Athens' Can't-Miss Cocktail Bar Specializes in Cane Spirits

"Specializing in cane spirits like Caribbean rum, agricole, and cachaça, Baba Au Rum in the rowdy Monastiraki neighborhood of Athens delivers a nautically themed, tropical vibe with upbeat music and smiling crowds; it’s considered one of the best bars in the world and somehow projects big personality from just 15 seats and a single bartender. I watched mixologists crank out cocktails at breakneck speed, each meticulously executed using a bevy of housemade syrups and even several liqueurs crafted behind the bar, with most drinks priced around $11. The menu offers roughly a dozen Avant Garde selections and about a dozen additional assemblies in the Rum Society, so there isn’t a dud: the Pearl Fishers is a low-ABV mix of Amaro Montenegro and tonic infused with spices and cherry blossom, Basquiat’s Daisy pairs Ford’s Gin and Lillet Rouge with tangy housemade fermented raspberry wine inspired by the artist’s bold colors, and the Anti-Novel Margarita blends cardamom-infused tequila with a Greek citrus liqueur, muddled pomegranate and spearmint, and a finishing touch of in-house distilled oolong tea. The bar fills up around 7 p.m., so I suggest starting with something light to pace the evening; as a pioneer of Athens’s craft cocktail scene, it’s a must-stop when visiting the city." - Brad Japhe