No doubt if you live in Sydney, you’ve been on the staple weekend scour for some pretty amazeball cocktails. In saying this, we’ve pulled together a line-up of novelty-ridden and damn tasty concoctions that are absolutely worth trying in Sydney.
Maybe you want to sip out of a lightbulb. Maybe you’re keen to knock back a few out of an actual top hat. Maybe, just maybe, you’re keen for a zombie cocktail.
Here are all the next level cocktails you need to try in Sydney.
Vogue
Get your Madonna on at Assembly Bar and try out this refreshingly sweet drink. Fresh apple juice, lychee liqueur, lemon and Bulldog Gin. With how sweet this is, you could probably have 50 of these (but don’t… or do, I’m not your mother).
Where: Assembly Bar, CBD
The Lightbulb Moment
We’re a fan of anything novelty and this bad boy is the epitome of. It’s an actual cocktail in a lightbulb. Repeat: lightbulb. And don’t get us started on the theatrics of this one because it’s a whole heap of bright blue and smoky goodness. You’ll be sipping on pressed mint, anchan, Cointreau, blue curacao, fresh peach and citrus that all up, is charged with a rose and prosecco fog (liquid nitrogen).
Where: Gin Lane, Chippendale
Phife Dawg
RIP Phife Dawg. Our local Newtown bar is bringing up the feels with this cocktail concoction. A mix of rum, lime, sugar cane and Angostura bitters is enough to make you cheers to his memory.
Where: Earl’s Juke Joint, Newtown
Bubblegum Sour
You’ll feel like an actual kid in a candy shop at Easy Lane, just the casual cocktail mecca hidden inside Windsor RSL. The Bubblegum Sour is absolutely worth knocking back here and before you ask, yes, it’s pure chewy magic. Packed with strawberry, citrus vodka, lime, bubblegum syrup and egg white, it’s also topped with toasted marshmallows and sour straps, just because.
Where: Easy Lane, Windsor
Smoky Rob Roy
Our fave speakeasy has mixed us classics over the years but nothing beats their famous take on the Rob Roy. A mix of Talisker and highland whiskies, Zacapa rum, vermouth and orange bitters. And to be even more extra, it’s served under a cloud of wood smoke.
Where: Eau de Vie, Darlinghurst
A Single Plum, Floating In Perfume, Served In A Man’s Hat
First, it was the Simpsons, then it was Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson (if you know, you know). The drink has Glenmorangie Original, ume, ginger and Peychaud's. Yep, this is actually served in a man's hat and we're living for it.
Where: Since I Left You, CBD
Strawbs #2
We love a good tequila cocktail, so this one is a slam dunk for us. Don Julio Blanco tequila, Aperol, fresh lemon juice & muddled strawberries are all you’ll need to have the best night of your life.
Where: The Horse, Surry Hills
Zombie Cocktail
This one is definitely a crowd-favourite here. With all the reviews saying you need to try the zombie cocktail, then this needs to be on the list. Two rums, Cointreau, absinthe, apricot, grapefruit, lime and fire. And if you want the whole zombification package, it includes a take-home tiki mug.
Where: Papa Gede’s Bar, CBD
It’s Sher-Bert Day
The inner 8-year-old in us is jumping for joy. This drink with vodka, Alizé, watermelon liqueur and citrus with wild hibiscus and sherbet is definitely the ultimate summer throwback drink.
Where: Made By The Hill, Rooty Hill
Fiesta De Luces
Known for their take on classic Mexican drinks, these kids incorporate tequila into about 99% of everything and we’re totally here for it. Try the Fiesta De Luces, with Corralejo Blanco Tequila, honeydew melon, mango, lemon thyme and a kaffir lime.
Where: Barrio Cellar, CBD
Pink Me Please
If you’re a rosé aficionado then this cocktail is for you. Containing 42 below Vodka, pampelle, rosé vermouth, raspberry and pink grapefruit, we’re feeling all pretty n’ pink right now.
Where: Opera Bar, Circular Quay
Down The Rabbit Hole
This rooftop bar is home to some kick-ass cocktails, but honestly, this one beats em’ all. Packed with Beefeater gin, blood orange liqueur, white cacao, lemon and cardamom, Down The Rabbit Hole is a bright purple and whimsical concoction inspired by the Drink Me potion in Alice In Wonderland.
Where: The Rook, CBD
By the way, Mona Foma tickets are on sale and the line-up is nuts.
Image credit: Supplied