Summer is around the corner, which means that terrasse season is almost upon us. As the terrasses proliferate, so do their cocktail offerings. If you, like me, love cocktails, you'll find that this is both a blessing and a curse. The abundance of choice for great cocktail spots and the diverse menu bars offer can be intimidating. And, because cocktails tend to be pricey (when compared to a pint of beer), choosing the right cocktail can also be stressful. No one wants to pay $8-$12 for a drink they don't like. I've compiled a list of some of the best cocktails in Montreal, sorted by neighbourhood, so that you can find your new favourite drink at your local watering hole. Try any of these fail-safe drinks next time you're out with friends. READ ALSO: You Can Now Get Krispy Kreme Donut Burger Poutine In Montreal TL;DR Read on for a list of the best cocktails in Montreal, sorted by neighborhood Downtown Le Mal Nécéssaire's "Abacaxai Mai Tai" Where: 1106B blvd. St-Laurent, Montreal. What: This tropical-themed tikki bar serves surprisingly refined cocktails. They are best known for their giant, sweet drinks, served in pineapples or coconuts. The small bar has a super friendly staff, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations! View this post on Instagram Delicious and viscous A post shared by Le Mal Nécessaire (@lemalnecessaire) on Jan 23, 2019 at 3:39pm PST The Drink: The Abacaxai Mai Tai is a mix of Bacardi gold, Bacardi black, Cointreau, pineapple, Falernum, lemon, and Angostura bitters. The dizzying mix is served in a giant pineapple. Website Soubois' "Suicide Forest" Where: 1106 blvd. Maisonneuve O. What: This upscale restaurant/bar in downtown Montreal serves refined cocktails that match its polished interior. The atmosphere is inviting, the drinks are flowing, and the music is bumping. What more could you ask for? View this post on Instagram Shaken, not stirred. #SignatureCocktails A post shared by SOUBOIS (@soubois) on Mar 8, 2019 at 8:41am PST The Drink: The "suicide forest" is a mix of Belvedere, Southern Comfort, white pine sour, sea-buckthorn, lime, and soda. This interesting mix makes for a super refreshing cocktail. Website La Distillerie's "Madman" Where: 3 locations: one downtown, one in the Plateau, and one in Rosemont. What: La Distillerie is undeniably a cocktail go-to. Their menu is extensive and sorted by style, so you can decide whether you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more tropical. View this post on Instagram LA SAISON DES COCKTAILS A OFFICIELLEMENT DÉBUTÉE! Même si c'est à l'année longue chez nous... 😝 C'est @invasioncocktail jusqu'à dimanche dans nos 3 bars sur l'île de Montréal. Nous avons 8 concoctions à vous proposer avec des produits forts intéressants! Profite d'un rabais sur présentation de ton passeport gratuit que tu peux télécharger via www.invasioncocktail.com #invasioncocktail #justebon #distillerie #mtl #montreal #cocktail A post shared by La Distillerie Montréal (@distillerie) on May 16, 2018 at 7:55am PDT The drink: One of my personal favourites is the madman: orange, bourbon, cognac, spiced rhum, perychaud's, orange bitters, angostura bitters, and simple syrup served over ice. Strong and to-the-point! Website Warehouse's "Pink Lemonade" Where: 2 locations: one downtown and one in the Plateau. What: Warehouse is another classic cocktail spot. The best part is that their entire menu is only $5.99, so you can eat for cheap while you sip your drink (goodbye, hangover). View this post on Instagram ⚡️EL WAREHOUSE PINK LIMONADE⚡️c’est le retour de la limonade dbl du Warehouse en spécial à 11,50 tout le mois d’avril! Juste à temps pour le retour du beau temps! 🍋🍹🍋🍹 #bar #drinks #springtime #yesplease A post shared by Le Warehouse (@lewarehouse) on Apr 1, 2019 at 12:30pm PDT The drink: The Pink Lemonade is a cocktail for all those people who like sweet drinks: top the citrusy-sweet drink with a beer for an extra kick. Website Club Pelicano's "Frozen Paper Plane" Where: 1076 rue de Bleury #001. What: Located in the basement of a gorgeous building on Bleury, this speakeasy's unique pool-themed decor draws customers in, but they keep coming back for more because of the amazing, ever-changing cocktail menu. View this post on Instagram Frozen Paper Plane | whyskey rye, citron, contratto, amaro ✈️ A post shared by Club Pelicano (@clubpelicano) on May 16, 2018 at 5:01pm PDT The Drink: Try the frozen paper plane: a mix of whyskey rye, citron, contratto, amaro. It's even more delicious than it looks. Website Bar le Lab's "Scarface" Where: 279 rue Ste-Catherine E. What: This bar is located in the heart of Place-des-Arts. They have a wide selection of drinks to choose from, so there's definitely something for everyone. