One of the best and most unique cocktail bars in Copenhagen, stabled in an old townhouse dating back to 1740, RUBY gives guests a great experience with innovative and well-crafted drinks in an exciting and timeless atmosphere. Here you forget about everything else but friends, colleagues, cocktails and happy thoughts — just what you deserve.
RUBY opened its doors on June 21, 2007 at Nybrogade 10, Copenhagen, and has since become an institution in the Danish cocktail industry, being honored with several international nominations and awards, and in 2023 ranked 87th on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Despite the bar’s iconic location — opposite the Thorvaldsens Museum next to the Kristiansloot Canal — it’s not easy to find. The door is inconspicuous, without any eye-catching signage or identification, but behind it lies an exquisite cocktail bar that has become one of the most talked-about establishments in the city by word of mouth — and deservedly so.
The rich history of the building itself also influenced the appearance of RUBY in this particular location.
Over the years, the building has been used for a variety of purposes, from a book printing house to a private bank and even the Ministry of Culture. Most important for the history is the fact that the Danish Spirit Producers (Det Danske Spiritus Kompagni) was founded in these premises in 1882, with Tietgen, Christian Oleson and Isidor Henenius as the founding fathers.
It is therefore even more important for the founders of RUBY to serve the best cocktails at this significant address on Nybrogade, which in the 17th century was also known for dive bars where fishermen and farmers spent their hard earned money on booze.
The bar was opened by Adeline Shepherd-Lomborg (who is Scottish) and her Danish husband Rasmus. It was not easy with the opening of the bank, they did not have their own money for the opening, and banks did not want to meet the requirements, because at that time nobody knew what a cocktail bar was. But the dream was destined to come true and finally the bar was opened.
According to the current Area Manager Michael Hajiyianni and RUBY General Manager Alessandro Rossi, this is a place to get drunk with friends, have a date or get together in a big group, it caters to people of different generations. The older generation of Danes come here to socialize in a comfortable environment, while young people come here to have fun. In this sense RUBY is convenient for everyone, and every year the bar becomes better and more popular, which is very valuable for both the team and the visitors.
According to the famous American writer Paul Theroux —“Like most good things in life we are not easily accessible. All good journeys start with a leap into the unknown”. We decided to make sure of it ourselves.
Once inside, we had the impression that we were in a refined apartment with cozy rooms with exclusive decor, leather sofas, vintage wallpaper, where there is a relaxed, homely atmosphere, completely devoid of pretentiousness.
A long polished bar counter sits in front of lighted racks stacked with bottles, both familiar and very unusual. It’s where the magic happens, and guests seated on stools can watch as experienced bartenders create their unique mixes before their eyes.
The lounge, darker and cozier, with Victorian-style decorations, offers soft leather armchairs, and the bar’s small terrace has a certain charm of its own.
The experienced and friendly team of bartenders introduced us to some of the most stunning experimental recipes from the recently updated menu as well as the bar’s all time bestsellers, which by opinion of many visitors are worth coming here just for them.
-FROZEN ‘BEET MARGARITA’ — Don Julio Tequila, Apple, Beetroot, Ginger, Coconut — Cold AF, feels like a boozy granite however this one is the sweetest cocktail on the current menu (130 DKK)
-HARMONY WELCOME Nº 10 — Tanqueray N° 10, Rhubarb, Jasmine, Grapefruit, Soda — Smooth, fresh & elegant (140 DKK)
The drinks menu changes seasonally and showcases the very best of their creations.
-MAI TYPE OF PUNCH — Two Drifters Pineapple Rum, Eminent Rum, Matcha, Yuzu, Milk — Tropical fruit, rich & clarified (150 DKK)
-SOMETHING SPICY — Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, Habanero, Whey, Sour Cherry, Whipped Beer — Fruity, rich & sour, and one of our absolute favorites (140 DKK)
-MYSTIK MANGO — Ketel One, Pandan, Mango, Miso, Sherry — Nutty, complex & long (130 DKK)
As previously mentioned, there’s a number of cocktails existing in RUBY for years, such as their big hit “WHISKEY FOR BREAKFAST”, which cannot be found on the menu, however always available to enjoy.
And as said “Negroni is the best way to polish any evening”, it makes even more worthy to try the RUBY’s version of this undying classics. Deep, well-balanced, with delicate red fruit notes and slight scent of wood.
If your visit to Copenhagen is limited in time, but you’re keen to explore the city’s bars, start with RUBY, as it’s rightfully could be considered the pioneering establishment of vibrant Danish mixology with a sense of mystery.
RUBY
Address: Nybrogade 10 / 1203 København K
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 16:00 – 02:00
Sunday: 17:00 – 01:00
Instagram: @rubycph
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
