Top 5 bars in… Sofia

Historically a bullish beer market, cocktail culture in Bulgaria has yet to come of age. But with more and more innovative bars breaking through, Sofia at least looks likely to see a cocktail revolution of sorts, writes Kristiane Sherry and Haley Forest.

This is our selection of the top 5 bars in Sofia, Bulgaria

Traditions tend to run deep when it comes to drinking habits. Which is why recent Euromonitor figures tracking spirits consumption in Bulgaria make for surprising reading. Rakia, brandy and other local liqueurs are out – and as such, total spirits consumption is set to stagnate.

Being seen to be trendy is the next big thing in Sofia’s spirits scene. As with much of the region, consumers are looking West, and as such, sales of spirits and per capita consumption is set to stay at eight litres per person per year for 2015 (Euromonitor).

But it’s not all grim reading for spirits suppliers. The shift has partly come about because it is cocktail culture that is responsible for disrupting consumption habits. And big brands are noticing – both Diageo World Class and Absolut Invite held their own cocktail competitions in Sofia this year.

The largest concentration of innovative cocktail bars in the country can be found in the capital, Sofia. The Cocktail Bar does what it says on the tin, and it prides itself on the ability of its bartenders to create individual serves on demand. SB loves the way it approached its menu refresh over the summer. Sixteen new serves feature – think sorbets, spices including turmeric and saffron, and all kinds of fruits – and a ‘”taste map” helps customers navigate the wealth of flavour combinations on offer.

One More Bar is also an essential spot on the growing Sofia cocktail trail. With serves to take you from day to night and even a little terrace for alfresco imbibing, hospitality and service rank as highly here as the creatively curated cocktails on the menu.

For those heading beyond the capital and to the Black Sea coast, don’t miss Bulgarian Association of Bartenders (BAB) president Pencho Penchev’s very own Pench’s Bar out in Varna. Signature cocktails include the Cinnamon Devil, a Bulgarian Coffee – with added local brandy – and Blue Honest Eyes, but with the largest cocktail menu in the world, guests will be spoilt for choice.

With BAB driving training and education across the country, expect the rise of cocktail culture to continue. With representatives in Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Pleven, Plovdiv and Bansko, it’s not only Sofia that’s set to benefit from the increased interest in all things mixed. Get set for Bulgaria’s very own cocktail revolution.

Ahead of the IBA Congress & World Cocktail Championship in Sofia next week, we’ve compiled an list of the city’s best bars. Flick through the following pages to see which made the cut. 

ByTheWay

166 G.S.Rakovski St; www.bytheway.bg

Right in the centre of the city, this is an industry favourite with lots of dark wood, good eats and a solid foundation of house-made ingredients. They like to have fun here, so leave your pretension at the door and get involved.

The Happy Pig Food & Cocktails

17 Tsarigradsko shose Boulevard

When you want comfort food and drinks to feed your soul, this gastropub will sort you out. The quality of both the cocktail and food menu is top-notch, with everything created in-house by a super passionate team. There’s a great outdoors space for when the sun shines, but inside feels like home.

The Cocktail Bar

1 Bulgaria Blvd; www.facebook.com/The.Cocktail.Bar.Sofia

Armed with smokers, an arsenal of kit and plenty of booze, this pop-up-done-good is all about pushing boundaries. With lots of windows, mood lighting and a habit of throwing spectacular events, this bar shows that Sofia is ready for the big time with drinks that would feel at home in London, Paris or San Francisco.

One More Bar

12 Tsar Shishman St; www.facebook.com/OneMoreBar

Day, night, brunch, coffee, cocktails – these guys have you covered. With a parlour setting inside and even a little terrace for good weather, it’s all about hospitality here. Find it tucked away on a side street, hidden above Lavanda Restaurant.

Sputnik

17 Yanko Sakazov; www.facebook.com/CocktailBarSputnik

This restaurant and bar is all high ceiling grandeur and industrial ambience. With a serious nod to the socialist past of Sofia, you’ll find eons of Eastern European influences from their food to the culture, but only with the very best ingredients.