Anybody seeking a well-needed break from their regular cocktail order? (Not a break-up, just a breather. I’ll always love a mojito.) If so, you’re in luck!
We’ve hunted high and low across Sydney’s bars and restaurants to bring you our edit of the best creative, unique and innovative cocktail spots that Sydney has to offer. Whether it’s for the much-needed post-work wind-down, pre-dinner drinks or a catch up with your bestie, you’ll be impressed, we promise!
The Alcott
Lane Cove
With a collection of signature cocktails constructed to perfection, take a seat among the lush, tropical décor of the bar, with gorgeous soft tones throughout, and some bohemian-inspired touches. From light and fruity, to intense and fiery, here are our top picks:
- Somewhere in Italy (boasting 400 Conejos Mezcal, Joseph Cartrom Peche, apricot nectar and lemon).
- Here’s Looking at Yuzu (with Amaro Montenegro, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Yuzu, Prosecco, honey and soda).
- Cuban Cigar (a blend of Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, St-Germain Elderflower, cherry and cinnamon).
Kittyhawk
Sydney CBD
Kittyhawk don’t just serve cocktails, they perform a finely tuned operation. With a cocktail menu that pays homage to WWII and the fighter plane that is their namesake, your drink is uniquely displayed as a diagram reminiscent of wartime engineering. Among the vintage décor reeling you back in time, you’ll be right at home with your retro refreshment! Try our favourites:
- Old Grogam (lemon juice, gomme, stout vermouth and house spiced rum with a flamed cinnamon quill and lemon twist).
- Low Yo-Yo (delicious with ginger wine, amer picon, wild turkey bourbon, pickled watermelon and topped with watermelon speres).
- Fox Four (with skyy vodka, crème de menthe, honeyed pineapple, prosecco, lemon juice, vanilla, and a drop of absinthe).
Bar 1880
Sydney CBD
Tucked within one of Sydney’s most historic buildings – once home to The Bulletin newspaper – sits the aptly named Press Room. Against the backdrop of exposed brick walls and dark blue accents, browse the relics of print media and relax in this hidden gem of the CBD! Too hard to pick just three, we recommend:
- Pen Pal (Merlet Cognac VS, Maple, Fernet Branca and Oloroso Sherry).
- Copywriters Cosmo (Cranberry Gin, Triple Citrus, Pomegranate Rock Candy and Blue Curacao Air).
- Or anything from the forgotten cocktails range, with drinks invented as early as 1895!
The Ternary
Pyrmont
Soak in the city views and the sunshine at The Ternary, with a long list of sumptuous cocktails to enjoy! Whether you’re chasing some stellar views of Darling Harbour, or seeking out the sharp, modern design of The Ternary’s interior, your day will be made sipping on one of our selections:
- Have Some Smore(s) is stacked with white and milk chocolate Mozart Liqueurs, butterscotch schnapps, toasted marshmallow syrup, milk and vanilla ice cream.
- The Highland Sour twists together Drambuie, Fernet-Branca, orange juice, honey and egg white.
- The Peppermint Slice Martini is the fresh, sweet cocktail we always needed, with crème de menthe, crème de cacao and vodka.
Pumphouse
Haymarket
In this fresh, sleek corner of Darling Square, discover an array of cutting-edge sips all atop a stunning rooftop bar! Or relax as the sunlight floods into the first floor, with sky-high ceilings and natural wood finishes. Specially curated by the Pumphouse team, we’ve chosen:
- Eucalyptus Elixir, a true-blue homage to the Blue Mountains with Martell VS Cognac, Southern Comfort, apple and lemon juice, agave syrup, native Wattleseed and Tasmanian mountain pepper.
- Est. 1891, marrying the flavours of sloe gin, egg white, lemon juice, house made Rosella Hibiscus syrup and grenadine.
- The Darling Square Dazzler is one for the fruity cocktail fans, with Chambord, blue curacao, lemon juice, cranberry juice and egg white in a deliciously dark sour.
With so many to discover, you’d better start clearing your calendar so you can explore these exclusive mixes ASAP. Get ready to discover a whole new definition of the word “cocktail”!
