Recently, we visited the buzzworthy Alter Ego Cocktail Club in Downtown San Jose, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! Nestled inside Still O.G., this bar offers an impressive cocktail experience.

The Annabel Lee cocktail was a standout, featuring a delightful blend of brandy, aperitivo, chili, and tamarind. Its perfect balance of sweet, bold, and spicy flavors is a must for any cocktail enthusiast! The stunning presentation, topped with a bubble that released a smoky pop, was unforgettable—especially with the image of a lady holding a cigarette.

The Canyon Lullaby cocktail was equally impressive, combining rye, passionfruit, and Calpico in a cute cactus-shaped cup for a fruity, sweet delight.

We also tried the Buster Babs, a fascinating clarified drink made with rum, carrot, turbinado sugar, and more. This unique cocktail takes days to prepare, resulting in an incredibly smooth and sweet flavor profile, beautifully presented.

If you’re up for great cocktails with a lively vibe, 55 South in San Jose is a must-visit. Their menu combines classic drinks with unique ingredients, which keeps things exciting for cocktail enthusiasts. Whiskey fans will also love their extensive selection. On weekends, the DJ adds an energetic touch, making Fridays and Saturdays especially popular nights. If you want a seat, try to arrive early, as it can get busy during peak times!

MINIBOSS, a vibrant arcade bar in Downtown San Jose, combines craft cocktails, nostalgic 90s arcade games, and seasonal decor for an unforgettable night out. Sip unique drinks, savor delicious food, and immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing. A must-visit spot for arcade lovers and holiday enthusiasts alike!

Discover Bee’s Knee bar in Kyoto, a stylish speakeasy with a Prohibition-era vibe offering Japanese-inspired cocktails. From the citrusy Truffle Bee’s Knees to the Umami-rich Da-Shi Martini, each drink is crafted to delight. With attentive staff and unique cocktails, this upscale bar is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in Kyoto.

B&F Bar, a cozy speakeasy beneath Tokyo’s famous Bar Benfiddich, serves custom-crafted cocktails inspired by Japanese flavors. Perfect for adventurous drinkers, simply name ingredients like yuzu or cherry blossom, and the expert bartenders will mix a drink tailored to you. With an inviting atmosphere and attentive staff, B&F Bar offers an unforgettable, personalized experience for cocktail lovers in Tokyo.

Experience the charm of The Underground Speakeasy & Distillery in Downtown Las Vegas, a hidden gem located within the Mob Museum. Just steps from Fremont Street, this Prohibition-era bar offers expertly crafted cocktails inspired by history, with decor that transports you back to the 1920s. Friendly staff, unique drinks, and live music make it a must-visit spot. For a full experience, explore the distillery and museum exhibits too.

Discover a charming speakeasy bar with a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails like the Sbagliato and classic Tuscan Negroni, with plans to return for off-menu drinks. The friendly bartender adds to the welcoming vibe, making it a perfect spot to unwind. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique cocktail experience!

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen in Leeds is a lively venue renowned for its live music, comedy, and art performances across three floors, along with a rooftop terrace. Originally opened in 1934, this historic space offers an amazing beer selection and delicious pizzas at student-friendly prices. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind and experience the local arts scene while in Leeds!

Discover Nara’s top-rated bar, Lamp, one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, known for its unique cocktails and artistry. Owned by champion bartender Michito Kaneko, Lamp offers a truly personalized experience with no set menu—order based on your taste preferences, and enjoy house-made vermouth crafted from sake. Signature cocktails like ‘The Beginning’ and the ‘Lamp Negroni’ feature Japanese ingredients, including burdock root and Nara cypress, for unforgettable flavors. A must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts looking to explore innovative Japanese flavors!

The Bird Cage bar in Yerevan, Armenia, offers a unique cocktail experience with drinks inspired by North American bird species featured in John James Audubon’s Birds of America. Known for inventive, culture-rich cocktails like the celery-infused Gin Tonic and Parula, a tequila cocktail with chipotle and cucumber, The Bird Cage brings artistry to mixology. Highlights include the Nightjar with fruity, nutty flavors and the Pomareya, made with pomegranate—a symbol of Armenian heritage. A must-visit for unique drinks and cultural inspiration in Yerevan!

