Scotland’s cocktail scene has been abuzz with excitement as bars old and new have been informed that they will have a place on the UK-wide Top 50 Cocktail Bars list for 2025, sponsored by Franklin & Sons.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars was launched in 2018 to showcase the best in the business, and now stands as a credible league table of cocktail excellence, voted for annually by an academy of industry experts.
While the official standings of who is where on 2025’s list will not be revealed until February 11, at a glittering event in London, Franklin & Sons has at least released the names of which bars will be on the list.
Amongst that esteemed assembly, Scotland is represented by eight popular mixology establishments – Edinburgh’s Bramble Bar & Lounge, Hey Palu, Nauticus, and Panda & Sons; Glasgow’s Daddy Marmalades, The Absent Ear and The Gate; and The American Bar at Gleneagles, Auchterarder.
New to the list, the Daddy Marmalades team declared themselves ‘absolutely delighted’ to make the cut.
“This was something that, not long ago, we thought we could only dream of,” they told their social media followers.
“Having your hopes and dreams come to life is the very best feeling and we really want to give a million thankyous to @50cocktailbars and everyone who voted for us, spoke kindly of us and came to visit us at Daddy’s.
“We’re two very very happy bartenders on Parnie Street…”
Hey Palu, which was on 2024’s list, simply said: “Santa came early – Team Palu is buzzing to be included in the 2025 @50cocktailbars list.”
The Absent Ear was delighted to be included for the fourth year running: “A huge thank you to all who voted for us and a massive well done to our pals at Daddy Marmalades and The Gate Glasgow for making it three bars for Glasgow yet again.”
For its part, The Gate – on the list for the second time – said it was ‘totally giddy from getting the news’: “The biggest shout-out to our freaking unreal wee team and everyone that’s been a part of our journey!
“Of course a massive congrats to all our pals and their teams that made the list – can’t wait to kick it with you and the wider cocktail bar community in February down in Landan.”
Asides from the Top 50, the same organisers announced the finalists of their national ‘Ones To Watch’ competition, sponsored by Tequila Herradura.
Two Scottish bars made it onto that shortlist – Bittersweet, in Leith, and The Raging Bull, in Edinburgh.
Bittersweet commented: “We are over the moon after the wonderful news we have been nominated by @50cocktailbars for one to watch 2025.
“Just being nominated means a lot to us, and we are super excited to head down to London in February. A massive thanks to our community and the team. This is just the beginning.”
