Hotsy Totsy
Hotsy Totsy offers a mysterious speakeasy atmosphere, transporting you to America during the Prohibition era – a feeling perfectly encapsulated by the basement venue. Behind the velvet curtains of their intimate private room, the Hudson bar, you can truly escape the everyday. At Hotsy Totsy, both classic and bespoke drinks are prepared with equal expertise. Their signature drink menu draws inspiration from 13 iconic American buildings, and you can learn about their history through the associated cocktails. The distinctive style of architectural blueprints from the 1920s and 30s is also reflected in their graphics
WLB tip: Metropolitan Museum of Art (HUF 4,860) – The museum hosts one of the most exciting fashion events, the annually organised MET Gala, whose theme last year was Garden of Time. This is reimagined in the form of a rum-based cocktail, made light and floral with a house-made berry mix and rose water, and rendered visually impressive and sweeter with white chocolate mascarpone foam.
More information here.
Elysian Budapest
Elysian Budapest is a cocktail bar that embodies the future, characterised by fermented ingredients, a zero-waste philosophy, and minimalist design. Sustainability is taken to a new level here, evident not only in their techniques but also in their cocktail ingredients, which are sourced almost exclusively from local small producers. The menu is structured into three distinct parts. The first highlights seasonal, local ingredients; the second features drinks crafted from ingredients prepared in previous seasons and aged for at least 3 months; and they also offer classic cocktails, which, with the exception of alcoholic beverages and spices, are made from local components. Their cocktails are soon to be showcased internationally, and Elysian frequently hosts foreign bartenders who share a similar philosophy.
WLB tip: Bloody Mary (HUF 4,690) – This cocktail recipe incorporates locally fermented shiitake mushroom, fermented hot chilli pepper, small-producer tomato juice, and other intriguing ingredients, resulting in a rich, umami flavour.
More information here.
Black Swan Lab
Black Swan Lab presents a captivating, exclusive atmosphere, revealing a golden and black Art Deco world behind its tinted glass door. This establishment prioritises high-quality ingredients, an environmentally conscious approach, and bar foods that complement the cocktails. Black Swan is a true laboratory, where you not only receive exceptional drinks but are also introduced to the intricacies of cocktail making and flavour pairings, making it ideal for those eager to delve into this specialised world. The programmes and the overall experience evoke the ambience of opulent Art Deco soirées – those lavish evenings where conversation, light-hearted chats, and refined tastes were paramount.
WLB tip: Invisible (HUF 4,890) – With its fresh and youthful presentation, this rum-based drink, in our opinion, calls to mind Jackson Pollock's paintings, distinguished by the unexpected and thrilling flavour fusion of cocoa, pandan, and wasabi.
More information here.
Múzsa
Múzsa, the elegant cocktail bar within Gresham Palace, combines an Art Nouveau setting with over a century of history to offer not just drinks, but meticulously crafted spectacles in a glass. They've adopted a rather fitting concept: each of their 9-element cocktail menu items evokes a muse and its corresponding art form. They've dedicated themselves to the detailed crafting of their drinks and have also invested in creative touches, such as commissioning a Greek graphic artist to design their mythology-themed menu. The menu features specialities tailored for seasoned cocktail enthusiasts, such as the slightly salty-finished Spark, which pays homage to the muse Erato. Most cocktails are available in non-alcoholic or alcoholic versions, with suggested spirit pairings.
WLB tip: Shadow (HUF 7,900) – Melpomene, the Muse of tragedy in Greek mythology, is given a truly dramatic entrance. It arrives in a beautifully shaped, heavy glass, accompanied by smoke. The drink is initially dominated by the smokiness of whiskey and sandalwood, followed by the fruity flavours of calvados and apples.
More information here.
Tuk Tuk Bar
At Tuk Tuk Bar, we were able to explore Asia's enchanting cocktail culture well ahead of the mainstream trend, and this region continues to be the primary inspiration for Tamás Markarian and his team. Within the dimly lit, elegant interior, alongside classic and bespoke cocktails, you'll find a signature menu inspired by the most significant Asian conquerors, from Attila the Hun to Sultan Saladin and Queen Zenobia of the Palmyrene Empire. The unique fine drinking menu further encourages exploration of Asian flavours, offering the Fine Drinking Menu, an arrangement of 5 cocktails and bar food pairings designed to enhance their respective flavours – a truly unique experience in Budapest, mirroring the structure of fine dining menus.
