We popped by DIFC’s tiny-by-name-but-not-by-nature Galaxy Bar for a night of glamorous cocktails and other-worldly experiences
Galaxy Bar is undoubtedly one of the most stylish and sophisticated bars in Dubai. The lounge delivers with all the quality, but none of the affectation, while being innovative and priding themselves on serving cocktail-focused concoctions. From the moment you step through the door, you are transported to a different world, with its sultry decor and ambient lighting creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and luxurious.
The glamorous Galaxy Bar area is set off from the main dining and bar area adjacent to the main entrance of Avli by tashas in DIFC.
With an amphitheatrical ceiling of lights designed to look like the galaxy in the night sky it exudes darkness and sultry themes. The subtle decor, of plush deep blue-hued intimate seating in cosy booths, while on the bar itself there’s a stunning marble feature framed by a sculpted marble-clad backbar.
Dubai’s Galaxy Bar won the Campari ‘One To Watch’ award in 2020 by the World’s Best Bars. This award is given to a rising-star bar on the 51-100 ranking that has the potential to break into the main list in coming years. It was the first time that a bar in the Middle East had been awarded the accolade. True to its innovative creativity it broke into the World’s 50 Best Bars ranking at 45 in 2021. Indeed, worthy of its springboard of creative endeavours and superb service repertoire.
The distinctive cocktail menu features a huge range of house-made infusions and tinctures, bringing a big hit of imagination and new flavour profiles to classic drinks. Each cocktail at Galaxy Bar is aptly named after an element of the universe, such as constellations or key stars in the cosmos. Stellar creations for example, the Infinity Sour, with a Greek brandy-style spirit, almond liqueur, cherry liquor, umeshu, lemon, egg white and saffron bitters, or the clarified and floral Supernova, with rum, date and sandalwood tea, milk solution and lavender. The Scorpius, on the other hand, is a twist on the classic Negroni, prepared with Campari, gin, beetroot-washed red vermouth and chocolate bitters. Another standout serve is the Red Giant, inspired by the Red Giant star, which is prepared with Rooibos-infused Campari, red vermouth, cocoa nibs and hibiscus.
The bartenders at Galaxy Bar are truly passionate about their craft and are happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. They take the time to explain the different ingredients and techniques used in each cocktail, making for a truly immersive and educational experience. One of the things that sets Galaxy Bar apart from other bars in Dubai is its attention to detail. The ice cubes used in the cocktails are perfectly clear and large, ensuring that they don’t dilute the drink as they melt. The glassware is also carefully chosen to complement each cocktail, adding another level of sophistication to the drinking experience.
Like everything at the bar, there’s a pageantry and flair to the drink that never tips into showy. Galaxy Bar is an intimate late-night lounge perfect for date night and post-dinner drinks.For more information check out www.galaxy-bar.com/ or visit @galaxybardxb on Instagram.
