Cocktails really do make it summer

In the sun on a terrace. To really make it all summery then, a cocktail is a good idea. Rotterdam has several award-winning cocktail shakers. Some even have their own shop where lovers can enjoy their creations. Of course, mocktails are also on the menu.

Botanero

Cocktail and agave expert David Trampe has translated his love for Mexican ' agave spirits' mezcal and tequila into Botanero: a swinging mix of a bar, restaurant, cantina and tasting room all in one. Botanero opened its doors on Mariniersweg in early 2019 and has since become a popular cocktail destination. Partly because of the special tap for the renowned paloma, the homemade Mexican thirst quencher based on tequila, grapefruit, rhubarb and jasmine tea. The bartenders make the cocktails with passion. From Margarita to Old Fashioned, from Negroni to Pornstar.

Ayla

At Ayla, you can sit on the terrace overlooking the dynamic Kruisplein. But there is also a hidden garden behind the establishment. Inside, there is a lavish interior with the colours of a taverna and the hustle and bustle of a mercado. A truly international restaurant and cocktail bar near Central Station. The menu features cosmopolitan dishes and surprising cocktails. Like the Holy Communion (an award-winning cocktail), the fruity Eternal Summer and the sweet and bubbly Butter My Bun.

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Duke of Tokyo

The Japanese-inspired karaoke bar Duke of Tokyo on Hofplein has recently opened its terrace. New dishes by the chef of the indoor Izakaya DUKI and cocktails are also served there. The new cocktail menu offers a range of creations. From fruity cocktails to stronger drinks such as the Shokunin Old-Fashioned or a Popstar Martini. Inspired by both popular and lesser-known Japanese ingredients. The menu includes ingredients such as tare sauce, toasted sesame, white peaches, melon, sake, yuzu and more. Naturally, there are also non-alcoholic mocktails. All drinks are prepared with a focus on sustainability, using every part of the ingredients, including the pulp, seeds, peel and juice, to minimise waste in this way.

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Heart Melt Bar

After the popular Spikizi Bar on Black Horse Street, Robertino Goncalves and Abdelhak Badrane recently took over Williams Canteen. The bar has been given a Southern European warm atmosphere with tiles and new upholstery for the benches. A terrace has been added in front of the door. The menu consists of a unique mix of ropy bites such as bakkeljauw balls, cassava fries and pulled beef jerk and innovative cocktails. In fact, under the bar is a 'lab' where unique ingredients for the cocktails and bites are created. Moreover, both the bites and cocktails are
enriched with aphrodisiacs, such as honey, basil and ginger, to tantalise guests' senses.
stimulate.

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Grace

Grace is a festive restaurant with international allure in the corner building on Coolsingel and Stadhuisplein. It is a place where being yourself is welcomed and life is celebrated. Whether it's a Parisian breakfast, a relaxed lunch or a sumptuous dinner with champagne and, of course, cocktails.

Amehoela X Bar Tender

Amehoela has long been a popular destination for cocktails. And occasionally small parties with DJs (after all, it is located in the former Bootleg DJ Café). Recently, Bar Tender has also become part of the offering. Bar Tender was on Coolsingel the place for shots for years. Now it is an establishment with a combined offer of cocktails and an impressive selection of more than 200 different shots!

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Madame Saigon

At Madame Saigon, authentic Vietnamese dishes are gerseve prepared according to well-preserved family recipes. But then again, the extensive menu features classic cocktails with a modern Asian twist such as a Caphe Martine or an Asian Mule. With its location on a side street of Witte de Withstraat, Madame Saigon is in an excellent and central location with an apt interior.

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WOGO

Those who want to be surprised can book a WOGO Cocktail Walk. Participants will receive a route map to three cocktail bars. A cocktail or mocktail will be served at each bar. The walk is the perfect way to discover Rotterdam's cocktail scene. The cocktail walk can be taken from Wednesday to Sunday. The walk can be booked via this link.