Shanghai's 15 best al fresco drinking spots

1. Cotton's (Anting Lu)

Since 2005, Hunanese native Cotton Ding has been cultivating the reputation of her namesake bar in Anting Lu as one of the city's most chilled-out places to get your drink. This perennial Shanghai favorite is particularly popular when the sun comes out and the leafy garden terrace comes into its own.

Al fresco fact: The expansive outdoor terrace at Cotton's in Anting Lu once formed the gardens of a colonial mansion that housed the Mayor of Shanghai.

Drink: At Cotton's extended weekday happy hours, the convivial ambiance becomes even more friendly. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday drinks are buy-one-get-one free.

Cotton's, 132 Anting Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu 安亭路132号, 近建国路, +86 21 6433 7995, www.cottons-shanghai.com

2. Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace

This terrace, on the seventh floor of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel, is so new it's not even open yet. CNNGo got a sneak peak of this soon-to-be Bund hotspot, which opens in June atop the Bund's latest chic, colonial heritage hotel.

As it's located next door to Bund 18 on the corner of Nanjing Lu, it's fair to say that this terrace will probably have a pretty similar view to that of Bar Rouge -- minus the thumping techno.

Al fresco fact: Up to 120 people will be able to enjoy the uninterrupted views of Pudong at any one time.

Drink: A Flaming Shook!tini (RMB 75) that's Tanqueray gin, Campari, Cointreau, Sweet Vermouth and orange juice, garnished with an orange twist

Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace, 7/F, The Swatch Art Peace Hotel, 23 Nanjing Dong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 南京东路23号7楼, 近中山东一路, +86 21 5866 6428

3. El Willy

Guillermo "Willy" Trullas Moreno's signature tapas are the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon or evening of wine and cocktails and his Siesta Garden is one of Shanghai's nicest outdoor areas in which to indulge your appetite for the finer things in life.

The garden space -- and Willy himself -- attract a fun crowd of drinkers and diners most nights of the week.

Al fresco fact: The 50-seat Siesta Garden stays buzzing until late into the evening, so no need to plan post-dinner drinks. 

Drink: Try the margaritas for an after-work pick-me-up or a Bloody Mary if you're feeling seedy on a sunny Saturday afternoon (drinks are priced between RMB 50 and 70).

El Willy, 20 Donghu Lu, near Huaihai Lu 东湖路20号, 近淮海路, +86 21 5404 5757, www.elwilly.com.cn