In the very center of Poznan, just steps away from the historic Old Market Square, is the Source.Bar - a place that in recent years has gained recognition among both local residents and tourists looking for an authentic cocktail experience. The restaurant at 15 Stanisława Taczaka Street is distinguished by its minimalist yet cozy decor, which provides the perfect backdrop for the real stars of the place - the carefully prepared cocktails.

Source.Bar is not just a place where you can enjoy a good drink. It is a true temple of mixology, where each cocktail is treated like a small work of art. The bartenders, who often participate in national and international competitions, passionately talk about the ingredients and the process of creating each drink. What sets this place apart from other bars in Poznan is the use of local, seasonal ingredients and homemade syrups and liquors. The menu changes several times a year, reflecting the availability of fresh fruits and herbs, so that each visit can bring a new taste experience.

The history of Source.Bar dates back to 2016, when a group of friends decided to create a place that combines traditional Polish flavors with international mixology trends. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its proprietary cocktails inspired by Wielkopolska traditions. Especially noteworthy is their flagship cocktail 'Poznańska Pyra', which cleverly combines potato vodka with local herbs and is served in a specially designed vessel resembling a potato - a nod to Poznan's culinary tradition.

Nearby, on Jaskółcza Street, is another gem of Poznan's cocktail scene - TANCERECZKA. This small but extremely atmospheric bar is hidden in an alley of the old city, which gives it the character of a mysterious speakeasy from the Prohibition era. The name of the establishment refers to the legend of a young girl who, according to urban tales, danced here during the great fire of Poznan in the 18th century, unaware of the danger.

TANCERECZKA is distinguished by its unique decor, which combines elements of art deco with industrial raw style. The walls are decorated with original works of art by local artists, and in the evenings the establishment is illuminated by moody lamps that give off warm, subdued light. The bar is famous for its cocktails inspired by the interwar period, when mixology art had its golden age. Particularly recommended are their variations on classic drinks, such as the Old Fashioned or Negroni, which are given new life thanks to unconventional additions and preparation techniques.

An interesting fact about DANCERKA is that the establishment organizes regular educational events, during which you can learn the history of popular cocktails and learn the basics of mixology under the guidance of experienced bartenders. These workshops are very popular, especially among young professionals who want to expand their knowledge of drinking culture. Prices at both venues are kept at an average level, which, combined with the high quality of drinks served, makes them attractive places for a night out.

The Old Market in Poznań is not only the tourist heart of the city, but also home to two unique cocktail bars that take guests on a journey through international flavors. Just Friends Poznań - Restaurant | Cocktail bar, located at Stary Rynek 80/82, is a place that combines the functions of a restaurant and a cocktail bar, offering a comprehensive culinary experience.

Just Friends stands out from other establishments with its eclectic design, which draws inspiration from various corners of the world. The interior was designed by a well-known Poznan architect, who combined Asian elements with European classics to create a space that is both elegant and cozy. Large windows overlooking the Old Market allow guests to observe the bustling city center, which especially in the evenings creates a magical atmosphere.

The bar is especially famous for its fusion cocktails, which combine classic recipes with Asian ingredients. Their flagship drink 'Poznań Meets Tokyo' is a masterful combination of Polish bison vodka with sake, yuzu juice and elderflower syrup - a drink that symbolizes the cultural fusion of East and West. Interestingly, Just Friends was one of the first bars in Poznan to introduce non-alcoholic cocktails to its menu, with flavor profiles as complex and interesting as their alcoholic counterparts.

The history of the place is fascinating - the establishment was founded in 2018 as the fruit of a friendship between a Polish restaurateur and a Japanese sushi master, who met during their culinary travels in Asia. Hence the name 'Just Friends', which reflects the idea that good food and drinks are best enjoyed in the company of friends. The bar regularly holds themed evenings devoted to the cuisines of different countries, during which special cocktails tailored to the menu are served.

Just a few minutes' walk from the Old Market, at 10 Wroclawska Street, is Hola Hola Drink Bar - a place that transports guests to the atmosphere of hot Spain and Latin America. This colorful, lively establishment has in recent years become synonymous with fun and delicious cocktails inspired by Spanish-speaking countries.

