Cocktails and pairing in hotels: the success of the Belgrade Lobby Bar

"Stylish and overlooking the hotel lounge, this increasingly loved Belgrade spot backs an excellent selection of wines and spirits—alongside standout waters, beers, coffees, and Champagne—but it’s the cocktails that tell its true story, placing it among the city’s best. Set to the left of The Square restaurant, the bar runs about forty drinks that mix classics and specialties, with a clear homage to the Negroni (including versions aged to intensify their aromas) and a barrel-aging program that extends to an Aged Vesper—the James Bond twist on a Martini with vodka, gin, and white vermouth rested four weeks in oak. House originals include Pollock (with Campari, Vermouth Carpano Antica Formula, Martini Ambrato, and Peychaud’s Bitters) and Iris (Gin Mare with rhubarb liqueur, lime juice, grapefruit, and fresh sage), joined by Champagne-based cocktails, alcohol-free options like Shirley Temple and Virgin Mojito, and beers spanning Serbian, Dutch, Danish, and Japanese labels; even the waters list is curated, featuring Fiji. Open all day, it shines at aperitif and after-dinner hours, with drinks enjoyed at the counter, in lounge armchairs, or at vintage designer tables, and pairing possibilities that include salads, first courses, mains, and sandwiches such as Smoked Salmon or a Pulled Pork Bun." - Sarah Scaparone