All good things come in threes – including Amsterdam hotel bars
My last trip to Amsterdam was five years ago and it was time to remind my taste buds of Jenever. Amsterdam is a great drinking destination, you will find everything to suit your mood and taste within walking distance. The choice is yours. Serious drinking in Amsterdam also means avoiding stag and hen parties, and sex and drug tourist places. The city is full of options. Here’s my pick of Amsterdam’s hotel bars.
The Prinsengracht is one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals. Together with the two other main canals, the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht, it forms Amsterdam’s Canal Ring, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. I love to stroll the streets, especially at night, when the historical canal houses are beautifully lit. Fancy joining me for a drink?
Bluespoon – Combining a sophisticated living room with a stylish kitchen feeling
Step inside the Andaz Amsterdam, a five-star luxury lifestyle hotel and find the elegant and well-designed bar located on the ground floor. “Enjoy the quirky Dutch-inspired art and design by world-renowned designer Marcel Wanders, picturesque views, picture-perfect dishes and innovative cocktails from Bluespoon Restaurant & Bar and unique local experiences,” says their website. Sink into one of the seating areas or take your seat at the eye-catching bar island where the boundaries between guest and bartender disappear. You are in the middle of where the magic is happening. Heavy granite, dark colours, fancy furniture:
Bluespoon features a very elegant and extravagant interior. The vibe is glamorous but at the same time it exudes a cozyness mixed with warm hospitality.
Their zero-waste concept is both exemplary and up to date. At Bluespoon you can enjoy an elegantly and perfectly executed cocktail with a good conscience.
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My thoughts: I was impressed by the atmosphere and my well-balanced drinks. I had an Adonis, a barrel-aged Negroni and a sample of their homemade spiced rum. A bar seat not to be missed.
Pulitzer’s Bar – Award-winning retro-chic and delicious drinks
Let’s visit Pulitzer’s Bar a five-minute walk along the Prinsengracht to the neighbouring Keizersgracht. Housed in the five-star Pulitzer Hotel the award-winning trendy retro bar recreates the flair of Amsterdam in the 20s. The bar has its own entrance. They have removed the hurdle of passing through an exclusive hotel lobby and searching for the bar which, at least for me, usually creates an uncomfortable feeling. For the interior think of dark blue walls, wood details with leather and velvet furniture. The venue is spacious with several seating areas. The glowing Art Deco 1920s-style bar counter is at its heart. What awaits you is a friendly and attentive bar team dressed with bow tie and braces. The cocktail menu is inspired by literary icons. Their latest menu has characters from Agatha Christie’s novel “Murder on the Orient Express”.
“This cocktail menu is composed of 12 suspects; each of them with a specific role in the grand scheme, each of them with their own means, motive, and alibi for committing the deed. We invite you to investigate our menu and select the most likely suspect to quench your thirst,” says the menu.
I opted for The Gangster – short, boozy, smoky and sweet. A very round delicious drink with Del Maguey Mezcal, Pierre Ferrand Cognac, cacao, banana and aromatised wine. Served with a stick of dark chocolate and a clear ice cube.
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My thoughts: Drinks are on point and served by a friendly and attentive bar team. A bit pricey but recently awarded as Best Hotel Bar in Amsterdam 2019.
Bar TwentySeven – A hidden bar with a view over the city from the top
I continued my hotel bar tour and walked five minutes to the east. Right in the heart of the city overlooking the Royal Palace, the National Monument on Dam Square and the Rokin, you will find Hotel TwentySeven. They call it a six-star hotel and accordingly, the ambience and service is. No guest enters without first being welcomed by the staff at the entrance and the bar.
A lift takes you to your destination. The bar combines the glamour of Art Nouveau with an oriental flair. All in all, Bar TwentySven has a very luxurious allure with an impressive bar made of onyx. The luxurious concept is also reflected in the bar shelves which boast an elaborated whisky selection. Just the right place to enjoy a winning drink. I opted for the Cariño that won the 10th Bacardí Legacy Cocktail competition and was created by Eric van Beek, head bartender at TwentySeven. Surprisingly fresh, herbal, sweet, perfectly balanced and super delicious.
2 parts Bacardi Reserva Ocho
1/5 part Yellow Chartreuse
1 1/5 part Greek yoghurt
4/5 part vanilla syrup
2/5 part lime juice
Shake, serve in a Coupette over a large piece of ice
My thoughts: Take a seat, order one of the great drinks and enjoy the breathtaking view (best from the smoking area).
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