We don’t need telling twice that Copenhagen is a beer-swilling capital, not least after the revelries of J-dag. But fear not, for those of you with a penchant for something a little more refined, this city happens to have one of the best cocktail bars in the world.
The Willy Wonka of cocktail bars, Ruby has been drawing cocktail connoisseurs to the capital from far and wide since its opening in 2007. Six years on, and Ruby is still the subject of glowing reviews, proving that this is one classy establishment that will stand the test of time. In a city filled with cocktail bars, Ruby still stands out as being just that little bit more special.
“I drink to make other people more interesting,” remarked Ernest Hemingway. Luckily, the cocktails at Ruby are interesting enough in themselves, so a boring sidekick should be the least of your worries. Ruby’s passionate shakers and stirrers have taken old classics that have been forgotten and injected new life into them, while offering guests a taste of the glamour of bygone days. Their signature ‘Rapscallion’ is a Scottish version of the Manhattan, featuring Talisker Single Malt Whiskey stirred over sweet sherry, with a Ricard pastis rinse. The popular drink recently appeared on the menu at New York’s oh-so-chic speakeasy Please Don’t Tell.
Admittedly, the descriptions are a little on the lengthy side, with each individual cocktail clamouring for your attention, launching themselves off the menu with wordy descriptions that all but tell you the age, marital status and shoe-size of your potential choice. It begins to feel like an awkward speed dating session with an array of alcoholic beverages. “The caraway and cinnamon notes of unapologetic Taffel akvavit is tempered with fruity Bitter Thruth sloe gin in this pale and beautiful fizz, with chocolate bitters, lemon and a little sugar” – pleased to meet you, Taffel Luck!
But it is certainly no fun to be a philistine, especially where Ruby is concerned, because in truth, its charm and beauty is in the delivery of an experience, from the sumptuous interiors to the bartenders’ careful attention to detail. Hidden behind an unmarked door, beside the Georgian Embassy (a detail that somehow makes the whole thing seem even more well-appointed), you enter a series of cosy rooms complete with flickering candles and plush, Chesterfield sofas. Settle into a snug corner and soak up the relaxed atmosphere, or pull up a barstool and watch the expert bartenders ply their trade ever so skillfully. The drinks are undoubtedly on the pricey side, but they are rather excellent. Be warned: it gets crowded. Get there early (the bar opens at 4pm) or face the queue. That’s the spirit!
Ruby Cocktail Bar
Nybrogade 10, Cph K; open Mon-Sat 16:00-02:00, Sun 19:00-01:00
3393 1203; price Range: 100-120kr per cocktail