WLB tip: Queen Zenobia (HUF 5,500) – Named after the cunning and rebellious Queen of Palmyra, this cocktail's rose water and pistachio flavour profile, subtly enhanced with gin, evokes the taste of Dubai chocolates.
More information here.
The Duchess
Upon entering through the discreet side door of the beautifully restored Matild Palace, a luxurious scene unfolds, and the unique panorama gives the impression that the entire city lies at one's feet. The elegant bar is reminiscent of Archduchess Marie Clotilde, the palace's namesake, who facilitated the operation of the mysterious decadent movement within the building, bringing magnificent luxury and the complete enjoyment of life to the elite. The Duchess' current cocktail menu draws inspiration from the noble lady's summer travels, showcasing exotic regions and their distinctive spices and beverages through the flavours.
WLB tip: Electric Blossom (HUF 7,000) – Inspired by a Chilean and Peruvian journey, this cocktail is based on pisco, a Peruvian grape brandy. It is paired with Yellow Chartreuse liqueur, crafted according to a French monks' recipe, which adds anise, vanilla, and saffron sophistication to the drink. House-made yuzu and tamarind cordial evoke the region's fruits. Popping candy used as a decoration on the rim of the glass contributes a crackling cheerfulness to the flavour profile, and an edible Sichuan pepper flower adds a spicy flourish to the archduchess experience.
More information here.
Blue Fox The Bar
The cocktail bar situated on the lower level of the Kempinski Hotel is not a concealed speakeasy. It caters to those seeking a comfortable, intimate setting to unwind after a busy day, where good conversation flows over excellent drinks. Special themed weeks, focusing on unique beverages, add variety to the offerings, and the bar food selection is extensive, ranging from avocado cream to mini burgers. The signature cocktails are themed around the cycle of life and nature, with drinks inspired by specific seeds, floral, or fruity flavours. Naturally, classic cocktails are also available.
WLB tip: Foxstar Martini (HUF 5,100) – This vodka-based cocktail heralds the promise of summer and warmer days, enhanced by the refreshing notes of passion fruit and citrus. The prosecco foam adds a distinctive visual appeal to the drink.
More information here.
High Note SkyBar
In the Aria Hotel, situated in the vicinity of St Stephen's Basilica, music and art are central themes, a motif that extends to their rooftop bar, High Note SkyBar. The venue is exceptional not only for its breathtaking city views – offering a unique perspective of the basilica's architectural details – but also for its themed cocktail menu, which is updated semi-annually or annually, alongside classic drinks. They intend to rotate the signature drink menu's theme around different art forms periodically. The current theme is sculpture, organised around 9 well-known artworks, ranging from the Great Sphinx of Giza to Rodin's Thinker. The sculptures' origins are reflected in the special ingredients; for instance, the non-alcoholic Great Sphinx cocktail features hop syrup, evoking mead, a favoured drink of ancient Egypt. The cocktail menu is scheduled to change in April, and we can likely anticipate musical themes during the summer season.
WLB tip: The Lions of the Chain Bridge (HUF 5,900) – This drink, featuring cherry pálinka and cherry, complemented by subtle coffee flavour notes, is inspired by the 19th-century café culture.
More information here.
Boutiq'Bar
Boutiq'Bar, established 16 years ago, predates the widespread availability of even an Aperol Spritz in the city, and when mentioning a Negroni would elicit blank stares from most. They played a pivotal role in elevating cocktail drinking to a fusion of distinct flavours and visual artistry, establishing it as a premier gastronomic experience in Hungary. They continue to innovate, emphasising sustainability, and offer an extensive non-alcoholic drink selection. Over the past few years, they've developed approximately 3,000 recipes; this year's cocktail menu features selections from these creations, and they also collaborate with a different spirits producer each month.
WLB tip: If you like (HUF 4,450) – If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain, this reimagined old classic is for you! Boutiq'Bar's own secret spice blend enhances the harmonious blend of rum, coconut, and pineapple.
More information here.
(Cover photo: High Note SkyBar)
