From hard-to-find speakeasies down narrow inner-city laneways to rooftop bars with plenty of bling, Sydney’s cocktail scene evokes feelings of invigoration and joy. Be amazed as award-winning mixologists whip up boozy creations, featuring tequila, whisky or rum. Pick your vibe and spirit of choice — and prepare to feel new.
Image credit: Destination NSW
The Butler, Potts Point
Sydneysiders love a bar with a view. The Butler, in the inner-east suburb of Potts Point, steals the show with its picture-perfect outlook over the city, framed by lush green foliage. There’s a street-level, Hamptons-inspired bar — all rattan and wood and tropical plants — as well as a sunken space with alfresco seating, where you can order cocktail specialties like the two quirky takes on an espresso martini, with a grazing platter or two from the Iberian-inspired food menu.
Image credit: Destination NSW
Jacoby’s, Enmore
If you like drinks served in a coconut, garnished with bananas carved into dolphin shapes or set on fire at the bar, then Jacoby’s is the place for you. This Twin Peaks-themed tiki bar in the inner-west suburb of Enmore is unabashedly fun, serving tropical classics and top-notch natural wines in a room designed to feel like 1950s Hawaii — right down to the glowing fishing floats, dried puffer fish and palm wallpaper. Order the Black Magic Woman (with house rum, cold-brew coffee liquor, grapefruit, lemon, salted caramel and cinnamon) then strap in for a wild ride.
The Doss House, The Rocks
Walk through a cobblestone courtyard in The Rocks, down a flight of stairs and back 170 years when you enter The Doss House, a bar with a small frontage but a big personality. There are more than 150 whiskies on offer, best paired with a tasting platters of native delicacies, like kangaroo prosciutto, wild boar salami and bush chutney. Enjoy your tipple in one of the intimate themed rooms, including Chinese-inspired Un Quoy’s Den, The Boot Maker’s (think leather Chesterfields and a fireplace), and The Sailor’s Garden, an outdoor garden with high-top seating.
Maybe Sammy, The Rocks
From the impeccable cocktails to the jazz to the dapper besuited bartenders, Maybe Sammy deserves the multitude of awards it takes home for its drinks and overall experience. The vintage-styled lounge — polished brass, dusty pink velvet sofas, white marble, leather stools — is an easy cocoon to while away an afternoon or evening in the historic Rocks district. Hail over the martini cart for a Gibson, or order a ‘mini’ (pint-sized versions of classic cocktails) to discover what you’re in the mood for. Peckish? Be sure to order the truffled-cheese toastie.
Cantina OK!, central Sydney
Tucked down an alley in the heart of the city, hole-in-the-wall Cantina OK! takes its cues from Mexico’s buzzing honkey tonks. Mixologists here specialise in shaking and stirring cocktails that feature premium handmade agave spirits — think margaritas made using a rare mezcal or tequila, topped with hand-shaved ice; or an eye-popping Watermelon Sumac with peppercorn mezcal, fresh lemon, sumac sharbat and watermelon shaved ice. Standing room only.
Image credit: Destination NSW
Nick & Nora’s Parramatta
The Speakeasy Group, the group behind Sydney’s Eau de Vie cocktail bar and Roosevelt restaurant, among other establishments, chose the burgeoning western Sydney city of Parramatta for Nick & Nora’s Parramatta, a rooftop bar styled like a New York City penthouse. Here on the 26th floor of the luxury V by Crown residential tower you can choose from a comprehensive cocktail menu grouped by themes such as The Honey Trap (sweet with a sting) and The Snitch (sour and bitter).
