18 Places Everyone Must Drink In Brighton

More a local gastro-bar than a full-on cocktail spot it's still a fantastic place to grab a decent Tom Collins (or something made with their range of Sussex-sourced local gins) while perched on a stool at the bar.

Lit like a club even at two in the afternoon Merkaba is anything but subtle. If the solid cocktail list doesn’t get you talking then negotiating the Ally McBeal-style unisex toilets certainly will.

Glam-up for this properly posh hotel bar where cocktails are always a brilliant move: meet the upmarket mood with the none-more-classy Mojito.

Hidden away above a Mexican restaurant the reward for being in-the-know about Bar Valentino is a mean negroni and an elevated view of the street-life scenes unfolding below the balcony.

Heard the one about the cocktail bar that doesn’t stock alcohol? Bring your own booze and the mixologists at this speakeasy-styled joint will mix your favourite cocktails made to order.

The elegantly wasted West Pier provides the suitably dramatic back-drop to an inventive American-style place featuring eccentric but delicious concoctions like the Armaretto-spiked Cherry Cola Bottle.

A good all-rounder that’s nailed down the cocktail canon and also offers the odd welcome twist to solid classics – like the Sussex Martini made from local Blackdown gin.

A short stroll from hen party hordes on West Street, this tucked-away South Lane bar serves up good value cocktails (especially during happy hour), plus a menu-full of burgers to soak up the booze.

Going for a sun-drenched Caribbean vibe when the wind is blowing a hoolie down the seafront is hard, but this laid-back and unpretentious sort-of shack manages it, thanks to a wide selection of bracing rum-based wonders.

As well as meaty treats this neon-flecked fast food joint does cool cocktails including the mighty Juno – a devilish mix of Bulleit, apricot brandy and egg.

Massive it may be, but when the smaller joints are packed The Mesmerist manages to add a little 1920s-themed charm to the usual roster of big-room cocktails.

High end thrills abound at this pricey but classy off-the-beaten-track hotel bar. A huge selection of vodka sets the tone alongside serious drinks like the port-based Heart and Soul.

Epic gin and tonics with a sea view are the order of the day here, either to kick off a night on the town or to seal the deal on one of this eatery's fine fishy feasts.

Nothing to do with the indie band but plenty of opportunity to sample quality cocktails (like this Tolberone effort above) to a Brighton (and Bowie)-based soundtrack.

Propping up the downstairs bar at this upmarket "wine, beats and bites", place gives you a privileged perspective on goings-on in the Lanes, plus a chance to try the brilliant Alaska – which blends sherry with artisan gin.