To mark World Cocktail Day on Saturday, we've checked out Trip Advisor reviews of Newcastle cocktail bars
If you are tempted indulge in a cocktail or three this weekend then you'll find that Saturday provides the perfect excuse.
May 13 was World Cocktail Day and bars around Newcastle no doubt will be just as keen to help you celebrate.
Whether you're a traditionalist with a taste for the perfect Martini or someone eager to try whatever is new and experimental then you should find something to suit.
From The Alchemist's showcase cocktails, served up with flame and smoke, to the Slug & Lettuce's new king-size take on the Pornstar Martini - the current on-trend tipple - there's certainly plenty of choice around the city.
So, if you're planning to raise a glass this weekend- and why not - then you may be debating where to go and what to try?
Well, there are some ideas here in this top 10 from the list of Newcastle cocktail bars, according to Trip Advisor.
The Botanist
The trend-setter in the Monument Mall, which peps up its cocktails with fresh fruit and greenhouse herbs in keeping with its showcase setting featuring a tree in the central bar, is one of several bars to create concoctions to mark World Cocktail Day.
There's a signature drink, The Botanist, pairing vodka with rum and elderflower liqueurs; a Strawberry and Cucumber Breeze including gin and strawberry liqueur; and an apricot and Peach Smash which melds the two fruits with bourbon.
On Trip Advisor The Botanist leads the cocktail bar list with 2,994 reviews, winning praise for its "out of this world atmosphere" and "amazing" drinks.
One happy punter wrote: "The staff were great and the strawberry and cucumber cocktail was amazing!
"Not the cheapest evening but you wouldn't come here if you wanted cheap."
Jalou Newcastle
The late-night bar in Neville Street, just down from the Royal Station Hotel, boasts a long cocktail menu enjoy against a backdrop of hip hop and DJs.
It clearly has a following with cocktail lovers, with much mention on Trip Advisor of its 50% off deal on Thursdays.
One of it 123 reviews praised its wide variety and popular zombie drink, adding: "Even after many trips I'm yet to work my way through the whole menu.
"They have classic cocktail takes on desserts/sweets and their cookie monster cocktail is amazing. Something for everyone.
Glass House
The most recent of the 40 reviews of this whisky, wine and champagne bar in Dean Street's Milburn Huse highlighted the "first class service" and "great ambience"
Naturally, champagne cocktails feature proudly on the cocktail list as does a range of martinis, including often-ignored true classics.
Among its 140 reviewers were lovers of its two for £7 offer while one fan simply said: "best early evening cocktails".
Tiger Hornsby
Live music got the thumb's up alongside the drinks at this Quayside watering hole, described by one reviewer as "a popular cocktail bar with a nice vibe".
With 78 reviews, the bar also scored well for its riverside location and interior design while cocktails were described as "delicious" with a happy hour deal to boot, including several priced at £4.50.
One customer noted: "The cocktails are made from scratch which is quite rare with a lot of bars using pre-mixes. It does lead to queues but it's worth it."
Science Bar
Back up in Neville Street, just up from the Royal Station then up a few steps to the door, this small bar has made a big impression with some on the cocktail front.
Among its 44 reviews, customers were kept smiling by its "novel" and "inventive" mixes.
A two for £10 cocktail deal at weekends proved popular with others. One recommended the "green cocktail in the beaker" but one recent visitor was less impressed when his request for a classic Margarita fell flat.
Florita's Bar
Nestled in the middle of Collingwood Street - aka the Diamond Strip - this bar certainly sparkled on the cocktail front with many of its 123 reviewers.
According to Trip Advisor views, its cocktail-making classes have been going down a storm.
One woman had a "fantastic" time at one of the events and a hen party member reckoned the class made for a "fab day".
Others have praised the "very funny" waiters; the bar's pre-10pm two-for-one offer on a Friday, and the "vibrant" looking drinks, with the bubblegum daquari cited by one reviewer as a top tipple.
Livello
Among 130 reviews of this club-bar in lower Dean Street, whose outdoor seating area is adjacent to the bottom of Vermot Hotel, were descriptions of "delicious"cocktails and praise for presentation.
One customer wrote: "Their speciality is the cocktail tree where you choose nine cocktails and they're presented in a metal 'tree' stand. Great."
Another added: "Although they don't have the biggest cocktail menu they certainly make up for that with the fantastic seating area outside. It's stunning."
Las Iguanas
The South American restuarant in Grey Street impressed with 1,858 reviews on Trip Advisor.
One of its Saturday night visitos left happy following its two cocktails for the price of one offer, which another called "belting".
Praising its "strong fruity cocktails", on fan described its Banana Joe cocktail as "lush".
Tokyo
"A long list of beautifully-crafted original and classic cocktails, "is how one Trip Advisor reviewer described the menu at this Westgate Road bar.
Its upstairs outdoor seating area, enclosed by old stone walls, proved a popular area to enjoy what one customer summed up as "unusual but delicious" cocktails.
One of its 48 reviewers even went so far as to describe them as "life-changing"
Revolution
With 260 reviews, the bar in the former Barclays Bank building on the corner of Collingwood Street won praise for an "awesome" selection of cocktails.
One customer said: "the cocktails never fail to impress" and another said: "The cocktails are great, but even better on 2-4-1."
A fellow mixology fan remarked upon the "excellent choice for cocktails and brilliant presentation which makes it more appealing".