If you plan on heading to Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade Maravilhosa, for next summer’s World Cup (or the Olympic Games in 2016!), take full advantage of its tropical climate and gorgeous views at one of these 10 watering holes. Whether you’re craving a caipirinha, a chopp, or a craft cocktail, you can slake your thirst the carioca way. (Our featured image is © marchello74, 2013. Used under licence from Shutterstock.com)
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1. Baretto Londra
Sleek Baretto Londra, located in the Fasano Hotel, attracts the city’s most glamorous and well-heeled denizens (not to mention long lines).
2. Palaphita Kitch
This is the bar everyone pictures when they imagine a night out in Rio. Open-air drinking, palm-frond canopies, a view of the waters of Rio’s Lagoa, tropical fruit-infused beverages…it may just be paradise.
3. Academia da Cachaça
If you come to Rio during the World Cup, cachaça (Brazil’s national spirit) will certainly be flowing. Academia da Cachaça, with its hundreds-deep bottle inventory, is the perfect place for newbies to try a swig of the stuff – or mixed into a caipirinha, if preferred.
4. Bar d’Hotel
Though it’s only on the second floor of Leblon’s luxe Marina All Suites Hotel, Bar d’Hotel’s waterfront location means it offers top-notch views of the azure coast. The sweet and spicy cocktails are an essential part of the Rio experience.
5. Bar do Mineiro
In the heart of the boho, hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, Bar do Mineiro serves food and drinks from the nearby state of Minas Gerais. Try the abatida de gengibre, a cocktail that blends cachaça with ginger.
6. Jobi
A bona fide institution, Jobi offers a glimpse into mid-century Rio. Settle in to this casual boteco-style bar for chopp, Brazilian-style draft beer served in tall glasses with creamy foam.
7. Bar do Gomez
Kick it old school at Bar do Gomez, which was founded in 1919. In addition to chopp and cachaça, it also serves traditional salgadinhos – salty bar snacks.
8. BeerJack HideOut
Craft beer may not be a Brazilian speciality, but suds lovers can still head to BeerJack HideOut for a superlative list of international imports, plus a craftier take on chopp.
9. Brigite’s
Also an elegant fine dining destination, Brigite’s superlative craft cocktails incorporate native Brazilian ingredients – look for cane sugar, star fruit, and other tropical flavours.
10. Meza
With a background of light house music, an array of tasty snacks, and an impressive cocktail list, Meza is a cool and comfortable place to wind away the evening.
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Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
