Earlier this year, I hopped over to Belgium and set about exploring cocktails in Brussels. While the country is rightly famous for its beer and fries, it also boasts a growing selection of cocktail bars that shouldn’t be overlooked. From intimate speakeasies to creative, modern spaces, here are six of my favorite spots for cocktails in the Belgian capital.
Life is Beautiful
One of my favorite spots for cocktails in Brussels has to be Life is Beautiful. This cozy, intimate bar effortlessly blends a relaxed vibe with stylish charm. Founded by cocktail aficionados Harouna Saou and Karoline Vlk, it’s a haven for lovers of artisanal, high-quality cocktails crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu is constantly evolving, showcasing unique flavors. My visit was made even more enjoyable by the convivial cocktail enthusiasts who gathered around the bar, making for lively conversation.
In addition to delicious drinks, Life is Beautiful also serves a small selection of bar snacks. As pioneers in Brussels’ cocktail scene, Harouna and Karoline offer tasting events and mixology workshops. They are also expanding their vision with the (re)opening of the bar, Ethylo, promising even more creative offerings for cocktail lovers in the city.
Modern Alchemist
For rum enthusiasts, Modern Alchemist is a must-visit for cocktails in Brussels. Boasting an impressive collection of over 100 rum references, this bar offers a dynamic menu that fuses bold, seasonal cocktails with innovative takes on classic favorites. The atmosphere is both relaxed and chic, with exposed brick walls adding to the cool, urban vibe, and a lively sidewalk terrace perfect for people-watching.
What sets Modern Alchemist apart is its “sharing is caring” philosophy, offering special prices on unusual rum bottles, allowing guests to savor high-end or rare selections without breaking the bank. And if rum isn’t your spirit of choice, fear not—the bar also features a variety of other spirits to suit any palate.
Confessions
Brought to you by the same team behind Dear Irving and Raines Law Room, Confessions is a confidential venue for cocktails in Brussels, accessible through a discreet doorbell entrance that sets the tone for its mystique. Once inside, you’ll find a blend of classic charm and modern sophistication. The dim lighting, intimate seating, and upscale décor create an alluring ambiance, perfect for date nights or small gatherings seeking an elevated cocktail experience. Adding a playful twist to the refined space, the bar’s quirky design includes a confessional window in the downstairs bathroom and religious themed decor—a fun nod to its name.
Plumette
Situated at the foot of the grand Palais de Justice in the Marolles district, Plumette allows for a discrete step back in time. The bar’s Great Gatsby-inspired décor strikes a good balance between vintage elegance and cozy intimacy, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed. It’s a spot that hints at speakeasy charm without falling into the trap of overdone, cookie-cutter aesthetics. Instead, it embraces romantic nostalgia in a way that feels genuine and inviting, rather than gimmicky.
The cocktail menu features a mix of classics, inventive signature drinks, and custom creations tailored to individual preferences. On my springtime visit, I enjoyed a martini-style cocktail featuring delicious olive bitters, which I took out to their little terrace with views of the Palais. And while cocktails are the main attraction, you can also get a taste of the country’s beer culture here with their namesake fruity blond beer, La Plumette
Chemistry & Botanics
When it comes to cocktails in Brussels, I’m a very big fan of Chemistry & Botanics—its bright, verdant design perfectly reflects the fresh energy it brings to the city’s bar scene. It stands out for its ability to deliver on multiple fronts, from mastering classic cocktails to pushing the envelope with inventive signature drinks. Their Pineapple Incident, for example, highlights herbal and exotic flavors with a mix of rum, green Chartreuse, Creole bitters, pandan, and just the right touch of acidity. Plus their classic martini is steller.
The bar relies on on-trend, house-made ingredients like shrubs and syrups, which allow the team greater control over ingredients and more room to exercise creativity. The bar stocks a range of international top shelf spirits and also features some interesting local offerings. As a bonus, they offer cocktails to go and they’re also open seven days a week.
Edgar’s Flavors
Edgar’s Flavors is a must-visit for tequila and mezcal lovers in Brussels. With one of the largest agave spirits collections in Belgium, this bar excels in crafting both classic and creative cocktails. Their signature Frida’s Margarita is a crowd favorite, adding a spicy twist to the traditional Tommy’s recipe. But if you’re in the mood for something different, the menu also offers a range of other spirits.
The bar snacks are fun, featuring dishes like a crispy chicken burger or guacamole with chips. When I visited mid-week, the bar was buzzing with lively conversation, creating a warm, community-driven atmosphere that made it clear Edgar’s has cultivated a loyal following of regulars. Edgar’s also offers cocktails to-go, masterclasses, and an online shop where you can snag branded merchandise, bottled cocktails, and unique bottles of spirits.
While the aforementioned bars were highlights of my Brussels cocktail experience, I also had the chance to stop by La Pharmacie Anglaise and Marcelle – Débit de Boissons. Both spots stood out for their quirky, heavily curated décor, offering visually intriguing and fun environments as a backdrop for cocktails. And of course, these aren’t the only bars for cocktails in Brussels, so keep your eyes open for hidden gems across the city.
Looking for other tips on bars when traveling? Check out the Out of Office section for roundups from other cities.
