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Oxford conjures up an image of grand colleges, winding cobblestone alleyways, students in gowns and cozy, centuries-old pubs. Now don’t get me wrong, as a visitor to Oxford you’ll be able to experience all of this magic. But when it comes to Oxford’s nightlife, there a whole other side to the city which is worth exploring.
After a few days in Oxford, it’s hard not to think of this charming city as a historic time capsule. But contemporary Oxford is continuously redefining itself – with new waves of students, artists and academics constantly passing through. These days Oxford is just as well-known for its multicultural restaurants, vintage record stores and vegan restaurants.
Within Oxford’s vibrant nightlife, you’ll find pubs, wine bars and, of course, world-class cocktail bars. I’m a big fan of the artistry which accompanies innovative cocktail curation. Oxford is a city which prides itself on being at the forefront of academic expertise, but I can confidently state that the cocktail frontiers are being pushed forward here too.
The Alchemist
A suave rooftop bar may seem very un-Oxford. Yet, at the top of the Westgate shopping centre is Oxford’s bougiest cocktail experience.
Only a few doors down from some of Oxford’s best bites, including the consistently excellent Sticks’n’Sushi, The Alchemist is the perfect end to a big day out in Oxford. With a large space and huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you’re usually able to get a table here (unless its a busy weekend).
To experience The Alchemist at its best, you’ll want to get started with one of their ‘pure theatre’ cocktails. There’s a reason The Alchemist features on our list of the best cocktail bars in Oxford, and you’re about to find out why.
Each cocktail is allocated a code, akin to the Periodic Table, and detailed instructions. For the ‘Flash AF‘ (Fa) you’ll receive a spiced rum mixture, mixed with strawberry marmalade and a fiery ginger form (which literally lights on fire). Other highlights include the ‘French Kiss‘ (Fk) which includes vodka, mixed berries, meringue, popping candy and ‘tongue’ (you’ll need to order it to find out more).
Love Jericho
With a name like that, what isn’t there to love about Love Jericho? This independent cocktail bar effortlessly blends the local neighborhood let’s-grab-a-drink vibe with a level of innovation and cocktail expertise which you expect from one of the best cocktail bars in Oxford.
Local tip: Love Jericho prides themselves on their Sunday through Thursday happy hour: 2 cocktails for £10, all night long.
Love Jericho’s menu covers all the great cocktail classics. You’ll find negronis, daiquiris and an excellent Old Fashioned. Despite Oxford not exactly being a tropical paradise, you’ll be able to enjoy margaritas and caipirinhas which will transport you to the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
The cocktail menu here is extensive and separated by category. I always find myself somewhere in the ‘creamy’ realm – with cocktails like an exquisite White Chocolate Martini (with a dash of Frangelico) and Strawberry Cheesecake.
However, the star of the show at Love Jericho’s is the ‘LJ’s – From the Heart’ – an expertly curated collection of unique cocktails. The Jericho Zombie is something of an Oxford classic, featuring numerous rums, Malibu, mango purée and various citruses. As the name suggests, a zombie indeed.
Lynrace
In my opinion, Lynrace is the best cocktail bar in Oxford. Set on Jericho’s trendy Walton Street, from the moment you walk into Lynrace you are overcome with the smells of mixology (or cinnamon, pink pepper and cardamom). A self-designated spirit and cocktail bar, Lynrace wouldn’t be out of place in East London or Hong Kong.
Lynrace has all your favorite cocktail classics, but, trust me, you want to get on board with their signature drinks.
My go-to favorite is the French West Coconut Daquiri. This unique cocktail combines a tangy pineapple rum with coconut essence (noix de coco if we’re feeling fancy), curacao, bitters and lime. I’m also a big fan of their Espresso Martini – which uses Milk Vodka (cool, right?) and cold brew coffee.
If you are planning on visiting over the weekend, make sure to reserve a table. Oxford tends to get busy on the weekends.
The Mad Hatter
Cowley Road is is famous for its multicultural eateries and homey pubs. But, in the heart of the action is one of the quirkiest cocktail bars in Oxford – the Mad Hatter.
Paying homage to one of Oxford’s most famous alumni – C.S. Lewis of Alice in Wonderland fame – murals and kitschy ornaments decorate the Mad Hatter. You’ll be asked a riddle as you enter, and the staff wear top hats. Beyond the decor, the cocktail menu includes the Queen of Hearts (vodka, pomegranate, raspberry and bitters) and Golden Afternoon (infused vodka, peach tea syrup and more).
If you’re visiting with a group of friends, I love their ‘sharers.’ You’ll receive a ‘tipsy teapot‘ of cocktails, which usually serves around 3-4 glasses. Beyond cocktails, the Mad Hatter also offers an Italian food menu, including pizza. This makes the Mad Hatter one of the few cocktail bars in Oxford to offer dinner and drinks.
On Saturdays, the Mad Hatter hosts ‘Songs and Scones,’ a unique afternoon tea arrangement which involves the classics (sandwiches, scones) served in their karaoke room. You can also book cocktail-making masterclasses directly through their website.
Beyond the best cocktail bars in Oxford
As you’d expect from a student town, Oxford has a strong drinking culture.
I’d be lying if I said cocktail bars were at the forefront of Oxford evening culture – no matter how excellent they are. If it’s your first time in Oxford, make sure you visit some of Oxford’s historic pubs (Turf Tavern, The Bear). Heading into the uber-cute Jericho, you’ll find a string of quirky pubs (Old Bookbinders, Gardener’s Arms), as well as the Oxford Wine Cafe.
Better yet, join this unique evening tour of Oxford’s pubs, where you’ll learn about the history which passed through their doors.
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