11 cocktail bars you'll want to discover during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam (June 19 to July 5)

From June 19 to July 5, 2026, Rotterdam will be all about the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival for three weekends. During this international cocktail event, you can sample unique creations by top bartenders from across Europe at various bars throughout the city. A great excuse for a date night, a night out in Rotterdam, or simply an evening of drinking cocktails with friends.

As far as I'm concerned, the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam 2026 is also a great cocktail festival to look beyond your usual haunts. From hidden speakeasies to iconic hotel bars, Rotterdam has such a strong cocktail scene that you absolutely want to discover. Which bars are participating? I list them in this article and have also collected them in a handy folder for you. 

View the Cocktail Festival map

These are the 11 bars you don't want to miss during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival.

1. Duke of Tokyo: karaoke and cocktails in one evening

At Duke of Tokyo, you basically already know that the evening won't end with just one drink. This colorful karaoke bar combines private karaoke rooms with cocktails, making you feel like you're in Japan for a moment. More info >>

© Duke of Tokyo

2. Ox: hidden cocktails in an industrial cellar

Ox is one of my favorite hotspots in Rotterdam. A place you would almost miss if you didn't know where to go. Located in an industrial basement, you can pull up a chair here for an evening of cocktails, Asian-inspired dishes, and dimmed lights. Perfect for a date night during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival. More info >>

© Ox

3. Botanero: Palomas, Mexican flavors and good energy

For anyone who loves a table full of Mexican dishes, Botanero is a great place to go. Their Palomas are famous far beyond Rotterdam, and if there is one cocktail you want to order, it’s this one. I promise! More info >>

© Botanero

4. The Rumah: where bartenders themselves like to go

When bartenders stop by after their shift, you usually know you're in the right place. The Rumah is one such place and a must-visit in Rotterdam for good cocktails. More info >>

© The Rumah

5. Bar Break: neighborhood bar with cocktails 

Having a drink near the SS Rotterdam during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival is a great idea. You can combine two bars in one evening. Katendrecht is a really nice part of Rotterdam anyway, and you definitely don't want to miss Bar Break. More info >>

© Bar Break

6. Bar Bu: eat first, then go upstairs for cocktails

Bar Bu is ideal if you want to turn your cocktail night into a full night out. Downstairs, it's all about Asian fusion, while upstairs you'll find the cocktail bar. This is a place where delicious food and good cocktails go hand in hand. More info >>

© Bar Bu

7. Bar Tender: cocktails with fire, smoke, and theater

Some cocktails you just want to drink immediately, others you want to film first. At Bar Tender, they make creative cocktails with fire, smoke, and surprising techniques that keep you captivated. More info >>

© Bar Tender

8. Little V: Vietnamese food and accessible cocktails

Little V may be best known as a Vietnamese restaurant, but it is also a great place for cocktails. Ask about the specials during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival! More info >>

© Little V

9. Le Flamant Bleu: flamboyant speakeasy in the center

Le Flamant Bleu is a relatively new speakeasy in the center of Rotterdam with an awesome interior. A touch mysterious with dimmed lighting, beautiful glasses, and unique cocktails created especially for the bar. More info >>

© Le Flamant Bleu

10. Hotel New York: cocktails at an iconic Rotterdam location

Some places just stay good. Hotel New York is one of those classics where you can never go wrong, especially for a drink with a view of the Meuse. But did you know they make great cocktails here too? Be sure to ask for them during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival. The Singleton Sour! More info >>

© Hotel New York

11. SS Rotterdam: cocktails on a former cruise ship

Want to enjoy a cocktail on a former cruise ship? You can do so on the SS Rotterdam! A unique place to discover during the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival. And would you like to make it a night away? Just like at Hotel New York, you can stay the night here too! More info >>

© SS Rotterdam

Why you don't want to miss the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival in Rotterdam

The fact that the European finals of Diageo World Class are taking place in the Netherlands for the first time this year makes this edition of the Cocktail Festival extra special. The international cocktail scene is flocking to the port city in droves, resulting in unique bar takeovers throughout the week with mixologists you would otherwise have to fly in for. As a result, Rotterdam has an extra international vibe for three weekends, and you can drink cocktails that are just as creative and quirky as the city itself. 

Dot with my folder Map out your own cocktail route past the various bars and restaurants and discover Rotterdam after dark. Have fun! 

Let's get everything straight

• Event: World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam 2026
• When: June 19 to July 5, 2026
• Great for: date night, weekend or night in Rotterdam, a self-mapped cocktail route or a night out with friends
• Participating bars: Duke of Tokyo, Ox, Botanero, The Rumah, Bar Break, Bar Bu, Bar Tender, Little V, Le Flamant Bleu, Hotel New York and SS Rotterdam, view all locations on the map here >>
• What to expect: special cocktails, speakeasy vibes, hotel bars and iconic Rotterdam locations

© The Singletons

Frequently asked questions about Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam

When is the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam 2026?

Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam takes place from June 19 to July 5, 2026.

Which bars are participating in the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival Rotterdam?

Duke of Tokyo, Ox, Botanero, The Rumah, Bar Break, Bar Bu, Bar Tender, Little V, Le Flamant Bleu, Hotel New York, and SS Rotterdam, among others, are participating.

Is the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival fun for a date night?

Yes, precisely because you can discover various cocktail bars, the Diageo World Class Cocktail Festival is a great excuse for an original date night or an evening out in Rotterdam. Your Little Black Book has collected all participating bars and restaurants for you on a handy Google Maps, so you can hit the road right away! 

Nix18, in collaboration with Diageo