The 100 best bars and pubs in London: the best cocktails in London

£8

Rum, lime, sugar

The range of rum is so astounding at Rum Kitchen that we suggest you sip on any of their riffs on the daiquiri - such as this stripped-back classic - to taste it to its full effect.

£8

Gin, Bird's custard, rhubarb syrup, lemon

If the setting of this bar - in a disused public lav - isn't playful enough for you, how about a sweet cocktail served in a retro custard tin?

£9.50

Campari, lemon, orange bitters, English marmalade

You'll need something sharp to wash down the hearty bar snacks at Hawksmoor, and this drink is perfectly balanced and up to the task, recommended for fans of a bitter tipple. The menu tells you this drink was created for drinking pre-11am for an energy boost – in truth, any time will do.

£12

Rum, mint, lime, bee pollen, green tea, champagne

They do the classics good and boozy at Nightjar. This drink will get you tipsy at a speed far pacier than the first class post par avion, thanks to rum and champagne. There's also a typical quirky Nightjar addition: bee pollen.   

£8.50

Gin, vermouth, own-made citrus aromatics

In a bar where the décor rules, we suggest you opt for this minimal martini and then drink in the surroundings. It's one of our faves in town since droplets of citrus aromatics are added from a cute tincture bottle at your table.  

£8

Mezcal, blood orange cordial, pineapple and citrus

A retro tiki bar that's actually cool? Pass us one of these Mexico-inspired drinks any day of the week for a smokey, citrusy treat.

£50

Gin, dry vermouth, Cointreu, botanical cordial, champagne, lemon sorbet

If you're living it up at the Beaufort Bar there really is no choice other than a champagne cocktail. Even better, there's a dollop of lemon sorbet floating in your fizz. Yes, there's the price tag, but we justify it to ourselves by saying it's a cocktail and dessert combined.

£10.50

Campari, sweet vermouth, club soda

It would be rude not to order an americano at the American Bar. This is our favourite, but any of the classics will be flying the star-spangled banner here.

£9

Rum, bourbon, spiced pineapple, cherry syrup, mint

A delicious tropical tipple that keeps us coming back for more. Typical of the bar, this julep's garnish is something to behold, too.

£15

Whisky, cherry wine, amaro averna liqueur, spice syrup, grapefruit, lemon

This Mayfair bar is meant to be the home of Phileas Fogg, so order a whisky cocktail for true British class. The Holy Scotch is strong, sweet and boozy.

£9

Tequila, distilled coffee, coffee oil, vanilla

They don't do things by the book at White Lyan, and the Bulletproof Martini just proves that a bold (and caffeinated) approach is best. Square Mile coffee oil is used to elevate this beyond your average espresso martini concoction.

£9.50

Gin, fig leaf syrup, lemon, soda

There's a subtle inventiveness about the drinks at this bar. See it in action in this refreshing long cocktail with a unique fig leaf twist.

£8

Gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, orange bitters, orange

This Bethnal Green bar has brought an often overlooked orange-flavoured cocktail classic back into the zeitgeist. The menu changes daily, so in the absence of the bar's namesake cocktail, order the Satan's Americano, Satan's Manhattan, or any other house twist on the classics. They're all devilishly good.

£8.50

Gin, yuzu, saké, lemon, grapefruit, sugar, soda

Innovative cocktails are the name of the game at Happiness Forgets, but bar staff never lead you astray thanks to a tight grasp of the cocktail fundamentals. This oriental option is a winner.

£8

Gin, sweet marsala, dry vermouth, almond bitters

It's either coffee or cocktails at Bar Termini, and if you're opting for the latter, we salute you. We also recommend the marsala martini as one of the best things we've drunk in the last few months.

£9.50

Greek yoghurt gin, kummel, lemon, cucumber, sumac honey

The play on words at Peg & Patriot is almost as good as the cocktails. Try this tipple to see what the bar is all about – crafting spirits in house and packaging them up with novel ingredients, like the tangy golden honey that gives this drink its name.