Weekend days out The 15 best places to enjoy a cocktail in Scotland

1. THE DOME, EDINBURGH 14 George Street, Edinburgh

CHRISTMAS shopping and stress seem to go hand in hand, so if you want to get away from the chaos of queues, Christmas jumpers and cheesy music then escaping for a relaxing cocktail might just do the trick. Heading out for a cocktail in the evening is also particularly nice at this time of year, with the twinkly lights and crisp air creating the perfect atmosphere.

Festive opening hours: every day from 10am 0131 624 8624

Edinburgh really comes alive at Christmas, with its German markets, ice skating and Ferris wheel drawing visitors from across the country. Nowhere does Christmas better than the Dome, with its stone pillars adorned with lights and a colossal tree in the centre of the grill room that reaches up to the magnificent ceiling. Its cocktail list is extensive and includes one called the Snowflake – apt for this time of year.

www.thedomeedinburgh.com

2. THE GROSVENOR CAFE, GLASGOW 24 Ashton Lane, Glasgow Open Monday-Friday 11am-midnight and Saturday and Sunday 10am-midnight 0845 166 6028

Ashton Lane is one of Glasgow’s prettiest streets but it is particularly lovely on a winter’s night when its canopy of fairy lights stands out against the dark sky. The Grosvenor Cafe is one of the star attractions, with its 1920s ballroom-style venue the perfect place to unwind. But the best bit of all? Every cocktail is half-price from Monday to Thursday.

www.grosvenorwestend.co.uk

3. THE ADAMSON, ST ANDREWS

127 South Street, St Andrews

Bar open Monday-Thursday 5pm-late, Friday 3pm-1am, Saturday 12pm-1am and Sunday 3pm-late 01334 479191

With nearly 40 different cocktails on its menu you will be spoiled for choice at the Adamson. Options range from sparkling, classic and bartender’s choice cocktails, with the house Bloody Mary and the passion fruit daquiri particularly good. It also offers a 90-minute cocktail masterclass with one of the bar team, where you will learn the tricks of the trade and try two of its cocktails, before getting the chance to have a go at making one for yourself.

www.theadamson.com

4. BAR ONE INVERNESS

1 Academy Street, Inverness

Open Monday-Wednesday 12pm-12am, Thursday-Saturday 12pm-1am and Sunday 12pm-12am 01463 714471

Since it opened in 2009, Bar One has set itself apart as a real cocktail specialist, with trained mixologists creating a range of inventive drinks to keep customers coming back. For those who might be overwhelmed by its list of several dozen cocktails, One Bar has a handy guide that separates its drinks into flavour groupings such as sweet, refreshing or bitter. And if you are driving, there is also a list of tasty soft-tails.

www.baroneinverness.com

5. METROPOLITAN, GLASGOW

Merchant Square, Candleriggs, Glasgow Open Sunday-Thursday 10am-12am and Friday and Saturday 10am-3am 0141 553 1488

Merchant Square is one of the most stylish locations in Glasgow, with its indoor courtyard providing the perfect place to escape the cold weather. Metropolitan has an elegant balcony overlooking the square, where you can kick back with one of its 50 cocktails and watch the crowds milling below. As well as its mammoth list of house cocktails it offers a “challenge your bartender” drink, where you tell them your favourite spirit and taste profile, then enjoy the results.

www.metropolitan-bar.com

6. THE TIPPLING HOUSE, ABERDEEN 4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen Open Monday-Thursday 4pm-2am, Friday 4pm-3am, Saturday 1pm-3am and Sunday 4pm-2am

Its design might resemble an old-fashioned tavern, but the Tippling House is one of the most sophisticated bars in Aberdeen. Rather than producing well-known cocktails such as mojitos and daquiris, all of its cocktails are unusual creations that are inspired by the seasons and change regularly. It might not be what you are