Curfew is a thing of the past, people are in the mood to go out and Vienna's bartenders are happily pouring again. The mood? Top. The drinks menu? More creative than ever. The Austrian capital's bar scene is becoming increasingly exciting and diverse. What to order in seven of the best bars in Vienna this spring? Anything but spritzesr!

Jewels

For years, Kleinod has topped various lists of the best bars in Vienna. In addition to the magnificent (and far too small) main building, Kleinod Stadtgarten and the cocktail bar Prunkstück are also extremely popular with Viennese locals. Despite the lack of space, the rush is great, but people sip their drinks standing up if need be. A must-try is the Fat Julep, in which the mint flavor is extracted with butter and warmed together with bourbon.

Josef

The fact that founder Philipp M. Ernst has traveled internationally in his 2o-year career as a bartender, perfecting the art of mixology, is immediately apparent from the diversity of the offerings. The Josef Cocktail Bar is dedicated to cocktail enthusiasts, while the Josef Highball Bar serves refreshing drinks in a Hollywood atmosphere. A must-try is the Styrian Negroni, a classic with an unexpected Styrian twist.

Sterngasse 1 and 3 respectively, 1010 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 5322044
Web: josef-bar.at

Intermezzo Bar

An absolute insider tip among Viennese: the elegant bar in the unassuming Intercontinental Hotel. Located right next to the Stadtpark, locals regularly come here for relaxed evenings and enjoy the wide selection of excellent drinks. For a late-night snack, the bar also offers delicious late-night bar food. The barrel-aged gin and tonic is a must-try.

Johannesgasse 28, 1030 Vienna
Tel.: +43 1 711220
Web: vienna.intercontinental.com

Brother

This restaurant, based on a simple idea, defies all expectations. The food is as creative as the remarkable drinks, and both come either from the restaurant's own production or from carefully selected partners. The works of art that the two operators (Hubert Peter is responsible for the bar, while Lucas Steindorfer is in charge of the kitchen) create through fermentation processes are a science in themselves. Must try: Vermouth in every version.

Truth and Dare

This experimental bar, one of the city's newest, challenges its guests to engage in a new experience. Instead of serving the same classics as regular bars, Truth and Dare is always up for a surprise. What's on the menu? That's a mystery. You'll probably have to go there to find out. Be sure to try: trust the bartender and be surprised.

Schönlaterngasse 4, 1010 Vienna
Web: truthanddare.bar

Dino's Apothecary

Bar manager Heinz Kaiser puts his heart and soul into his work: like a pharmacist with medicines, the cordial host mixes extremely precise and inventive cocktails from the highest quality ingredients. Together with the inviting atmosphere, Dino's Apothecary is definitely one of the best bars in Vienna. Don't miss: the lively Coffetini and the Umami Oyster Shot.

Door 7

Seek and you shall find: in best Speakeasy fashion, the entrance to this well-kept secret is well hidden, but all the better for the atmosphere - and the drinks. Guests with an affinity for cocktails will have their wishes fulfilled here down to the last detail and can have detailed conversations with the bartenders. Be sure to try: whatever your heart desires. Since there's no menu here, it's "the sky's the limit."

Buchfeldgasse 7, 1080 Vienna
Tel.: +43 664 5463717
Web: tuer7.at

More Vienna: New luxury hotel Rosewood opens first house in Austria