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Summer in Prague means longer evenings, packed terraces, and – most importantly – the unofficial launch of cocktail season. You're not alone if rising temps have you craving something shaken, stirred, or spritzed. Across the city, bartenders are serving up chilled creations in every style imaginable, from playful showpieces to timeless classics. The cocktail scene in the Czech capital is serious but never stiff, with bars offering stunning interiors, hidden courtyards, and plenty of seasonal flair.
Whether you’re after smoky showstoppers, a refined champagne cocktail, or just a well-made classic, there’s a place for every kind of summer drinker. We asked Lukáš Klinger of Červený Jelen where he recommends going for the best cocktails in town.
Červený Jelen
Červený Jelen focuses on classic cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Cuba Libre, and Moscow Mule, along with a wide selection of Gin & Tonics. Its signature drink, the “Flying Hirsch” – a mix of Jägermeister and Red Bull – adds a playful twist to the menu. The spot also has two shaded courtyards hidden behind the walls of the historic Šporkův palác complex – a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. On selected Wednesdays throughout the summer, you and your friends can enjoy Live Music or DJ Nights with themed drinks.
Bugsy’s Bar
A mainstay of Prague’s cocktail scene for three decades, Bugsy’s delivers expertly made drinks in a sleek, low-lit setting just off Old Town Square. The menu leans classic but never dull, with an extensive champagne list and house signatures worth exploring. The “Gin Daisy” is a favorite. Shaken with gin, lemon, and orange liqueur, this old-school cocktail is exceptionally crisp and summery. Known for grooming top bartenders, Bugsy’s still sets the standard for cocktail craftsmanship in the city.
Bar Forbína
Set right next to the National Theatre, Bar Forbína leans into its dramatic surroundings with a cocktail menu inspired by the stage. Drinks are grouped by genre—drama, ballet, opera, and Laterna Magika—and served with flair, sometimes literally in a cloud of smoke or glowing on a tray. Expect playful names like Swan Lake and Don Giovanni in a stylish space that feels classic and fresh, perfect for a post-show drink or night out.
Hemingway Bar
This award-winning cocktail spot ranks among the top 50 bars in the world and takes its spirits seriously, especially rum and absinthe, with the largest selection in the country. Drinks arrive with smoky finishes or eye-catching effects, and the “Papa Doble,” a sugar-free daiquiri once favored by Hemingway himself, is a house signature. The speakeasy-style bar recently moved to a new location on Opatovická Street and now features an outdoor terrace and a private tasting room in the basement. Reservations are highly recommended as tables fill up fast.
L'Fleur Bar
L’Fleur combines classic American cocktail craft with French elegance in a low-lit, intimate space perfect for quiet conversations. Bartenders at this classy Old Town bar are all about the details – hand-cut ice blocks, crystal glassware, and a menu that treats cocktails like art. The “French 75,” made with gin, lemon, syrup, and real champagne, is a classic choice. The champagne selection is one of the most extensive in town, making this spot feel quietly celebratory.
Anonymous Bar
Anonymous Bar blurs the line between mixology and over-the-top performance. Menus here are hidden in black books or revealed under special lights, and cocktails arrive in smoking flasks, skulls, or glass masks. Expect dramatic flourishes like nitrogen clouds and infused spirits. It’s playful, theatrical, and full of surprises. Be sure to try the “Guy Fawkes,” a strong, smoky blend of whiskey or bourbon, bitters, and house-made syrup with just the right edge.
