After work bevvies on Fridays, dinner-turned-drinks on Saturdays or leisurely mimosa brunches melting into Sunday arvo rooftop sessions—our cocktail game is strong here in Brisbane
And whether you stick to old faithful favourites such as espresso martinis, pina coladas and margaritas, or you chase alcohol-infused adventure at the hands of your mixologist, these are the best cocktails bars Brisbane has to offer, where you'll definitely find your perfect tipple.
Finney Isles
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Housed behind the bright blue door on Ann Street is Finney Isles, Fortitude Valley's answer to a classy Brisbane cocktail bar from the team that brought us Cobbler and Savile Row.
Death And Taxes
Brisbane City, QLD
A sophisticated watering hole hidden away down Burnett Lane, Death & Taxes cocktail bar will whisk you away from the Brisbane CBD outside and into its moody booth-lined interior.
Cobbler
West End, QLD
If the 150+ glorious international whiskeys behind Cobbler's bar doesn't get your through the door, their cocktail making skills might.
The End
West End, QLD
One of the coolest watering holes in West End, The End combines vintage furniture, bearded bartenders and some seriously creative cocktails.
Maker
South Brisbane, QLD
The smallest bar in Brisbane also happens to be one of the best cocktail spots in town, with sips combining ingredients you've never heard of but want to down all the same.
The Gresham
Brisbane, QLD
The Gresham Bar, tucked down Gresham Lane, is definitely worth checking out if you're a whiskey fan, or you just appreciate a good old fashioned.
Canvas
Woolloongabba, QLD
A popular staple in the eclectic Woolloongabba precinct, Canvas on Logan Road sports the heritage-listed feel of its surroundings (with a touch of graffiti), along with great food, chilled vibes and creative drinks.
Gerard’s Bar
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Both a bar and casual dining spot, Gerard's Bar serves a unique drinks offering, designed to complement the Middle Eastern-inspired snacks you'll find on the menu.
Maya
Fortitude Valley , QLD
If you're a margarita lover you won’t be disappointed here, with five kinds of margaritas on the cocktail list along with sangria jugs, Australian wines and a lengthy list of tequila.
Dutch Courage Officers’ Mess
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Dutch Courage on Alfred Street is a cocktail and tapas bar inspired by the British colonial outposts of late 19th century,
Savile Row
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Those with a nose for a good, stiff drink better check out Savile Row; Fortitude Valley's slick bar hidden behind a blue door.
Babylon Garden
Brisbane City, QLD
Perched right on the river next to sister venue Babylon, Babylon Garden serves up killer views, stunning open-air surrounds and an epic cocktail list.
Frog’s Hollow Saloon
Brisbane City , QLD
It might primarily be a whisky bar, but the team at Frog's Hollow Saloon also know how to shake up a mean cocktail, which you can sip to country music inside the cosy heritage spot.
Cielo Rooftop
Fortitude Valley , QLD
Cielo Rooftop's cocktail menu comes to us from the team behind Sydney's Maybe Sammy, a regular on the lists of the world's best bars, so you know it's good.
Bar Kazba
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Flasks hidden in books, punch bowls in disco balls and cocktails filled with actual smoke—you'll find them all at the Valley's Bar Kazba.
Dr Gimlette
Brisbane City, QLD
The specialty at this sophisticated cocktail den is all in the name—the gimlette. There's plenty of others too of course, and you'll want to work your way through the whole list.
Stranded
Fortitude Valley , QLD
Winn Lane is now home to Fortitude Valley's very own punk and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired cocktail bar, Stranded.
Kiki
South Brisbane, QLD
Head down to Fish Lane in South Brisbane and check out this coffee and bahn mi kiosk by day, and savvy cocktail bar by night.
Cindy Chows
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Hunt down this hidden spot and you’ll find a glamorous drinking den, with red leather lounges and moody lighting overlooked by a stunning curved bar.
Prefer your boozy sips on a rooftop? Check out Brisbane's best rooftop bars here.
Image credit: Grace Elizabeth Smith