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to answer your questions. View this post on Instagram #NationalCocktailDay... Le genre de journée qui nous connaît! C'est pas le choix qui manque! Qu'est-ce qu'on vous sert? . . . #barlelab #barlelabplateau #plateau #plateaumtl #plateaumontreal #mtl #montreal #cocktail #labtenders #mixology #restomontreal #drinks #bartenders #barmaid #fun #cheers #bar A post shared by Bar Le LAB (@barlelab) on Mar 24, 2018 at 8:37am PDT The Drink: The Scarface is a nod to the classic film. The eclectic cocktail combines basil, aquafaba, orange bitters, saline solution Tiki syrup, lime, la grande Chartreuse's vegetal elixir, and a Cocalero herb liqueur. Website Gokudo's "Okame" Where: 630 rue Cathcart What: This Japanese-themed bar hidden in the heart of the city is perfect for dates and small gatherings. The intimate atmosphere and decadent drinks make it a place you'll want to visit again and again. View this post on Instagram Warm up with one of our infamous cocktails 🥃🔥 // Reservation recommended A post shared by Gokudo (@gokudo_mtl) on Nov 20, 2018 at 3:01pm PST The Drink: The Okame is a delicate mix of tequila, lychee liquor, orange blossom, honey syrup, and egg white. So good! Website Biiru's "Onsen" Where: 1433 rue City Councillors What: Biiru is a Japanese brewery in the heart of downtown. The small bar offers a great selection of beers and Japanese-inspired cocktails. It's a hidden gem in the Golden Square Mile. View this post on Instagram Tag your drinking buddies for tonight ! 🤪 A post shared by Brasserie Japonaise (@biiru_mtl) on Mar 12, 2019 at 8:53am PDT The Drink: The Onsen is an exciting mix of sparkling wine, shiso, green tea syrup, grapefruit, and passionfruit. Website Plateau Big In Japan's "Tokyo Mule" Where: 4175 blvd. St-Laurent Blvd What: This hidden bar on Saint Laurent offers a great selection of refined cocktails in an intimate atmosphere. The speakeasy is a great place for those who want to catch up or get to know each other over a drink in a smaller, quieter bar. View this post on Instagram Japanese drum show #suntory #whisky A post shared by Big in Japan Bar (@biginjapan_bar) on Nov 2, 2016 at 4:31pm PDT The Drink: The Tokyo Mule is a new take on the classic Moscow Mule: sake, ginger syrup, soda water, and mint. A must-try, especially in the summer. Website Bootlegger's "Negroni" Where: 3481 blvd. St-Laurent (2nd story) What: This bar is nostalgically decorated to ressemble a prohibition-era establishment with dark wood, an imposing bar, and a fireplace. Their drink menu is extensive and their bartenders knowledgeable: this is a good place to get a classic drink. View this post on Instagram What is your favourite cocktail? We have everything you want! Just ask it to your bartender 😉 . . . . #bootleggerlauthentique #cocktail #cocktails #montrealcocktail #bartender #mixology #aboutlastnight #bar #speakeasy #speakeasybar #speakeasymontreal #boulevardsaintlaurent A post shared by Cocktail - Whisky - Live Venue (@bootleggerlauthentique) on Nov 13, 2017 at 11:32am PST The Drink: A negroni is a classic cocktail, but all negronis are not made equal. This bar serves up the best negroni in the city, which combines gin, vermouth, and campari. Website Suwu's "East Side" Where: 3581 blvd. St-Laurent Blvd What: Suwu is a hip plateau bar known for its happy hour 2-for-1 specials. Decorated with hanging plants and candles, this bar also offers a solid menu and good music. View this post on Instagram Our East Side Cocktail 🥒@hendricksgin with Cucumber, Mint, Lime & Soda 🍃Happy Hour 5 til 7pm🍹Music by @helloeliemtl 🚫🧢 A post shared by suwumontreal (@suwumontreal) on Mar 27, 2019 at 1:21pm PDT The Drink: The East Side is a nod to the origins of the name's bar. The refreshing drink is made from gin, mint, lime, and soda. Perfect for summer nights on the terrasse! Website Le Fitzroy's "Selfitz" Where: 