Best Places to Enjoy a Cocktail in Oxford, England

Since Oxford is filled with students and tourists from around the world, it's no wonder that the area is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and ritzy cafes to take a break. Oxford is one of London's best places to enjoy a cocktail, boasting a lineup of traditional bars and restaurants, but also a few choice selections to enjoy your favorite martini. From the plush lounge to the neighborhood 60's spot, here's where you'll find the best places to enjoy a cocktail in Oxford:

Head to Raoul's Cocktail Bar on Walton Street for a prime pick of the latest cocktails and drink concoctions. This bar is spread over two floors and has become famous for some of the weeknights. The atmosphere is inviting with retro décor and cozy seating throughout the area. This is the place to order the 'Miss Behiving', a sassy mix of manuka honey vodka, Frangelico, and fresh cream. The Lady Hamilton Martini is another popular drink for your late afternoon buzz; citadelle gin strained with chilled limoncello make this an instant hit. Raoul's is open until midnight during the weekdays, and 1 a.m. on weekends; call 01865 553 732 for more information.

Moving away from the student crowds, Bar Baby offers a dual-level setting with a nightclub on the first floor and restaurant upstairs. The crowd here ranges from late twenties to upper thirties, and has a laid-back vibe. The best drink to order here is the standard martini; the bartenders are sociable and attentive, and the nightclub plays a variety of house, funk, and contemporary hits. Bar Baby is located at 213 Cowley Road; call 01865 202 506 for more information.

When it's time to celebrate, most Oxford students make their nightly rounds at Thirst, a hip and fashionable place to enjoy an overdone cocktail. While the DJs and dancing ensue, you'll be enjoying some of London's enthusiastic bar hopers for creative concoctions from an extensive cocktail menu. This is definitely not the place for a low-key evening; expect plenty of drama and interesting personalities throughout the night. You'll find it at 7 Park End Street, and it's open until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

One of the trendier spots in the area is Branca, an Italian gastro pub that presents a great opportunity to converse with the locals. You'll enjoy a little of the upscale lifestyle, with leather armchairs instead of barstools and a shiny chandelier hanging from the high-ceilings. The food has made this place a legend in the Oxford district, but it's also a great place to enjoy a classic martini. Look forward to a chic and fashion-forward crowd on a regular basis; most are students and professors, but you will find a business exec or two on random nights. Branca is located at 111 Walton Street; call 0186 556 111 for more information.

From the trendy and hip crowds at the nightclubs, to the laid back but chic groups from West London, finding a place to enjoy a cocktail is simple enough in Oxford. Oxford is one of London's prestigious districts, home to many students and professors at the University. You'll find a great group to socialize with, and can enjoy a creative concoction (or two) at the same time.