Alcohol in Malta: specialties, prices and everything you need to know (2026)

Cisk, Bajtra, Maltese wine, cocktails overlooking the sea… In Malta, they know how to drink, and they know how to drink well. But when you arrive on the archipelago for the first time, you inevitably ask yourself questions: what do you drink here? Is it expensive? Are there any rules to know?

Good news: you've come to the right place. At Malta Adventures , we live in Malta year-round and know every bar, club, and local specialty. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about alcohol in Malta : typical drinks, actual prices in 2026, and practical tips for enjoying the nightlife without any unpleasant surprises.

Cheers! 🍻

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Typical drinks and alcoholic beverages of Malta

Despite its small size, the Maltese archipelago has its own distinct identity when it comes to drinks. With influences ranging from Italian and British to North African, Malta has developed specialties found nowhere else in the Mediterranean. Here are the must-tries.

Cisk: the essential Maltese beer

It's impossible to spend time in Malta without drinking a Cisk (pronounced "Tchisk"). It's THE beer of the island, brewed since 1929 by Simonds Farsons Cisk , the only brewery in the archipelago.

Cisk Lager is a light, refreshing blonde ale, perfect under the Maltese sun. But the range has expanded considerably:

• Cisk Lager : the classic, golden blonde, lightly hopped. It's the one everyone orders.
• Cisk Excel : the light version, with fewer calories. Popular with locals watching their weight.
• Cisk Chill : citrus flavored (lemon/lime), very refreshing in summer.
• Cisk Lemon and Cisk Berry : the fruity variants, ideal if you're not a fan of bitter beer.

Approximate price: expect to pay around €1.50-€2 in supermarkets and €2.50-€5 in bars. It's one of the cheapest beers in the entire Mediterranean.

Our advice: order your first Cisk on a terrace overlooking the port of Marsaxlokk or on the seafront in Sliema. It's a mandatory rite of passage.

Maltese wine: Ġellewża, Girgentina and estates to know

Many tourists are unaware that Malta produces its own wine , and it's quite good. Maltese winemaking tradition dates back to Phoenician times, and the archipelago benefits from a Mediterranean climate ideal for grapevines.

What makes Maltese wine unique are its two endemic grape varieties that are found nowhere else in the world:

• Ġellewża (red): produces round, fruity wines with notes of cherry and plum. Perfect with local cuisine.
• Girgentina (white): produces fresh, thirst-quenching wines with a floral and fruity nose. Ideal as an aperitif overlooking the sea.

Classic grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, adapted to the Maltese terroir, are also found.

Areas to be aware of:

• Marsovin : the oldest estate in Malta (1919). Wide range, from table wine to premium cuvées.
• Meridiana : considered the highest quality estate. Their reds are excellent.
• Delicata : good value for money, very affordable.
• Ta' Betta Wine Estates : a small artisanal winery in Gozo, for lovers of natural wines.

Approximate price: a bottle of Maltese wine in a supermarket costs between €4 and €10 . In a restaurant, expect to pay €12 to €25 per bottle, which remains very reasonable compared to France or Italy.

Bajtra: the prickly pear liqueur

If you only bring back one bottle from Malta, make it this one . Bajtra is a sweet liqueur made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus (the cactus you see everywhere on the archipelago). Its pinkish-red color is instantly recognizable.

It is best enjoyed chilled, as a digestif , often at the end of a good meal. The taste is mild, sweet, slightly floral, with a somewhat syrupy texture. Even people who don't usually like liqueurs generally enjoy it.

Our advice: you can find it in all supermarkets and souvenir shops. But the best way to discover it is in a local bar where it's served ice-cold.

Other local liqueurs

Malta isn't just about Bajtra. The island produces several artisanal liqueurs that are well worth trying:

• Almond liqueur : sweet and fragrant, perfect as a digestif.
• Carob liqueur : more original, with a taste reminiscent of chocolate. The carob tree is very common in Malta.
• Orange liqueur : a Mediterranean classic, Maltese version.
• Pomegranate liqueur : rarer but excellent.
• Madlien : a liqueur made from aromatic herbs, produced in Naxxar. Less known to tourists, it's a true local secret.
• Maltese limoncello : yes, Malta has its own version. Less famous than the Italian one, but just as good iced at the end of a meal.

Kinnie: the Maltese soda (essential even without alcohol)

Kinnie is non-alcoholic , but it's impossible to talk about Maltese drinks without mentioning it. It's THE national soda, created in the 1950s and produced by Farsons (the same brewery as Cisk).

Its taste? A unique blend of bitter oranges and aromatic herbs . It's bitter, sparkling, and refreshing. Some love it from the first glass, others need two or three tries to get used to it. In any case, it's a 100% Maltese taste experience.

The inside scoop: Kinnie is increasingly used as a cocktail base in trendy bars in Valletta and St. Julian's. A Kinnie vodka or a Kinnie gin is the quintessential local aperitif.

