Guests seeking a taste of refinement in the heart of Vietnam's southern jewel will find a world of excellent libations concealed amid the vibrant streets and bustling activity of Ho Chi Minh City. As an expat navigating Saigon's winding streets, I've had the pleasure of learning about the vibrant cocktail scene there and discovering hidden gems that take mixology to new heights.
Discover six top-rated cocktail bars in Ho Chi Minh City as we travel through its buzzing avenues and meandering alleyways. Each spot is a tribute to the city's energetic spirit and unwavering dedication to providing an unmatched drinking experience.
This listicle offers a well-chosen collection that will leave both new and experienced cocktail aficionados wanting more, from creative drinks that push the boundaries of flavour to places that perfectly combine heritage with innovation. Raise your glass and become lost in the fascinating world of Saigon's cocktail haunts, where each drink is a narrative and each bar serves as a doorway into a world of expertly crafted cocktails. In the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, let's toast to the craft of cocktail-making! Main Image Credit: Irusu Lounge Facebook Page
Tamarind Hidden Cocktail Bar
Discover the allure of Tamarind - Hidden Cocktail Bar, where the speakeasy motif from the 1920s to 1930s brings a nostalgic touch to your evening. Get ready for wonderful specialty drinks that subtly blend traditional liquors with rustic herb smells, delivering a delightful palate surprise. Pop, jazz, funk, and electro-swing music blend together with the ambience to provide a calming sensory experience. This place is perfect for intimate gatherings or quiet times by yourself, where you can have cocktails by the window and lose yourself in the music.
As its name suggests, Tamarind is tastefully hidden in a secluded building, offering a tranquil haven from the never-ending sea of motorbikes and the busy diners below at night. Tamarind, a welcoming, lively, and laid-back spot for a gloomy night out, has become synonymous with Saigon's nightlife, drawing inspiration from the art of mixology globally. Image Credit: Tamarind Hidden Cocktail Bar Facebook Page
a. 33 Đ. Nguyễn Trung Trực, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Yugen Bar
Yugen bills itself as a "classic cocktail bar," and it more than lives up to this moniker in many respects. It's a speakeasy tucked in an alleyway in Ho Chi Minh City, exuding a feeling of subtle sophistication. Yugen Bar's architecture, which took major cues from Japan, incorporates natural materials and round windows to create a serene, uncluttered area that is a veritable haven for anyone looking for great drinks. Yugen is the brainchild of Dat Nguyen, a barman who specialises in vintage cocktails.
Although the bar has a few specialty drinks, its main focus is on well-made classic cocktails that are arranged according to their base spirit. Explore the brandy department for a traditional sidecar and more, or go into the rum section for a refreshing daiquiri. Yugen is an immersive experience that invites guests to appreciate the creativity behind each drink in a calm and elegant setting. It's more than just a traditional cocktail bar. Image Credit: Yugen Bar Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 95 Đ. Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Summer Experiment
Enter the world of Summer Experiment, a ground-breaking endeavour by Australian mixologist Jay Moir that, since its opening in 2019, has had a profound impact on Ho Chi Minh City's emerging cocktail bar scene. This second-floor haven, tucked away close to Ben Thanh Market, features living walls, an on-site garden, and a dedication to sustainability that has raised the standard for bars in the area. With its roots in Vietnam's abundant vegetation, Moir specialises in creating unique cocktails that highlight locally obtained and homegrown ingredients, including a variety of unique fruits, all expertly crafted.
Over 30 whimsical and realistic designs that are meant to entice the senses are presented in an illustrated menu that acts as a guide. Prominent creations comprise 'Milk Batch Baby,' an alcoholic ice cream made with nitro frozen gin, yuzu purée, green tea, and cream milk batch. In the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Summer Experiment offers a singular, sensory-rich experience that is a monument to creativity and sustainability. Image Credit: Summer Experiment Facebook Page
a. Second Floor, 77-79 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
Enter The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, where the name itself alludes to the distinctive entrance that resembles an ATM. The ATM Cocktail Bar is unlike any other on this listicle; it has a homely, rustic feel about it, like a historic house in the United States. This cocktail bar is well-liked by people who want to relax with friends because of its cosy and welcoming ambiance. It's the perfect place to mingle because of the roomy tables and cosy lounge areas.
The ATM Cocktail Bar has live music, which adds to its appeal and makes the whole experience better. The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen is characterised by sophistication and elegance, which perfectly combine to create a laid-back atmosphere and amazing appeal. Because of the wonderful speakeasy atmosphere that the exquisite decor, subdued lighting, and lovely jazz music create, every visit is a great drinking experience. Image Credit: The ATM Cocktail Bar Facebook Page
a. 27/10 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
w. the-atm-cocktail-bar-kitchen.business.site
Mizuwari Social Club
Explore the charms of Mizuwari Social Club, a well-known Japanese cocktail bar tucked away in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. An exquisitely cosy ambiance is created by the establishment's tasteful fusion of Japanese and Western design, setting the mood for an unforgettable evening, particularly for jazz fans. The menu at Mizuwari Social Club, which features a wide variety of sake, inventive cocktails, and their signature Mizuwari—a cool concoction of whisky and soda water with a hint of Japanese flavour—is proof of their dedication to quality.
Mizuwari Social Club invites you to revel in their superb offerings as the ideal location to take in Saigon's jazz rhythms after dusk. The skilled and friendly staff is committed to making sure each guest has a remarkable and unforgettable experience. Whether you love cocktails or are a social butterfly, Mizuwari Social Club is the best place to go if you're looking for classy fun and company. Image Credit: Mizuwari Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 39 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Irusu Lounge
Welcome to Irusu, a unique Yakuza-inspired cocktail bar tucked away in Saigon's District 1. The Japanese term "irusu" means "feigning absence when someone knocks on the door," which aptly describes this little treasure. Irusu Lounge is not your typical speakeasy, yet it is everything that makes a kakurega bar—a cosy, hidden hideaway. Designed by Sean Dix, Irusu's first-floor private lounge boasts antique records, a DJ booth, and eye-catching displays of yakuza tattoos captured in one-of-a-kind images. Their talented and dedicated bartenders have carefully designed an array of distinctive cocktails that are sure to entice your palate.
The roomy booths are great for meeting all of your friends. The beverage selections are complemented by a specialised Japanese tapas cuisine that guarantees a wonderful dining experience. Irusu leverages The Collective's exclusive and direct ties with boutique Japanese producers to offer a comprehensive assortment of sake, which it takes great delight in. Visit Irusu to experience the art of Japanese hospitality and mixology. Image Credit: Irusu Lounge Facebook Page
a. 57 Đ. Nguyễn Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
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