551 ave. Mont-Royal E. What: Le Fitzroy is a pool bar in the Mile End that turns into more of a club on weekends. The casual bar serves a good selection of beers, and they have some really fun cocktails. View this post on Instagram Le Fitz sait comment célébrer 😏 Viens nous rejoindre, La soirée s'annonce festive 🎉 . . . . . . #fitzroy #fitz #fitzroymtl #5a7 #happyhour #montreal #mtl #plateau #montroyal #nightlife #mtlmoments #night #bars #sportsbar #friday #vendredi #friyay #cocktails #cocktail #craftcocktails #cocktailoclock #mixology #drinks #drink #cocktailbar #drinkup #thirsty #mixologist #cocktailhour A post shared by Le Fitzroy (@fitzroymtl) on Mar 8, 2019 at 1:47pm PST The Drink: The Selfitz is a springy cocktail that mixes Belvedere, St-Germain, Fitzsour, soda, lemon, and fresh mint. Website Candi Bar's Alcoholic Slushies Where: 1148 ave. Mont-Royal E What: Calling all my peeps with a sweet tooth: Candi Bar makes colourful and creative cocktails that will remind you of your favourite childhood treats. View this post on Instagram Les Mercredis c'est GAME NIGHT au Candi 🎲 On fournit vos jeux de société préférés: Scrabble, Battle Ship, Sorry, Yahtzee, Connect4, Chess... you name it we got it 👏🏻 Et c'est pas tout! Nos Slushs alcoolisées sont seulement 10$ ce soir 😍 A post shared by CandiBar 👄🍭 (@candibarmtl) on Dec 19, 2018 at 5:10am PST The Drink: Candi Bar has ten delicious flavours of alcoholic slushies that you can try. On Wednesdays, their slushes are $10, which means that you can cool down on a hot summer day with an inexpensive drink. Website Old Port Clandestino's "Smoked Mezcal Jalapeño Margarita" Where: 436 rue St-Francois Xavier St What: This hidden bar in the Old Port specialises in tequila and mezcal, and serves cocktails made exclusively with either spirit. For the uninitiated: mezcal is a smoky-tasting spirit made from agave. View this post on Instagram Smoked mezcal jalapeño margarita 🔥🌶🍹 @clandestino_mtl #clandestinomtl #clandestino #bar #speakeasy #underground #secret #tulum #vibes #cocktails #mezcal #tequila #mexcaleria #besosdetulum #mtl #mtlmoments #mtlblog #nightlife #goingout #montreal #wednesday #wednesdaynight A post shared by Clandestino MTL (@clandestino_mtl) on Mar 13, 2019 at 4:36am PDT The Drink: The bar creates all sorts of original drinks, like the smoked mezcal jalapeño margarita. Equal parts smoky, spicy, and sweet, it's the kind of drink that has to be tasted, not described. Website The Coldroom's "Matcha Made in Heaven" Where: ??? rue Saint-Vincent What: This speakeasy located in the Old Port may be hard to find: there is no specific address for a reason. However, once you make your way in, you will be glad you did. Their creative cocktail menu and atmosphere are worth every cent you might spend there. View this post on Instagram Step into our office #followtheduck A post shared by The Cold Room (@thecoldroommtl) on Mar 16, 2018 at 10:56am PDT The Drink: Matcha Made in Heaven is a seasonal drink that combines Hakutsuru sake, rinquinquin peach, pineapple, lime, matcha, and pecan bitters for an original drink you can't find anywhere else. Website Santos' "Winter Negroni" Where: 191 rue Saint-Paul O. What: Santos is an Old Port classic for a reason: go for dinner and drinks and stay for a dance later in the evening. The food is good, the music is good and the cocktails are excellent. Plus, they have Ladies' Night deals on Tuesdays... View this post on Instagram Take a sip into the wild side. A post shared by Santos (@santosmontreal) on Jan 24, 2019 at 11:27am PST The Drink: This delicious, warming cocktail is for those of you who aren't ready to say goodbye to winter just yet. This new twist on an old classic combines Bacardi rhum, Aperol, Pimms, and chocolate bitters. Website Philémon's "Big Grey" Where: 111 rue St-Paul O. What: This hole-in-the-wall bar is easy to overlook amongst the other, flashier bars in the area. However, step inside to discover a hip bar with a great selection of coktails, beers, and wines. On weekend nights, the place gets packed with people who are ready to dance. View this post on Instagram @lipton onion soup dip, home chips // phénix by geschickt @levindanslesvoiles // the wright space // territory - the blaze A post shared by Philémon Bar 🦄 (@philemonsocialclub) on Aug 18, 2018 at 11:30am PDT