The Shandy: the Maltese shandy

Shandy is the Maltese version of a shandy : a mix of beer and lemonade. If you're familiar with Desperados, you'll get the idea, but lighter.

It's the perfect drink when it's 35°C and you want something alcoholic without knocking yourself out . Very popular on beaches and terraces in the summer. Farsons produces its own canned version, available in all supermarkets.

Maltese coffee (non-alcoholic bonus)

A little bonus for the morning after a night out. The Maltese are big fans of Italian-style coffee : a short, strong espresso. If you're used to a long French-style coffee, order an "espresso lungo" to avoid the surprise of a caffeine jolt that wakes you up.

Coffee in Malta is generally good and cheap (€1.50-€3 depending on the place), and it's the perfect remedy after a night in Paceville.

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Alcohol prices in Malta: how much will it cost in 2026?

This is the question everyone asks before leaving. Good news: Malta is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for drinks . Here are the actual prices you'll encounter.

Supermarket prices

Maltese supermarkets (Pavi, Lidl, Scott's, Valyou) offer very competitive prices. There are no time restrictions on buying alcohol, unlike in some countries.

The best deal: do your pre-party shopping at the supermarket. A pack of Cisk and a bottle of Maltese wine for less than €15 is unbeatable.

Prices in the bar and restaurant

Prices vary depending on the neighborhood and the bar's level of service. A bar in Valletta or Sliema will be slightly more expensive than a village bar, but it remains very affordable.

Happy hours: many bars in Sliema, St Julian's and Valletta offer happy hours between 5pm and 8pm , with beers for €2-3 and cocktails for €5-7. Always ask — it's rarely clearly displayed.

Prices in nightclubs and clubs

Prices increase in clubs, as they do everywhere in the world. But even there, Malta remains very competitive compared to Ibiza, Mykonos, or even Paris.

Prices vary depending on the club and the night. To discover the best clubs on the island and book your nights out:

• Sky Club Malta : Paceville's premium rooftop bar with bay views. Expert cocktails, chic atmosphere.
• Twenty Two Malta : Malta's exclusive club. High-end, premium cocktails.
• Gianpula Malta : the open-air complex in Rabat with several stages. Festival atmosphere, more affordable prices.
• Hugo's Hotel Malta : lounge bar and club in the heart of Paceville. Relaxed atmosphere, good cocktails.
• Toy Room Malta : pure energy, one of the most popular clubs on the island.

👉 Find our complete ranking of nightclubs in Malta .

Is Malta an expensive country to visit?

To answer clearly: no, Malta is an affordable party destination. Here's how the island compares to other popular destinations in Europe:

Malta is in the lower range of European prices , offering excellent value for money, especially considering the setting (seaside terraces, climate, atmosphere). The only significantly cheaper destination in Europe remains Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest).

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What you need to know about alcohol in Malta

Before you raise your first glass, here are the rules and practical information you should know. Nothing complicated, but there are a few differences compared to France.

Legal drinking age in Malta

The minimum age to buy and consume alcohol in Malta is 17. This is one year younger than in France and most other European countries. In practice, ID checks are infrequent in bars, but clubs in Paceville check more regularly, especially on weekends.

Is it permissible to drink in the street in Malta?

This is a point that surprises many tourists. Drinking in the street is generally tolerated in Malta , but regulations have been strengthened in recent years, particularly in Paceville and in nightlife areas.

In practice:

• In residential areas and villages, drinking a beer while walking is not a problem.
• In Paceville , the police can issue fines for drinking alcohol in the street, especially late at night. This is to limit public disturbances.
• On beaches, it is generally tolerated as long as you remain reasonable and do not leave any rubbish.

Our advice: enjoy the terraces rather than drinking in the street. It's more pleasant and you avoid any problems.

Drinking and driving: the legal limit

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level for driving in Malta is 0.8 g/L , which is more lenient than in France (0.5 g/L). But be warned: this is not an invitation to drink and drive.

Maltese roads are narrow, they drive on the left , and roundabouts can be tricky even when you're sober. Add alcohol to the mix and you have a recipe for trouble.

Our advice: if you're going out for drinks, forget the car. Use Bolt (Malta's equivalent of Uber) to get home safely. A trip from Paceville to Sliema costs around €5-8, much cheaper than a fine or an accident.

Cash or card in bars?

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Malta: bars, clubs, restaurants. Visa and Mastercard work without any problems. Contactless payment is very common.

A few exceptions:

• Some small village bars or beach stalls prefer cash.
• Street vendors (beer on the beach) often only take cash.

Our advice: always carry €20-30 in cash in addition to your card, just in case.

Tipping in bars

Tipping is not mandatory in Malta , but it is appreciated. The standard if you are satisfied with the service is:

• In a bar : round up or leave 1-2€ on an order of several drinks.
• At the restaurant : 5 to 10% of the bill.
• In a club : not expected, unless you are at a VIP table with dedicated service.

