THESE CHIC ROOFTOP BARS OFFER SENSATIONAL BIRDS EYE VIEWS OVER MANY OF THE WORLD’S MOST ENERGETIC CITYSCAPES, FROM LONDON’S WHIMSICAL WEST END TO BANGKOK’S SUPERTOWER STACKED SKYLINE

BY AMANDA McCOY

AER Mumbai, India

Take the elevator 34 floors up to access this chic rooftop perch atop the Four Seasons, the highest sky bar in Mumbai. With vistas reaching across the sprawling cityscape and Arabian Sea, the swanky lounge is all glam: suited servers and awarded mixologists deliver signature sippers and gourmet tapas, while live DJs and percussionists pump lively beats into the open air. The bar is lined in glass so patrons can take full advantage of the sweeping views over India’s largest and buzziest metropolis. The bar opens daily at 5 p.m., when in-the-know sojourners choose the best seats to sip high-end sakes and Mumbai sours as the sky melts into shades of crimson and rose. Food pairings span Asian-inspired, tapas-style bites of tossed edamame with fried garlic, crispy lotus root bao, and grilled corn ribs with spicy aioli. AER also hosts a locally famous Sunday brunch, featuring rocking DJ sets and a special menu. fourseasons.com/mumbai

INDUSTRY’s Cocktail Pick: THE VERDANT WHISPER Vodka, Cucumber, Screw Pine Leaf, Maraschino Cherry, Cacao, Italian Lemon, Vegan Foam

LE TOIT DE LA TOUR Paris, France

As the symphony of the City of Light strums in the distance, this newly debuted rooftop garden on the 7th floor of the legendary La Tour d’Argent (Paris’ oldest restaurant, with roots that date back to the 1500s) is as effervescent as its champagne cocktails. Views of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and other iconic Parisian landmarks wash over the leafy open-air terrace. Architect Franklin Azzi was generous in his use of zinc adornments throughout the space to reflect the capital city’s famous rooftops, while soft blue cushions mirror the sky by day. As the sun sinks into the horizon, the backdrop transitions into a tapestry of twinkling lights. The menu is, fittingly, a love letter to champagne, with several high-ticket options from Maison Roederer (there’s a variety of creative cocktails, too). Soak up the bubbles with a selection of gourmet bites by Chef Yannick Franques, from spreads of garlic confit tzatziki and basil tapenade to 14-month-aged beef cecina and olive oil-marinated goat cheese. Is there caviar service? Absolutely, and it’s served with fresh blinis and heavy cream. tourdargent.com/en/the-roof.

INDUSTRY’s Cocktail Pick: BEE MY BABY Housemade Sparkling Pollen Wine, Maison Benjamin Kuentz Single Malt Whiskey, Ginger Water

VERTIGO Bangkok, Thailand

Floating atop the crown of the five-star Banyan Tree hotel in the heart of Bangkok’s skyscraper-studded Sathorn district, this rooftop retreat offers a blistering vantage point from 61 stories high. While it’s not the city’s highest bar (that honor belongs to Sky Beach atop the Standard, which reaches a blistering 78 stories), Vertigo is touted as Asia’s first rooftop grill, serving a fine-dining prix-fixe menu alongside luxe a la carte selects and craft cocktails. The bar and restaurant is entirely open air, guaranteeing unimpeded 360-degree views of the glittering cityscape. Transparent glass railings ensure diners don’t have to sacrifice the show when feasting on spicy prawn linguine, roasted salmon with green pea puree, or grilled lamb chops coated in a honey miso glaze. A four-course meal includes a salad or ceviche, hearty bisque, main course of salmon or black angus tenderloin, and dessert (there’s an herbivore option as well). Signature cocktails pay homage to local Thai fruits, flowers, and herbs, and there’s a dedicated gin and tonic menu, too. banyantree.com

INDUSTRY’s Cocktail Pick: PHU KHA Lemongrass Rum, Cocchi Rosa, Cointreau, Rose Syrup, Saline Solution, Malic Acid

FLUTE London, England

A deliciously shameless juxtaposition to the modern minimalism trend, this courageous cocktail haunt dares you to label it ostentatious. Set in London’s liveliest neighborhood, the 7th floor rooftop in the Broadwick Soho boutique hotel is dripping in head-to-toe razzle-dazzle: animal print upholstery, bright pink and turquoise accents, cork walls, and mirror ceilings. A bright palm frond carpet fills the interior space, anchored by an onyx central bar, while the open-air terrace is filled with cozy love seats, fluffy cushion-topped chairs, and a jungle of leafy botanicals and flowering plants. Outside, stellar views over Soho and London’s towering skyline dance in the distance, while servers drop plates of tuna tostadas and ham and truffle grilled cheese sandwiches to soak up the bubbles and suds. The cocktail menu spans in-house signatures plus creative spins on time-loved classics, like a French 75 made with Thai basil or a Negroni with rosehips. Need more sustenance to withstand another round? There’s also a juicy Hereford steak and fries plate, served with brown butter bearnaise. broadwicksoho.com

INDUSTRY’s Cocktail Pick: FRENCH 75 Aquavit, Myagawa, Thai Basil, Champagne