Drinks and cocktails in Paris
Paris’s cocktail renaissance started in 2007 and hasn’t slowed down since.
Drinks and cocktail experiences under $40
Discover craft cocktail tastings that fit a budget-friendly evening.
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Drinks and cocktail experiences for couples
Reserve an intimate speakeasy tour or a tasting session for two.
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Other popular drinks and cocktail experiences
Book the most-loved Parisian cocktail experiences.
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About drinks and cocktails in Paris
While France is best known for its wine and Champagne, its capital city’s place in cocktail history goes back more than a century. In the 1920s, bartender Fernand Petiot created the Bloody Mary at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Around the same time, Parisian hotel bars helped to popularize the Sidecar. In later decades, the city’s wine and Champagne culture kept mixed drinks in the background, until the Experimental Cocktail Club put Paris back in the spirits game. Its 2007 opening in the Montorgueil neighborhood launched a cocktail renaissance that has only continued to gain momentum. Today you’ll find speakeasy-style bars in Le Marais, French-spirits-only drink menus in the 10th arrondissement, and rooftop lounges with panoramic views. Mixology classes and guided tastings let you learn the craft yourself so you can recreate your favorite sips at home.
Top highlights for your visit
Apéro culture
Parisians start their evenings around 6:00 PM with an apéritif, such as a spritz, pastis, kir, or glass of Champagne. This unhurried ritual is a great way to ease into a night out.
French-spirit cocktails
Le Syndicat on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis crafts every drink from French-produced spirits like Calvados, Armagnac, and Marc de Bourgogne. You won’t often find these bottles at cocktail bars outside of France.
Speakeasy-style bars
Paris loves a hidden entrance. Candelaria sits behind a taqueria in Le Marais, and Little Red Door hides behind an unmarked entrance on Rue Charlot. Both have earned spots on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, published by William Reed.
Cocktail-making classes
Learn hands-on techniques from local bartenders, whether you’re shaking your first Sidecar or tasting your way through French spirits you can’t easily find at home.
Drinks and cocktails in Paris FAQs
What are the best cocktail bars in Paris?
You have plenty to choose from. Le Syndicat specializes in French-only spirits, Candelaria is known for craft agave cocktails behind a taqueria, and Little Red Door in Le Marais regularly appears on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. For a historic setting, it’s rumored the Ritz Bar is where the Sidecar was born.
When is the best time to visit Paris bars?
Weekday evenings are your best bet. Tuesday through Thursday nights tend to be quieter, with shorter waits and more attention from bartenders. Arrive during apéro hour, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, for a relaxed start.
Do Paris cocktail bars take reservations?
Most don’t. Walk-ins are the norm at popular spots like the Experimental Cocktail Club and Candelaria. A few higher-end venues accept phone reservations a few hours ahead, but spontaneity is part of the experience.
How much do cocktails cost in Paris?
You can plan on spending around $15–$20 per drink at most craft cocktail bars. Hotel bars like the Ritz run higher, typically around $20–$30 per drink. If you’re on a budget, happy hour deals are common before 8:00 PM.
What is apéro in Paris?
Apéro is the Parisian tradition of gathering for a pre-dinner drink, usually starting around 6:00 PM. Expect a Spritz, pastis, kir, or glass of Champagne in an unhurried, social setting.
What cocktails were invented in Paris?
Fernand Petiot created the Bloody Mary at Harry’s New York Bar in the 1920s, and many believe the Sidecar was invented at the Ritz Bar around the same time (though its origin is often disputed). Both remain staples on cocktail menus worldwide.
Is there a dress code for Paris bars?
Smart-casual works at most places. Bars like Le Syndicat and Candelaria are relaxed enough for jeans and sneakers. Hotel bars lean a bit more polished, but aren’t overly formal.
Do you tip at bars in Paris?
Service is included by law, so tipping isn’t expected. That said, rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two for great service is always appreciated.
Things to know before enjoying drinks and cocktails in Paris
Entry
- Most cocktail bars open between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Walk-ins are the norm; reservations are rarely needed.
- The legal drinking age in France is 18; bring ID.
What to bring
- Dress in smart-casual attire; jeans and sneakers work at most bars.
- Bring a light layer for rooftop bars in the evening.
- Keep cash handy if you want to leave a small tip.
Important information
- Tipping isn’t expected; service is included by law.
- Locals often arrive during apéro hour (6:00–8:00 PM).
- Book cocktail classes a few days ahead in peak season.