AER, DIFC

Having been a long-time resident in Al Murooj Rotana, the team behind AER has now taken on a massive space in Emirates Financial Towers - covering more than 20,000 sqft, and boasting a bar 100 feet long. The interior is a mix between gold walls, lounge furniture and plants - leaving a somewhat messy impression. At night time, the bar counter is lit up, which actually gives the place a dark impression - the bar is so bright that the rest of the lighting is playing second fiddle. Cocktail-wise, they are showcasing inventive drinks pleasing to the eye in social media, but given the lack of inspiration in the execution of the classics, it’s hard to find in situ.

Come here for shisha, an after work with colleagues or just to admire the long bar counter.

Atmosphere: 4/8
AER is an abbreviation for “An Experience to Remember”, but at this stage, they’re having some problems fulfilling that promise. Albeit they have the longest bar I’ve seen in Dubai (on par with @stillsyas in Abu Dhabi), but that only makes the place feel deserted and crowded at the same time - deserted due to the bar not even being even half full at any time, and crowded since there are only three bartenders covering 30 meters of bar, hence the wait is long.

Cocktails: 4/8
The cocktails need some work in order to reach somewhere - but you get the feeling that this place is about volumes rather than ambitions and details.

Bartender: 5/8
Decent bartender mercenaries - they know their trade and get the job done, but the finesse and zeal are lacking.

Ice: 4/8
The standard small ice cubes are a safe bet for diluted cocktails.

 

The Cocktail Dandy