3 Best Saturday Night Cocktails

Looking for somewhere fittingly fancy for Saturday night drinks? Whether it’s a first date or a night on the tiles with pals, Eoin Higgins has the lowdown.

WHERE: Michael Moran was a Dublin street performer of the early 19th Century. He was a resident of The Liberties and was popularly known as Zozimus (zozimusbar.ie). Inevitably there would be a Dublin bar named after the street poet, and now there is. Tucked behind Dawson Street in a lane covered with a canopy of umbrellas, the bar seems a bit like a hipster’s conservatory with great scoring potential … allegedly.

DRINK: The Finnegan’s Wake is as good a cobweb shaker-offer as we’ve had in yonks – Vanilla Infused Vodka, Patr?n XO, Could Picker Espresso, Baileys, Chocolate Bitters, Orange Rind, Nutmeg – we think you’ll agree.

WHERE: The Ivy (theivydublin.ie) used to be Thomas Read’s – the big one straddling streets Dame and Parliament. A handsome fit-out with super comfy royal blue chairs, interesting prints and lovely bits of brass, wood and marble conspire to create a space that is a real joy to settle into for an evening. Come Friday, expect a smart, mixed crowd having grown-up after work drinkies. If you want something a little more Dublin traditional, try the beautiful Oak Bar next door. It’s part of the same pub but feels entirely different – something for all comers.

DRINK:?Havana Club Especial, spiced pineapple cordial, aromatic bitters, lime make the Ivy Swizzle something to savour, if you can resist downing it in seconds.

WHERE: Camden Street’s having a bit of a moment as the available spaces for fancy boozers becomes more and more scant along the usual thoroughfares. Bow Lane (bowlane.ie) opened a few months ago and is providing a cosy and contemporary setting with a very decent food and drinks offering. The well-dressed but casual crowd is a good cross-section of Dublin bon viveurs and characters – see and be seen. Late night, with a DJ and quality cocktails, make this a great Friday destination.

DRINK:?The splendid Francis Aungier’s Legacy 1661 combines Woodford Reserve bourbon, Fernet Branca, cherry liqueur, sugar syrup, chocolate bitters, all stirred and strained over ice, served in a chilled rocks glass.