No one will give you a dirty look if you don't leave anything, but a small tip is always appreciated and guarantees you better service if you come back.

Happy hours and great deals

Happy hours are common in bars in Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta , especially on weekdays. Here's what you need to know:

• Most happy hours take place between 5pm and 8pm .
• Typical offers: beer at €2-3, cocktails at €5-7, 2 for 1 on certain drinks.
• They are rarely displayed prominently outside — ask the waiter , he will tell you if there is an offer running.
• Some bars offer happy hours in the evenings on weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday) to attract customers.

The ultimate tip: pre-party happy hour at a bar in Sliema or St Julian's, then head to the clubs in Paceville. You can easily save €20-30 on your night out.

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Where to have a drink and go out in Malta?

Now that you know what to drink and how much it costs, here's where to do it . Malta has several districts with very different atmospheres.

The best neighborhoods for having a drink

• St Julian's / Sliema : The seafront between Sliema and St Julian's is lined with dozens of bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea. It's the perfect spot for a sunset aperitif with a Cisk or a Spritz.
• Valletta : the capital has experienced a real renaissance in recent years. Strait Street (formerly the sailors' quarter) has become a trendy street with cocktail bars and wine bars. A more refined and cultural atmosphere.
• Marsaxlokk : for a drink in an authentic setting, the harbor terraces of this fishing village are perfect. Sunday mornings, the fish market plus a glass of Maltese white wine = an unforgettable experience.
• Paceville : this is the party district in a nutshell. Bars, clubs, shots, energy — it's all there. It's noisy, it's crowded on weekends, and it's where the night is if you're looking for a good time.
• Victoria (Gozo) : the sister island has its own, more relaxed bar scene. Perfect for a quiet evening after a day of exploring.

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Where to stay in Malta to enjoy the nightlife?

For a stress-free evening, choose accommodation in St Julian's or Sliema — a 5-10 minute walk from Paceville. Compare availability:

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FAQ: Alcohol and nightlife in Malta

What is the legal drinking age in Malta? The minimum age to buy and consume alcohol in Malta is 17. Clubs in Paceville check IDs more frequently on weekends.

How much does a beer cost in Malta? A Cisk (the local beer) costs around €1.50-€2 in a supermarket, €3-€5 in a bar, and €5-€7 in a club. Malta is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe for having a drink.

Is it legal to drink in the street in Malta? It's generally tolerated, but public drinking is increasingly regulated in Paceville. Stick to terraces and bars to avoid any problems.

What are some typical drinks in Malta? Maltese specialties include Cisk (local beer), Bajtra (prickly pear liqueur), Kinnie (bitter orange soda), local wines (Ġellewża and Girgentina grape varieties) and various artisanal liqueurs (almond, carob, herbs).

What is the legal blood alcohol limit for driving in Malta? The legal limit is 0.8 g/L of blood, more lenient than in France (0.5 g/L). However, it is strongly advised against driving at all after drinking, especially given that driving is on the left.

Is Malta expensive for going out? No. Malta is in the lower range of European prices. A full night out (drinks + club) costs around €30-60 per person depending on your habits, compared to €50-100+ in Paris or Ibiza.

Can you pay by card in bars in Malta? Yes, bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in the vast majority of bars, restaurants, and clubs. However, keep €20-30 in cash for smaller bars and street vendors.

What is Bajtra? It's Malta's iconic liqueur, made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Pinkish-red in color, it's best enjoyed chilled as a digestif. It's the perfect alcoholic souvenir to bring back from Malta.

What is Kinnie? Kinnie is the national soft drink of Malta, created in the 1950s. It's a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage made with bitter oranges and aromatic herbs, with a bitter and refreshing taste. It's also used as a cocktail base in bars.

Where to go out in the evening in Malta? The main nightlife area is Paceville in St. Julian's, with the majority of clubs and bars. For a more relaxed drink, the terraces of Sliema, Valletta (Strait Street), and Marsaxlokk are ideal.

Are there happy hours in Malta? Yes, especially in the bars of Sliema, St. Julian's, and Valletta. Happy hours are usually held between 5 pm and 8 pm with beers for €2-3 and cocktails for €5-7.

Can you buy alcohol at any time in Malta? Yes. There are no time restrictions for buying alcohol in supermarkets in Malta, unlike in some European countries.

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Raise a glass! 🥂

Malta is a destination where partying, sunshine, and great prices come together . Whether you prefer Cisk on a terrace overlooking the sea, cocktails on a rooftop, or shots on the dance floor, the archipelago has what you're looking for.

And if you want to experience authentic Maltese nightlife without any planning, Malta Adventures is here for you. We'll open the doors to the island's best clubs and take care of everything.

👉 Discover all our evenings and activities in Malta — and get ready to have the best night of your trip.