A Boozy Guide to London: Where to Go, What to Drink

First up is the English-Russian Soho restaurant Bob Bob Ricard, because if the "press for Champagne" button* isn't on your life bucket list, it should be. Feel free to get glammed up for this one, but you'll see a range of attire if you want to keep it midrange.

We made reservations for dinner, which was delicious, but you could also just go for fancy nibbles and bubbly midday. It's also worth noting that the night we went also happened to be my husband's birthday, and they brought out a glittery pink cheesecake that was almost too pretty to eat.

*And yes, the button works (all in the name of journalism).

When it comes to Sushisamba, I say exciting for two reasons; the first is that it's at the top of a very tall building and requires riding many floors in a glass elevator to get there (would suggest closing your eyes if you're scared of heights, speaking from experience), and the second is the cocktails are just adventurous and fun.

The gray drink pictured here is the Bincho double black sour, made up of whiskey, toasted coconut, and spiced sugar shaken with Japanese citrus, egg white, and activated charcoal. It's also topped with a toasted marshmallow. The drink is subtly coconutty and not too sweet.

You must go to Sketch for both the experience and the Instagrams. It's so pretty and pink and delightful, you'll want to stay all day. I highly recommend the Champagne afternoon tea (with Rosé, naturally!), which pairs nicely with the caviar. And check out that pink Champagne cart!

Just try not to get too tipsy before heading to the loo; it's a trip.

In case you weren't already convinced to go with the Champagne afternoon tea!

Callooh Callay is a lounge-y bar located in the very cool neighborhood of Shoreditch and is the perfect spot to grab a drink with a group of friends. Not only are its cocktails creative and plentiful, but the menu features photos of the neighborhood's awesome street art.

Pictured here are two delicious drinks, the Devil Inside and the Mad Baron. The Devil Inside is a twist on the piña colada with agricole rum, creme de menthe, anise, pandan, coconut, and pineapple. The Mad Baron is a whiskey drink with Punt e Mes, Madeira, barolo chinato, and Angostura bitters.

Don't forget to check out the bathrooms . . . if you can find them.

Dishoom, described as a "loving homage to the Irani cafes that were once part of the fabric of life in Bombay," is always hopping, and for good reason. The food is so good we went twice for dinner the first time we visited London — and we had less than a week in the city.

The ambiance is like none other — especially at the Carnaby location pictured here — with the best spot being the veranda, an ultracool space with brightly colored mod furniture, strung-up lights, and enough greenery to feel like you're out on a back patio.

My drink of choice is the slushy Bombay colada, which is similar to a piña colada but with chai syrup and lime juice and topped with a yummy blend of spices including fennel seeds and coriander. Refreshing and complex!

If you want a dining or drinking option with a view, it doesn't get much higher than the 95-story skyscraper The Shard. We sipped on some vibrant, fruity cocktails at Aqua Shard on the 31st floor, but for the exceptionally bold out there, you can have a drink at Gong on the 52nd floor. Who has two thumbs and prefers to drink her cocktails with her feet firmly planted on the ground? This gal.

One of our favorite spots for a drink is Balans Soho Society. We went to the Kensington location twice our last trip and loved everything about this place, from the service and vibe to the food to, of course, the cocktails.

I had the very classily named Porn Star, a saucy little cocktail featuring vodka, vanilla, passion fruit, and (love this) a Champagne shot. Behind the Porn Star you'll get a peek at the Jaliscan Night, a pitch-black concoction of tequila, activated charcoal, agave, and violet.

Next time we're trying the absinthe fountain ritual!

Don't walk, run to Bao when you get to London. To give you an idea of how much we loved this place, we ordered almost everything on the Soho location's menu between the two lunches we had there. Pro tip: get the trotter nuggets or you'll regret it for the REST OF YOUR LIFE.

You'll notice the real star of the show here are the steamed buns, but the drinks were also phenomenal. I had a (nonalcoholic) cold-brew hibiscus tea and my husband had a cocktail with scotch and the same cold-brew hibiscus tea. Simple yet delightful.

If you just want to enjoy a hearty meal and a pint, one of our favorites is The Scarsdale Tavern in Kensington. It's cozy, cute, and usually busy (so make a reservation if you plan on eating dinner there) and has a friendly staff. Beer of choice? London Pride.

Established in 1890, Gordon's Wine Bar hails itself as London's oldest wine bar, and it has all kinds of rustic, Old World charm. You may have to duck just to make your way down to the candlelit, vaulted cellars, where you can enjoy a bottle or two of wine with classic English fare or a very hefty meat, cheese, and bread board. Come thirsty!