In recent years there has been an upsurge in the number of quality cocktail bars in Manchester.
Top cocktail makers have shaken and stirred menus that include contemporary classics, unique creations and novelty drinks that have won national awards.
And with many of the best cocktail bars in Manchester offering Cocktail making classes, you too can learn the art of mixology from the best bartenders in town - ideal for parties and gifts.
Pride Of Manchester members and readers of ManchesterBars.com have voted the following as the best cocktail bars in Manchester (click here to vote),
This basement Tiki dive bar and Caribbean rum shop is packed every night of the week and is a popular haunt with bartenders from across Manchester, who flock here afterwork to spend their hard-earned tips on the largest rum collection in town and without doubt some of the best tropical cocktails around.
Formerly Obsidian, this great basement bar below the 4 star Arora International Hotel on Princess Street serves some of the best cocktails in town. There's an incredible selection of liquor, nice wines and craft beers whilst their superb Cocktail School is ideal for parties and gifts.
Antique pharmacy cabinets and an almost gothic feel give this Nothern Quarter cocktail bar plenty of character. The fantastic award-winning cocktail menu continues the chemist theme and there's a Cocktail School available too
What is widely recognised as Manchester's best cocktail bar can be found in Spinningfields, just behind The Opera House. Cocktails are carefully crafted using a variety of molecular drinks-making techniques that are every bit as much about the presentation as their extraordinary taste.
1950’s inspired Tiki bar in a Northern Quarter basement from the guys behind Walrus. Great cocktails, over 100 rums, relaxed beach tunes and tropical fish whisk you away from the Manchester rain
Located on the 23rd floor of the landmark Hilton Beetham Tower, Manchester's sophisticated sky bar offers amazing views of the city. Table service and a fantastic cocktail menu, themed around Mancunian icons, add to the elegance. With a limited capacity, expect to queue for the lift in the lobby.
The excellent cocktail bar on the second floor of the exclusive Harvey Nichols designer store, next to the MEN Arena, offers some of the best cocktails in Manchester. A cocktail masterclass is also available.
Located underneath the Georgio Armani store in Spinningfields, a block down from Peter Street on Deansgate, this beautiful Pacific Rim themed cocktail bar opened in May 2011 to widespread acclaim. From the same team behind The Alchemist, the cocktails are every bit as impressive whilst the DJ emulator is a real talking point
Fantastic cocktail bar inside the beautiful building that was once the Reform Club. An eclectic mix of antique furnishings, statues and the largest retro lampshades in Manchester, this is without question one of best bars in the city.
The fantastic cocktail bar inside the multi-award winning 4 star Hilton by Doubletree Hotel is ideally placed opposite Piccadilly Station and at the end of Canal Street. A Cocktail Masterclass teaches you how to make many of their fifty different Martinis, vintage and contemporary cocktails.
The stunning new branch of the quality bar & brasserie chain can be found in the impressive grand building vacated by Atheneum at the top of King Street, next to the designer stores. Real ales, rare imported beers, fantastic cocktails and a great wine list make this one of the best bars in Manchester. Opened January 2011
Manchester's most lavish casino, boasting an amazing cocktail bar, VIP lounge, live entertainment room, 2 restaurants and casino gaming tables set over two floors. open to 6am. Cocktail Masterclasses are also available
Named after the Greek word for 'a gathering of people, eating, drinking and having a good time', that's certainly what you'll find at this superb cocktail bar. often referred to as 'the bar man's bar', There's over 150 reasonably priced yet expertly crafted cocktails to choose from, al fresco seating and a 3am license.
£2.8m karaoke bar & nightclub in Chinatown boasting lavish private rooms with state of the art equipment for groups of 6 - 30 people. If you dont fancy singing, there's a large cocktail bar and dancefloor boasting some of Manchester's best cocktal makers, cherry-picked from other bars in town.
The world famous American-style rock bar offers some of the best cocktails and breezers in town, all served in Hard Rock glassware which can also be bought in their shop. A Cocktail Masterclass is also available giving you the chance to indulge in cocktail making heaven.
Manchester's premier late night private members club, hidden away below the beautiful Barton Arcade. A magnet for celebs, models and PR bods. Fantastic cocktails, regular club nights and a decadent Inner Circle room for VIP guests.
You'll find this amazing £4.5 million cocktail bar and restaurant just 10 minutes away from Piccadilly by taxi (or a 30 minute walk). Without doubt the most impressive bar in Manchester, if not the UK!
= real ale, 
= cocktail menu, 
= food served, 
= disco, 
= live music, 
= open after 2am
= beer garden, 
= live sports, 
= pool table, 
= stag/hen parties welcome, 
= gay bar
= karaoke , 
= quiz nights, 
= kids welcome, 
= popular with united fans, 
= popular with city fans
