Six To Try: Brighton & Hove's Best Cocktail Hotspots
Back in August, 2026, Time Out named Brighton the UK's best city for nightlife. Overflowing with independent bars and pubs, buzzing with entertainment from drag bingo to vinyl DJs, and innovative wine and cocktail lists, it has plenty to shout about. Amid the constant noise of new openings across the seaside city, my pick of Brighton's best cocktail spots cuts the wheat from the chaff. From speakeasies to gastropubs, these venues have consistently delivered date nights and celebrations during my years in Brighton.
Voya
Voya refines the neighbourhood brasserie-and-bistro experience. A small venue with a big focus on hi-fi décor: simple wooden tables, geometric-print wallpaper, and pockets of shelved vinyl, with a record always spinning on the deck. A long table runs parallel to the large front windows, making it the perfect place for a spot of evening people-watching. Voya favours local suppliers and always emphasises quality over quantity, which shows in its cocktail choices. These include a small selection crafted with bold flavour and high-quality spirits. Think miso paired with brown butter-washed rum or sake-based Negronis. The bar staff here always cut their own ice and freeze the glasses, so if you want a genuinely freezing Vesper Martini, this is your spot.
The Golden Pineapple
A casual yet intimate experience for agave-based spirit lovers - or any spirit, for that matter. Brighton’s largest collection of tequila and mezcal dazzles on the back wall of this dimly lit bar, nestled away down a seaside lane away from the usual footfall route. The Golden Pineapple prides itself on good hospitality and atmosphere: an evening buzz of chatter and good music, never too loud for good conversation. The bar caters to many classic cocktail requests alongside creative specials, previously featuring a fig leaf liqueur-based paloma and raisin-infused velvet falernum. I personally adore their mezcal-based drinks, which achieve perfectly balanced smokiness every time.
Alphabet
Brighton’s worst-kept secret! A speakeasy-style bar meets a vibrant gig venue set in a renovated church. Mid-century furniture and alcoves sit alongside the modern glow of table lamps and a killer playlist. The ambience speaks for itself, but the cocktails make it even better - high-quality spirits, including a plethora of deliciously infused liqueurs which form the basis of more eccentric classic cocktails. My personal favourite is the spicy Tommy’s Margarita with chilli-infused tequila. Why not stand at the back of a gig holding a stylish Negroni rather than the usual lukewarm pint you get everywhere else?
Bar50ml
A splash of Emilia Romagna in central Brighton, serving Italian aperitivo come rain or shine. Bar50ml perfects cosy hospitality, elevated by its Regency era chandeliers, burnt-orange walls, and copper penny-top bar. The glowing wall of carefully selected spirits also makes for a carefully-curated cocktail menu. A previous standout is the Tiramisu Della Mara, a true dessert cocktail, which fuses tequila, coffee and oat cream, topped with shaved chocolate. I can promise you that classics and spritzes are the tip of the iceberg in this welcoming establishment. Oh, and the Negronis are pretty special too!
The Burnt Orange
A Brighton staple in the culinary world, also perfect as a late-night cocktail spot. Nothing brings me more joy than the soft post-dinner hum of the bar at the Burnt Orange, dutifully manned by skilled bartenders who can make anything your heart desires. Exposed brick, walnut furniture, and warm-toned lighting create a homely, loft-style vibe, elevated by chic glassware and dark grey accents. I come here when I want a perfectly crafted classic cocktail or feel the urge to indulge in a recommended speciality, such as a Lemon Verbena Gimlet or a Sticky Toffee Espresso Martini.
Clementine & Co
Offering the same quality as high-end venues such as the Victoria Bar & Lounge at the Grand, but with elevated approachability, Clementine & Co has a rustic yet chic interior; small enough for intimacy without the overwhelm. Dark wood furniture and tables form around the bar, so you can watch your drinks being made before your eyes. The bar carries one of the most generous cocktail menus in the city, but not so much that it feels trivial. If you feel overwhelmed by choice, opt for the bar’s cocktail of the week, which always donates a small amount of the proceeds to a local charity. This is a spot of pure enjoyment, with incredibly welcoming bartenders. You’ll feel right at home here.