The Drink: Philémon's refreshing cocktail dubbed the "big grey" is composed of gin thuya, rosemary syrup, and fresh lemon. I'll take 3. Website La Champagnerie's "French Passion" Where: 343 rue St-Paul E. What: La Champagnerie is an upscale bar in the Old Port with an extensive champagne list. It's a great place to go with your friends if you're celebrating something big. Of course, La Champagnerie specialises in bubbly cocktails, and you should definitely try one. @lachampagnerieembedded via The Drink: The French Passion is an exquisitely simple drink composed of gin, passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, and bubbles. Website Flyjin's "Stairway to Buddha" Where: 417 rue Saint-Pierre What: Flyjin is an upscale club in the Old Port. The brewery serves asian fusion food in the evening before the location transitions into a bar at night. They have a great selection of beers and sake, but also have an extensive cocktail list. View this post on Instagram STAIRWAY TO BUDDHA.🔥 Glenmorangie 10 years, Cointreau, signature passion fruit purée, burnt cinnamon. . . . . . . #flyjin #flyjinmtl #flyjinmontreal #nightclub #champagne #drinks #wine #dj #house #deephouse #worldhouse #finedining #nightlife #dinner #cocktails #cocktailbar #japanesefood #bar #club #montrealnightlife #mixology #montreal #oldmtl #vieuxmontreal #oldmontreal #night #mtlnightlife A post shared by Flyjin Montreal (@flyjinmtl) on Feb 20, 2019 at 9:01am PST The Drink: The Stairway to Buddha is a complex mix of Glenmorangie 10 years, Cointreau, passion fruit purée, and burnt cinnamon. Website Pointe-Saint-Charles Milky Way's Swan Where: 1886 rue Centre What: This tropical-themed bar has been the talk of the city since it opened early this year. The bar serves a variety of tropical drinks with beautiful presentations in a lively atmosphere. View this post on Instagram Swan #cocktails A post shared by Milky Way Cocktail Bar (@milkywaycocktails) on Jan 17, 2019 at 3:54pm PST The Drink: This punchy drink is served in a giant metal swan, and it makes for #instagramgoals. What more could you want? Website Mile End Le Royal's "Troski Le Sans Patrie" Where: 1232 ave. Mont-Royal E. What: Le Royal is the bar affiliated with the restaurant Le Rouge-Gorge, a critic's favourite in Montreal's Mile End. The upscale bar serves a variety of delciately balanced drinks in an elegant atmosphere, as well as a selection of champagnes. View this post on Instagram Notre audacieux "Troski le sans patrie" désaltérant et citroné il se compose de Cirka gin sauvage, rhum Plantation 3 stars, sirop d'agrumes et coup de grisou😍 ! A post shared by Le Royal (@leroyal_mtl) on Feb 12, 2019 at 5:54am PST The Drink: Troski le sans patrie is a mix of gin, rhum, citrus syrup, and coup de grisou beer. Website Villeray Hui Clos's "Cherry Fashioned" Where: 7659 rue St-Denis What: Huis Clos is an amazing bar in Villeray. They're well known for more than just their drinks: they have daily specials on oysters and some pretty fantastic fare for a bar. View this post on Instagram Au Huis Clos, on est entre nous. Pas besoin de jouer la comédie! 😌 . . . #huisclos #villeray #mtl #yul #mtlmoments #mtlbars #restobar #5a7 #happyhour #cocktails #drinkstagram #apartager #platter #food #delicious #foodie #foodstagram #foodandwine #charcuterie #oysters #huitres #goodvibesonly #montrealjetaime #humpday #mercredi #drinks #mtlfood #nightlife #mtlresto A post shared by Huis Clos (@huisclosvilleray) on Mar 27, 2019 at 1:45pm PDT The Drink: Classy food pairs well with a classic drink. Though oysters are delicious with a caesar, try it with a new take on an old fashioned. The Cherry Fashioned is made with Maker's Mark, red vermouth, cherry Schurb, angostura, and bitter Peychaud. Website South Shore (for those willing to venture a little further for a good drink) Mile Public House's "Moco Rico" Where: Quartier Dix30 (9190 blvd. Leduc #130, Brossard). What: Mile Public House first opened in the South Shore and currently also has a location on the North Shore. It offers fun cocktails and is well-known for its selection of mojitos. @milepublichouseembedded via The Drink: The Moco Rico is a fantastic mix of rhum, mint, citrus, rasperry puré, and soda. Website Get sipping Montreal! And feel free to make your own suggestions. It's 5 o'clock somewhere right?
