A New Era of Ubud Nights
When the sun sets over the rice fields and the jungle hums to life, Ubud reveals a whole different personality. Known for its serene mornings and soulful energy, the town transforms by night into a creative playground for cocktails, conversation, and slow, intentional indulgence. Here, mixology isn’t about showing off — it’s about storytelling that is why we are listing the best cocktail bar Ubud, just for you.
And at the heart of this new energy is Spice by Blake — a modern Indonesian restaurant and cocktail bar on Jl. Monkey Forest that has redefined what it means to drink in Ubud. A place where the bar is not an afterthought but a stage, where local ingredients meet global technique, and every sip captures the essence of the island.
But Spice isn’t alone. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop sanctuaries, Ubud’s bar scene has evolved beautifully. Here are five of the best cocktail bars in Ubud, each with its own story — starting, of course, with us.
1. Spice by Blake — The Modern Indonesian Cocktail Playground
At Spice by Blake, we blur the line between kitchen and bar. Our space hums with the rhythm of Ubud’s nights — open, vibrant, and full of curiosity. Led by Chef Blake Thornley, the same creative mind behind Mozaic’s modern gastronomy, Spice celebrates the intersection of fine dining and playful drinking, we believe that we are one of the best cocktail bar Ubud.
Our bar program is a love letter to Indonesia — layered, aromatic, and adventurous. Each cocktail is crafted with precision, not pretension. You’ll find familiar ingredients like clove, pandan, or kaffir lime twisted into sophisticated flavour profiles that surprise and comfort in equal measure.
Signature creations you can’t miss:
- Nusantara Negroni – A classic reborn with arak Bali, spiced vermouth, and cacao nibs.
- Cempaka Blossom – Floral and tropical, built around jasmine tea and citrus honey.
- Java Mule – A ginger-forward refresher that bridges the island’s spice routes and modern mixology.
The experience doesn’t end with the drinks. At Spice, cocktails and food live in harmony — small plates designed to complement your glass, made from the same locally sourced produce. Sit by the bar, watch our bartenders move with the precision of chefs, and let the music guide your night.
We designed Spice to be more than just a restaurant. It’s where culinary creativity meets the buzz of a modern cocktail bar in Ubud, the place locals come back to and travellers tell stories about.
Find us:
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud
spicebali.com
Why go: To taste Indonesia’s essence, one cocktail at a time.
2. Night Rooster — Foraged Flavours & Local Alchemy
No list of the best cocktail bars in Ubud would be complete without mentioning Night Rooster, the brainchild of the renowned Locavore team. While Spice celebrates the spirit of modern Indonesia through innovation and fun, Night Rooster channels that spirit into precision and terroir.
Here, bartenders are alchemists, working with foraged ingredients from Bali’s forests and gardens. Their drinks tell stories of seasons, textures, and memories — sometimes smoky, sometimes bright, always surprising.
What to try: Their ever-changing seasonal menu, often featuring infusions made from Balinese cacao, kaffir leaves, or even snake fruit.
Why we love it: It represents Ubud’s devotion to craft and sustainability — values we share deeply at Spice by Blake.
3. Ambar Ubud Bar — Elevated Sips with a View
Perched above the lush greenery of the Ayung River Valley, Ambar Ubud Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is luxury in its purest form. The name “Ambar” means “sky” in Sanskrit — and it fits perfectly.
Here, the cocktails are refined, elegant, and served against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in Bali. Expect ingredients like honey flower, smoked cinnamon, or single-origin spirits, blended into drinks that taste like poetry.
What to try: The Canopy Collection — a series of forest-inspired cocktails celebrating Bali’s natural beauty.
Why it belongs on this list: While Spice thrives on community and creativity, Ambar embodies Ubud’s serene sophistication. It’s the perfect contrast — two sides of the same golden hour.
4. Whisper Cove Bar — The Hidden Speakeasy
For those who love secrets, Whisper Cove Bar is one of Ubud’s best-kept ones. Nestled quietly off Jl. Monkey Forest, this modern speakeasy feels like stepping into another world — dim lighting, plush leather, a jazz playlist that makes time disappear.
Their menu blends classic and contemporary, with each drink named after a story or emotion. The bartenders here take their time, ensuring every detail — from the ice clarity to the garnish — hits just right.
What to try: “The Bibir Manado,” a bold, spicy cocktail inspired by Sulawesi’s flavours, or “Uno Card,” a playful balance of citrus and bitters.
Why it’s special: Whisper Cove shares the same DNA as Spice — craftsmanship, intimacy, and a love for detail — but channels it into the mystique of an underground bar.
5. Pinstripe Bar — Vintage Charm in the Tropics
Sleek, tailored, and effortlessly cool — Pinstripe Bar in Petulu brings old-world sophistication to Ubud. Inspired by 1930s gentlemen’s clubs, it’s where cigars, jazz, and handcrafted drinks meet under soft amber lights.
Every cocktail feels bespoke, and their bartenders move like couturiers. From a perfectly stirred martini to their own smoked-rum concoctions, each sip tells you that Pinstripe values precision as much as personality.
What to try: The Clairvoyant Negroni — strong, smooth, unforgettable.
Why it deserves a spot: Pinstripe stands as a reminder that “classic” never goes out of style, complementing Spice’s modern playfulness with timeless charm.
Why Ubud’s Cocktail Scene Matters
Ubud has always been the island’s soul — but now it’s becoming its heartbeat after dark. What sets its bars apart isn’t glitz or crowds, but intention. Whether it’s sourcing spices from a local farmer or fermenting seasonal fruit for months, each glass holds a story that belongs to this land.
At Spice by Blake, that philosophy lives in every pour. We experiment with ingredients Indonesian people grew up with — tamarind, star anise, galangal — and give them a global accent. Our goal is to make cocktails that feel both new and familiar, exciting yet deeply rooted in place.
The best cocktail bar in Ubud isn’t about how long the menu is or how fancy the décor looks. It’s about connection — between people, ingredients, and ideas. And that’s what makes Spice stand out.
Raising the Bar: Spice’s Vision for Ubud
We believe that cocktail culture in Ubud should evolve with its people — curious travellers, creative locals, and those who seek authenticity with a touch of flair that is why curating this list of best cocktail bar Ubud is so much fun for us .
That’s why at Spice by Blake, every drink, every plate, and every night is an open invitation to experience Indonesia in a new light. We collaborate with local farmers, play with fermentation, and treat mixology as part of the culinary craft.
Come for dinner, stay for cocktails — or the other way around. Whether it’s a solo drink after work, a date night, or a weekend celebration, you’ll find warmth, rhythm, and flavour waiting behind our bar.
Because in the end, Ubud doesn’t need just another bar. It needs stories — and at Spice by Blake, we pour one with every glass.