Located within Resorts World in Las Vegas, Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge offers an upscale yet playful ambiance with a focus on unique cocktails and champagne. Known for fun, Instagram-worthy drinks like the Champagne Bath, served with rubber ducks, it’s an ideal spot for celebrations and milestone events. The bar’s atmosphere combines 1920s elegance with modern flair, featuring curated music and a lively lounge vibe. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or looking to elevate your Vegas experience, Gatsby’s adds a unique twist to any night out!

For a whimsical and sweet cocktail experience in Las Vegas, I Love Sugar’s Candy Martini Bar is a must-visit. Known for its giant, candy-themed martinis, this bar offers over-the-top creations that come with fun dry ice effects, making each drink as much about the visuals as the flavor. Try the colossal Gummy Bear Martini or “Pop It Like It’s Hot,” which is perfect for sharing with friends or family due to its size. Each drink brings a candy-inspired twist, creating a memorable Vegas outing for any group

For a refreshing escape from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, Oak & Ivy in the Fremont area offers a warm, intimate setting perfect for whiskey enthusiasts. Known for its inventive cocktails crafted with homemade and seasonal ingredients, the bar specializes in whiskey-based creations. Their "Smoke & Spice & Nothing Nice" with BBQ bitters and bourbon offers a unique twist, while the "Apple Pie Harvest" is a popular signature choice. The knowledgeable and passionate staff add to the experience, making Oak & Ivy a spot worth revisiting for creative, expertly crafted drinks.

If you're looking for a scenic, relaxing spot in Leeds, Aire Bar along the River Aire is a fantastic choice. This spot combines charming brick architecture with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for socializing over drinks by the water. The bar’s impressive drink menu, including ciders and craft beers, is well-loved, and prices are reasonable, making it a great option for both locals and visitors. Watching boats drift by as you sip on a refreshing cider adds a romantic touch to the experience—highly recommended if you’re in the area!

The SG Club in Tokyo is a unique multi-floor bar combining Japanese elegance with a vintage 19th-century saloon vibe. Ranked as one of Asia’s top bars, it has two distinct areas: Guzzle upstairs, for a lively atmosphere, and the quieter, more refined Sip downstairs, ideal for savoring cocktails. Signature drinks include the floral Bathtub Yuzu Drop and the dessert-like Drunken Grandma's Apple Pie. The “Whisky Nigiri” offers an umami twist, while Charlie Brown Loves Wagyu combines bourbon with kobe beef and peanut butter. A pricier spot, but absolutely worth visiting!

For a unique cocktail experience, try the Verbena at The Chandelier bar in the Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas. This intriguing off-menu margarita starts with eating a Szechuan button, a small edible flower that activates a tingling, buzzing sensation on your tongue. The flower’s numbing effect intensifies the cocktail’s citrus notes, turning each sip into a sensory experience that’s as unique as it is enjoyable. Known for its multi-level setup and iconic crystal design, The Chandelier bar is a top Vegas spot for creative cocktails in a stunning setting.

Sushisamba is a lively spot that combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences in its dishes and cocktails, creating a unique dining experience. The bar offers a blend of classic and inventive cocktails, including the Wasabi Margarita, which has a subtle wasabi-infused tequila, and the Nashi Martini with a rich pear flavor. They also have an impressive sake selection, spotlighting regional Japanese varieties. With its vibrant atmosphere, Sushisamba is a great choice for Japanese-inspired drinks and fusion cuisine in an upbeat setting.

Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den Bar is a hidden gem inside Resorts World in Las Vegas, concealed behind a wall that opens discreetly, making it a fun adventure to find. The ambiance inside feels intimate and sophisticated, reminiscent of small, atmospheric bars found in Japan, with a warm and inviting design that sets a relaxed tone. The bartenders create custom cocktails based on your preferences, while their unique whiskey-based options provide a flavorful experience perfect for unwinding in a cozy yet vibrant space away from the Strip's hustle.

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