Life’s too short to wait until Friday and in Bali, you never have to. On this island, cocktail hour isn’t bound by clocks or calendars. From beach clubs and cliff tops to riversides, rooftops, and hidden speakeasies tucked behind velvet curtains, every setting becomes a stage for something stirred, shaken, or theatrically smoked.
Forget the usual Bintang and basic mojitos, Bali’s cocktail culture is a full-blown renaissance. Here, mixologists are part artists, part storytellers, weaving native ingredients, dramatic presentations, and local flair into every glass.
We’ve sipped, swirled, and savoured our way through the island’s most inventive bars to bring you 15 of the most unique cocktails in Bali.
1. The Dancer at Pinstripe Bar, Ubud
The Dancer, part of their “Cocktail Anthology,” is a showstopper, featuring a floral and dulcified blend that includes Tamarillo Roku Gin, chamomile, raspberry, and more, served in a smoky balloon that practically dances in your hand. Not to be missed is The Novelist, swirling with mezcal, passion fruit, turmeric, and a cheeky peacock feather garnish. And then there’s The Prince, an earthy tribute to Tjokorda Gde Raka Sukawati, dramatically unveiled from a box that spills with wormwood smoke like a magician’s finale. Each cocktail tells a story inspired by Bali’s culture and influential figures, making your sip not just a drink but a journey. And yes, get your phone ready for the theatrics: smoke bubbles, color shifts, dry ice fog, and peacock feathers elevate each cocktail to an art form. The adjoining Apéritif restaurant serves up fine dining bites that perfectly complement the drinks.
2. Sexy Colada at The Shady Pig, Canggu
Sexy Colada is their signature tease: a sultry reinvention of the Piña Colada with fresh pineapple, creamy coconut, white rum, and a dash of chili heat. Served in a vintage coupe with a flirty garnish, it’s sunshine in a glass with a wink of spice. This cocktail is the perfect prelude to a night of jazz, mischief, and dancing until your heels beg for mercy. The Shady Pig itself channels Prohibition-era vibes with moody lighting, whispered jazz notes, and even a secret password to get inside (yes, really).
3. Southeast Sour at Segno, Seminyak
The Southeast Sour is everything you didn’t know you needed. Tamarind adds tang, lemongrass brings freshness, and a touch of red chili gives it bite, all perfectly balanced with aged bourbon. It’s smooth, it’s edgy, and it lingers with sophistication. Segno’s sleek marble bar and moody interior make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Tokyo cocktail lab but with a Bali soul.
4. The Sorcerer (Ahmad Suradji) at Cloak & Dagger, Seminyak
This cocktail tells a dark tale. Named after the infamous Indonesian figure, the Ahmad Suradji (also known as The Sorcerer) is Cloak & Dagger’s best-selling legend in a glass. Expect a brooding concoction of dark rum, spiced syrup, espresso, and Indonesian cacao and finished with a cloud of aromatic clove smoke. Served in a heavy tumbler on a matte black tray, it’s as mysterious and potent as the name suggests. The bar itself is dimly lit, edgy, and cryptically cool, the kind of place where secrets are spilled and stories are born.
5. Selem Besik (Espresso Martini) at Jati Bar, Ubud
The Selem Besik is no ordinary espresso martini, it blends Bali’s own single-origin coffee with premium vodka and palm sugar syrup, resulting in a cocktail that’s smooth, bold, and layered with earthy sweetness. Finished with a delicate coffee foam, it’s best enjoyed on the terrace at golden hour, as the sun slips behind the jungle canopy and the Ayung River winds through the lush greenery below.
6. Kaizen Spirits at Sayan Valley Sunset Restaurant, Ubud
Kaizen Spirits is a delicate yet bold fusion of Japanese gin, yuzu, and kaffir lime, its bright, zesty, and refreshing. The sister drink, Kohi Martini, brings espresso to life with housemade infusions. Time your visit with the golden hour and let the cocktails glow in the last rays of sunlight.
7. Uluwatu 560 at White Rabbit Cocktail Room, Uluwatu
The Uluwatu 560 is a captivating blend of tropical flavours and bold spirits, perfectly embodying the vibrant spirit of its namesake locale. This cocktail marries fresh citrus, exotic herbs, and a hint of spice, delivering a refreshing yet complex sip that lingers on the palate. Served in the intimate, stylish setting of White Rabbit Cocktail Room, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring Bali’s southern coast.
8. Passionfruit Jalapeño Caipiroska at Manhattan Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, Seminyak
If you crave a cocktail with a punch and a tropical twist, the Passionfruit Jalapeño Caipiroska at Manhattan Kitchen & Cocktail Bar is your go-to. This cocktail marries the juicy tang of passionfruit with the fiery kick of fresh jalapeño, all rounded off with crystal-clear vodka and a squeeze of lime. Served over crushed ice in a tall glass, it’s both refreshingly sweet and provocatively spicy. The venue’s polished New York-inspired ambience perfectly complements this daring concoction.
9. Espresso Martini at District 1 Cocktail Bar, Seminyak
For those who adore their caffeine fix with a side of sophistication, District 1’s Espresso Martini is a crowd-pleaser. Crafted with premium espresso, rich coffee liqueur, and smooth vodka, this cocktail boasts a velvety texture and bold aroma that energises while it indulges. The sleek, contemporary setting of District 1 makes it ideal for a stylish night out.
10. Wasabi Cocktail at Soora Bar, Nusa Dua
For the adventurous palate, Soora Bar in Nusa Dua serves up a Wasabi Cocktail that’s anything but ordinary. This daring mix combines wasabi-infused vodka with fresh cucumber, yuzu, and a hint of lemongrass, creating a vibrant, spicy-sour profile that wakes up your senses. Served in a frosted martini glass with a wasabi pea garnish, it’s a cool, unexpected delight perfect for those who like their cocktails with a bit of edge.
11. Karma Spice Mule at Karma Beach, Ungasan
Their Karma Spice Mule is a tropical twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Featuring locally infused spiced rum, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and a touch of Balinese aromatic spices, this cocktail is refreshing with a warming finish. Served in a copper mug garnished with a lime wheel and fresh mint, it’s perfect for sipping while soaking up the sun or dancing as the waves crash nearby.
12. Jamu Cocktail at White Rock Beach Club, Uluwatu
Inspired by the traditional Indonesian herbal health drinks, White Rock Beach Club offers a modern, spirited take with their Jamu Cocktail. Using fresh turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and other native herbs, this cocktail are as good for the soul as they are for your taste buds. Balanced with fine spirits like rum or gin and a hint of citrus, they provide a vibrant, earthy flavour with a refreshing kick, ideal for long lazy afternoons by the beach club’s infinity pool.
Final Sip
This is your sign to skip the usual Bintang and dive headfirst into Bali’s vibrant cocktail renaissance. While every bar on this list crafts something special, Pinstripe Bar stands in a league of its own; a must-visit destination for anyone seeking cocktails with creativity, culture, and a dash of theatrical flair.
Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned cocktail enthusiast, this hidden gem in Ubud is sure to surprise and enchant. Walk-ins are welcome, but for the full experience, we recommend booking your table in advance. Click here to make an online reservation or call us at +62 859 6310 5757.