Hola Hola is distinguished by vibrant colors, flamenco and Latin music playing in the background and an extremely friendly, almost family-like atmosphere. The walls are decorated with photos from various regions of Spain and South America, and the bar is made of wood specially imported from Andalusia. The owners, a pair of travelers in love with Spanish culture, have created a place that aims to be a small piece of Barcelona or Seville in the heart of Poznan.

Hola Hola's specialties are, of course, various variations of sangria and rum- and tequila-based cocktails. Particularly noteworthy is their proprietary 'Poznan Mojito', in which the traditional Cuban drink gets a new dimension with the addition of local mead and fresh seasonal fruits. The bar is also famous for its tapas served with drinks, allowing guests to fully experience Spanish drinking and eating culture.

Interestingly, Hola Hola organizes periodic dance nights where professional instructors teach guests the basics of salsa, bachata or flamenco. These events attract both tourists and residents of Poznan, creating a unique, international atmosphere. Prices at both venues are slightly higher than average, but fully justified by the quality of the drinks served and the unique experience they offer.

Completing Poznan's cocktail scene is Dram Bar: Coffee / Kitchen / Cocktails, located at 92 Stary Rynek St. This multifunctional establishment, operating from early morning until late at night, is a unique place on the city map, combining a café, restaurant and cocktail bar. The name 'Dram' refers to the traditional Scottish measure of alcohol, suggesting the owners' particular fondness for whiskey, although the bar's offer is much broader.

The Dram Bar occupies a historic building, the interiors of which have been carefully restored to expose original architectural elements such as brick walls and wooden ceiling beams. At the same time, the space has been arranged in a modern, minimalist manner, creating an elegant backdrop for culinary and cocktail displays. Particularly impressive is the central bar made of solid oak, behind which is an impressive collection of spirits from around the world.

Dram Bar stands out from other Poznan establishments for its approach to cocktails, which are treated as an extension of the dining experience. The drinks menu changes seasonally and is closely coordinated with the menu to ensure perfect flavor combinations. The bartenders collaborate with the chefs, using the same ingredients and techniques, which creates a cohesive culinary concept.

The restaurant's flagship cocktail is the 'Poznan Biscuit', inspired by traditional baked goods from the Greater Poland region. This unique drink combines single malt whiskey, homemade spice liqueur, freshly squeezed apple juice and egg white foam to create a multi-layered taste sensation reminiscent of holiday baked goods. The cocktail is served with a homemade shortbread cookie, further reinforcing this association.

Dram Bar's history dates back to 2019, when a group of friends with experience in the catering industry decided to create a place that combines their passions: coffee, cuisine and cocktails. The restaurant quickly gained recognition among both locals and tourists, becoming one of the must-visit places in Poznan. It is particularly appreciated for its flexibility - you can drink excellent specialty coffee in the morning, have a light meal at lunchtime and enjoy sophisticated cocktails in the evening.

Comparing all five cocktail bars in Poznan, one can see that each of them offers a unique experience and has its own distinct identity. Source.Bar and TANCERECZKA focus on locality and tradition, Just Friends and Hola Hola take guests on a journey through international flavors, and Dram Bar combines the world of cocktails with a culinary experience.

In terms of price, the most affordable are Source.Bar and DANCERECZKA, offering high-quality cocktails in the mid-price range. Just Friends and Hola Hola rank slightly higher, due to their use of imported, often exotic ingredients. Dram Bar, due to its comprehensive approach combining cuisine and cocktails, is the most expensive of the described establishments, but also offers the most complete experience.

In terms of atmosphere, the most intimate and intimate are DANCER and Source.Bar, ideal for a romantic date or quiet conversation. Hola Hola and Just Friends are more energetic venues, perfect for meeting a larger group of friends. Dram Bar, on the other hand, because of its multi-functionality, adapts the atmosphere to the time of day - from a quiet place for a morning coffee to a lively bar in the evening.

Whatever your preference, Poznan's cocktail scene has something to offer every lover of sophisticated drinks. From traditional recipes to avant-garde mixes, from intimate speakeasies to bustling venues in the heart of the city, Poznań is proving that it deserves to be called one of the most interesting cocktail cities in Poland.