Top 5 bars in… Copenhagen

Cheap rents and readily available licences in Denmark’s capital city are fuelling a vibrant independent bar scene in which each new venue bears its own unique stamp.

This is our selection of the top five bars to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s world-renowned kitchens are not the only source of creativity when it comes to ingredients – fervour for presentation and flavour also shapes the bartending sphere.

There are no hard-and-fast cocktail trends blossoming in Copenhagen, instead a propensity for passion prevails. There’s a saying that mixologists are the new chefs, and nowhere is this truer than in the Danish capital.

Bartender and founder of Stork Concepts, Soren Krogh, says the association between bars and restaurants is a “natural environment” for Copenhagen.

“Every bar here has connections to restaurants in some way. Right now, restaurants are leaving Nordic dogma to explore a more global scene – like Latin American food and spirits – and the bars are following,” he says.

“Bartenders are turning towards world cuisine and more exotic ingredients, and bar owners are working with smaller, local distributors and importers for a more authentic atmosphere.”

However, as integral as it is for Scandinavian bartenders to be influenced and inspired by global trends, Krogh maintains that finding and exhibiting their own style is the ultimate goal.

“As a bartender you hear about new trends and innovations, get a little fanatical about them and take them to the extreme.

“This has been the case in both classic cocktail culture and contemporary cocktail culture, and it’s about finding a balance – more and more want to adopt the neighbourhood into their bar. They try to bring out their own style. Every bar that opens is a reflection of the person who opens it.”

While that sentiment is repeated in business models and bar menus across the globe, in Copenhagen it’s far easier to stick to your guns and create something authentic thanks to a budding startup industry.

Krogh explains: “It’s a lot easier to be independent here – you need a lot less money than in London or New York. Licences are still easy to find, locations are still cheap, and you can set up a bar very easily. You don’t need a lot to start with – just 10 bottles of booze and maybe €50,000 (£36,000).

“Rumour has it some bars pay less than €1,000 (£722) rent per month. You can do really good bars because of this.”

While new trends will come and go, for now Balderdash bartender, Brendan Boehning, expects agave spirits to be the next seasonal sensations in the city.

“Mezcal and Tequila are about to be the biggest trends in Copenhagen. One particular bar, Barking Dog, has a focus on them and this has hugely contributed to the trend. They’re perfect for fall and winter. Expect to see cocktails such as a White Negroni with Mezcal on the menu.”

Click through the next few pages to discover our pick of the top five best bars in Copenhagen.

Strøm

Expect to find period bottles, pipettes and elegant glassware in this 1930s Prohibition-themed cocktail bar by Swedish brothers Michael and Andreas Nilsson – formerly of Milk & Honey in London and Salon 39, K-Bar and Brass Monkey in Copenhagen. “Strøm” means power in Danish and is a name truly fitting with the bar’s Art Deco interior, often associated with the aristocratic elite during the ‘30s. Despite this, the atmosphere in the bar is welcoming and the cocktails are inspired. Perfectly executed gourmet cocktails without hauteur.

Barking Dog

If there is such a thing as a “cocktail pub”, then Barking Dog is it. Service is prompt – particularly if you order The Negroni, which is served from a large barrel. Black and white checkered floors juxtaposed with bold red couches and barside stools offer a nostalgic, playful yet intimate vibe.

Ruby

Tucked away behind an unmarked door by the canal, Ruby is a true delight combining passionate, knowledgeable staff, seamless service and a versatile menu. A luxurious yet low-key speakeasy for lovers of beautifully crafted drinks, Ruby lives up to its name as Copenhagen’s most precious gem. Descend the darkened staircase for a jaw-dropping surprise in the basement.

Balderdash

A vision of American cocktail veteran Geoffrey Canilao come to life, Balderdash is a slice of history with a modern atmosphere, where local artists’ works adorn the walls and bartenders’ liquid art adorns your glass. The Danish furniture-clad bar prides itself on a forward-thinking approach to American cocktail classics, and has its very own “cocktail laboratory” connected to the kitchen, where many of the ingredients are created.

Duck and Cover

Stylish and sleek, if there’s an ideal spot to live out any Don Draper (of Mad Men) fantasies then Duck and Cover is it. Rosewood walls, low lighting and a library of cocktail books set the scene, and a seriously sophisticated menu rounds off the experience.