French 42

At French 42, Almaty’s cocktail scene takes a stylish turn. Located on Bogenbai Batyr Street and styled with cinematic cues from Casablanca, the bar is led by founders Alexey Kim and Nikolai Pozdeev and bar manager Grigory Pak.

From its lighting to its playlist to its polished glassware, French 42 evokes the ambience of a European gin club transplanted to Central Asia. Gin dominates: around 90% of the menu features gin, sourced from all five continents. 

Whether you’re ordering a twisted Old Fashioned, a gin Martini or their version of a Penicillin, you feel in expert hands. The crowd is smart-casual, the mood elevated yet relaxed, and it’s an excellent spot to experience Almaty’s unexpected cocktail finesse.

Tatler Tip

Go early, 7pm on weekdays, for a quieter visit. Ask for something off the gin menu that’s not on display, you might discover the hidden depth of their collection.