Best Cocktail Bars in Havana, Cuba

The colorful streets of Havana are packed with watering holes offering some of the most iconic cocktails in the world.

Whether you’re a fan of the longer mojito, or the short, sharp daiquiri, there are hundreds of bars that will whip you up a cocktail in the Cuban capital. During his time in the city, Ernest Hemingway continued his heavy drinking habits and several bars live off their association with Papa to this day.

Arguably the most evocative is El Floridita, which unashamedly plugs its Hemingway connection with a large bronze statue at the end of the bar. The $6 daiquiris are among the most expensive in town, but it’s worth popping in to savor the atmosphere and snap a picture alongside the famous author.

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Down on the Malecon, stop into the Bar Sovietico to sip on some vodka cocktails in this third-floor restaurant stuffed with Soviet memorabilia. Perfect for a break from the rum-heavy concoctions that dominate most menus in the city.

Over in Varadero, head to the Habana Libre hotel. The former Hilton was used as a command post by Fidel Castro after he took Havana, and the building was also home to the Soviet embassy for many years. These days, the modernist interior offers a refined environment in which to enjoy some sophisticated cocktails.

For amazing views along the Malecon, head to the Hotel Nacional. The imposing building played host to one of the biggest meetings of the North American mafia before the Cuban revolution, so order a coctel de la mafia (mafia cocktail) to get in the mood.