10 Best Cocktails in Portland

Portland, Oregon has become more and more popular as a food destination over the last few years and that definitely includes better cocktails. Anywhere you dine in town you are likely to find original cocktails by award-winning bartenders. Forget settling for the old run-of-the-mill cocktail and instead try something new. Here are some of my favorites.

Table of Contents

10 Best Cocktails in Portland, Oregon

1. G-Love

We are kicking this list off with the best of the best. G-Love has an outstanding bartender which means they have lots of fantastic drinks on their menu. They are all good, but The Betty is worth driving out of the way for.

2. Xport

Xport is a lovely rooftop bar on top of the Porter hotel. Most of it is covered, so even if it’s raining it can be enjoyed. There’s not a particular cocktail here I enjoyed, but the overall atmosphere that makes Xport a must-visit. FYI: A Stella beer is the best deal here because it’s a tallboy can.

3. Andina

Andina a Peruvian restaurant has the Melones con Ají (pictured below) created by bartender Eddie Johnson. This cocktail has Hendrick’s gin shaken with lime juice, sugar and agua de melón (fresh cantaloupe juice), served on the rocks with a ﬂoat of agua de pepino (cucumber water), lime zest and ají en polvo (ground hot peppers).

Photo by Susan Hwang

Plus, they also make a crazy awesome Pisco Sour and they were kind enough to share the recipe!

ANDINA PISCO SOUR

1.5 fl oz Pisco puro

1 fl oz fresh squeezed lime juice

1 fl oz water

Baker’s sugar to taste

1 t egg whites

4. Bollywood Theater

Bollywood Theater has the Bollywood Shandy created by their chef Troy MacLarty. The Bollywood Shandy is made with whiskey, tamarind, jaggery, lime and Kingfisher beer for a fresh, clean finish. Bollywood Theater’s new cocktail lineup was developed in collaboration with the bartenders of Bull in China.

Bollywood Shandy at the Bollywood Theater | Photo by Katie Burnett

5. Bacchus Bar

Bacchus Bar, Hotel Vintage’s lobby bar is an awesome place to enjoy happy hour. The kids can sit in there too! Their Bartender Bryan Galligos created the “Herbfashioned” made with Bulleit rye, Cooper’s Hall vermouth, saffron simple syrup, angostura bitters, basil leaves, lemon twist. This happens to be my friend Nas’s favorite drink here. You can find her blogging over at Rambling Stump!

6. Bit House Collective

Any of the cocktails at Bit House Collective are great! The menu features bar-friendly. Located at 727 Southeast Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97214.

7. Tiny Bubble Room

Tiny Bubble Room has created cocktails like this Femme Fatale Blackberry Margarita. They have happy hour from 3 – 5 P.M. Located at 2025 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217.

8. Pink Rabbit

Pink Rabbit has a great happy hour with $11 cocktails from 3 – 6 PM. Try their Bunny Club cocktail pictured here made with Bacardi rum, Lewis & Clark rum, Aperol, guava, and lime. Located at 232 NW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97209.

9. Kann

At Kann’s, every guest can enjoy an unforgettable experience with the perfect beverage to suit their taste! From classic and unique cocktails featuring fruits from the Caribbean, a special No Proof menu for non-alcohol drinkers, natural wines showcasing Oregon producers (with extra love for female makers), as well as local craft beers – there’s something delicious in store no matter your preference. Come join us and sip away on paradise! Located at 548 SE Ash Street Portland, OR.

10. Freeland Spirits

Freeland Spirits, a women-owned distillery, crafts artisanal gin and whiskey in small batches out of their Portland, Oregon distillery. They have a lovely tasting room where you can enjoy mini cocktails and tasting flights. Located at 2671 NW Vaughn St. Portland OR 97210.