Along with captivating history and rugged beauty, the Scottish capital is famous for its preponderance of places to drink. From cosy ancient inns to characterful local boozers, and world-class cocktail joints to suave hotel bars, Edinburgh has every occasion covered. Like the Festival and Fringe though, the sheer choice can be overwhelming without a local guide – so here’s our pick of the best places to raise a glass this summer. What’s more, all our choices serve new Rekorderlig Botanicals, so stop by to try one!
Lothian Road didn’t used to be the sort of area you’d recommend to an out-of-towner looking for nightlife, but that has changed in recent years with the arrivals of bars like Brewdog, the Hanging Bat and this quirky place, which feels like a neighbourhood pub in the middle of town.
Down towards the Parliament building, this rebranded old pub benefits from an off-the-beaten-track location, meaning it escapes much of the crowds in August. Snuggle into a cosy corner and order one of the famously enormous burgers – the Stinger comes with jalapeno sausage, coriander salsa and habanero sauce.
On buzzing George Street, this good-times bar and diner is open all day for budget-friendly bar bites and fun cocktails. The colour-soaked, recently refurbished interior takes on a candy theme, and provides a fun backdrop for DJ-driven dancing come evening.
Underbelly operates four cracking venues in Edinburgh over the Festival, including the original in the Cowgate and a big top in the Meadows and Bristo Square. However, the most famous is the Udderbelly, a giant purple upside-down cow offering plentiful opportunity for alfresco imbibing and eating.
Handy for major Festival venues like Summerhall and Queen’s Hall, this long-standing student fave does a good line in Scottish artisan gin and gourmet burgers – as well as being a great pub for a refreshing Rekorderlig Botanicals when the madness of the Festival all gets too much.
When we think of summer socialising, what comes to mind? Long, lazy afternoons, sunshine through the trees, more friends turning up than we knew we had? And in shorts weather, we turn to something perfectly cool and crisp to drink – Rekorderlig cider has long been a go-to for that, and now its newly launched Botanicals range has just set the standard for summertime refreshment. Made with pure spring water and innovative flavours, the selection includes Rhubarb-Lemon-Mint (best served over ice with a twist of lime and a mint sprig), subtly tangy Peach-Basil (pour it over ice, with a sprig of basil and a wedge of lemon), and citrussy, aromatic Grapefruit-Rosemary (the perfect serve is chilled, with a sprig of rosemary).