense of humor. The menu is filled with jokes about chlamydia and golden showers, but don’t let that distract you— the drinks here are seriously good. The bar mixes bold flavors, sustainable techniques, and Nordic themes with a lighthearted approach. It’s a place where you can enjoy great cocktails and have a laugh at the same time.
STJ Artillereit
Signature Items at Artillereit:
TÅRTA: cherry, Absolut Vodka cream, almond, bouque garni oil.
ORANGE YOU HAPPY WE DIDN’T TRASHE THESE PEELS??! Blackened Orange Peels, Absolut Vodka, Rhubarb.
Website: https://restaurangartilleriet.se/
8. Cadier Bar: Luxury Meets Modern Swedish Cocktails
A Fancy Hotel Bar with Seasonal Flavors
If you’ve ever seen a picture of the Stockholm skyline, you’ve probably noticed the Grand Hotel. It’s a symbol of luxury, and its bar, Cadier Bar, is just as impressive. The bar focuses on seasonality, using locally grown products to craft their cocktails. Their menu is an art piece showcasing the different regions of Sweden. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just visiting, Cadier Bar offers a uniquely Swedish experience.
Cadier Bar
Signature Items at Cadier Bar:
Apple Orchard: O.p. Anderson Aquavit, Aquavit Aged Calvados, Apple Skin Liqueur, More Apples.
Snowy Mountains: Eminente Rum, Cloudberry Wine, Moss.
West Coast: Belvedere Vodka, PunscII, Gooseberries, IPA Sorbet.
Apple Orchard
Website: https://grandhotel.se/mat-dryck/cadierbaren
9. Pharmarium: An Apothecary-Themed Cocktail Bar
Unusual Ingredients and Delicious Cocktails
Pharmarium is one of those exceptions to the rule that bars in the main town square are always tourist traps. This apothecary-themed bar offers an interesting drink menu with unusual and delicious ideas. It could have easily been just another touristy spot serving basic drinks, but instead, Pharmarium delivers something special with its creative cocktails.
Pharmarium-outside
Pharmarium -Interior
Signature Items at Pharmarium:
DARK CUISINE COCKTAIL: Fenjiu, Mrack, Spring Onion Tincture, Carbonated Cold Brew, Soy Cream.
IMAGINARIUM: Absolut Vodka, Amaro, Butterscotch, Citrus, Violet Pearls.
PASSIONATE FROM MILES AWAY: Alto Del Carmen Reservado, Cedarwood Barreled Rice Wine, Clarified Passionfruit, Vanilla, Champagne Acid, Chili & Sancho Oil.
10. Tjoget: The Iconic Stockholm Cocktail Bar
A Legacy of Excellence
Tjoget is often referred to as the godfather of Stockholm cocktail bars. Having been around for over a decade, it has helped start the careers of many bartenders and set the standard for other bars in the city. Combining a Mediterranean restaurant, beer cafe, and cocktail bar, Tjoget is a neighborhood gem. The drinks are iconic, with a menu full of amazing cocktails. It’s a place where high volume meets high quality, and its success shows no signs of slowing down.
Signature Items at Tjoget:
WATERMELON GARIBALDI: Campari, Pink Grapefruit, Peach, Watermelon, Salt.
ONASSIS: Ocho Blanco, Manzanilla Sherry, Conference Pear, Honey, Lime, Pistachio, Feta Whey.
CARRY ME HOME: Ocho Blanco, Yellow Chartreuse, Peach di Etna, Charred Bell Pepper, Lime, Chili.
BERRY BONDS: Naked Malt, Manzanilla Sherry, Fig Leaf, Red & Black Currants, Acidic Green Apple.
Website: https://tjoget.com/
11. Afterglow: A New Star in Stockholm’s Cocktail Scene
A New Passion Project
Afterglow is a newer bar in Stockholm, but it’s already making waves in the city’s cocktail scene. Everything about Afterglow matches my idea of a great bar—it’s all about the passion of the people behind it. The drinks are incredible, and the menu even includes full-page notes explaining the thought process behind each cocktail. It’s clear that the bartenders here care deeply about what they do.
Afterglow
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Bars In Stockholm?
Stockholm has many great bars. Some top choices include Pharmarium, Tjoget, and Tweed. Each offers unique drinks and ambiance.
Where Can I Find Craft Beer In Stockholm?
For craft beer, visit Omnipollos Hatt and Nya Carnegiebryggeriet. Both are renowned for their diverse and flavorful selections.
Which Stockholm Bar Has The Best Cocktails?
Pharmarium is famous for its creative cocktails. Their mixologists craft unique drinks inspired by historical recipes.
Are There Rooftop Bars In Stockholm?
Yes, Stockholm has rooftop bars like Tak and Södra Teatern. They offer stunning views alongside great drinks.
Conclusion
Stockholm’s cocktail bars offer something for everyone, from secret spots to well-known favorites. Whether you enjoy cocktails made with local ingredients, creative mixes, or simply want to relax with a well-made drink, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. The city’s bars are full of energy and passion, with each place offering a unique experience. Next time you’re in Stockholm, make sure to visit these incredible bars to enjoy a taste of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene and discover new flavors you won’t forget.
So, don’t miss out—head out and enjoy it for yourself. Cheers!
