The Best Cocktail Bars in Sydney

This basement bar has a surprisingly sunny disposition, thanks to the Caribbean-inspired décor and fruity rum cocktails on offer. Keeping in theme, the Lobo Plantation‘s menu is full of Latin-inspired creations – like the moreish banana chips (possibly the only place in Sydney to find these), delectable empanadas and pulled pork and mushroom croquetas. Wash these down with a white negroni daiquiri or a Papa Hemingway cocktail.

This dimly lit, old-school-looking bar is the perfect place to cosy up with friends and work your way through the cocktail list. With a three-page cocktail menu, you’ll find it hard to pick a drink but, no matter what you choose, you’re bound to be impressed. A good place to start is their ‘pirate’ rum cocktails, like the Lamington Flip, which is a unique mix of rum, chocolate bitters and raspberry jam.

The owners of this popular haunt have seriously impressive credentials – one of them even won the coveted World Class prize of Global Bartender of the Year in 2012. So, needless to say, you’re in safe hands when drinking cocktails at Bulletin Place. The menu changes daily and is displayed on a roll of butcher’s paper behind the bar. However, the one thing that always stays the same is their commitment to using only the best local ingredients.

Like any uber-trendy bar, Baxter Inn is hard to find. You will think Google Maps is playing tricks on you when it leads you down an unassuming alley and to a door that looks like a fire escape exit. Follow the dodgy-looking staircase and, at the bottom, you will find a New York-style basement bar. Predominantly a whiskey joint, Baxter Inn is buzzing with energy and hipster bartenders flipping bottles.

Located opposite Manly Beach, Hemingway’s is the perfect place to grab a post-swim tipple. The cocktail menu is short and sweet, and has crowd favourites, like espresso martinis, Bloody Marys and their signature cocktail: the Hemingway’s Cup, which is made with apple tea, gin, cucumber and sugar, and served in a cute little tea cup. If you’re there during the week, be sure to make the most of their happy hour food menu, which is as cheap as chips – or in this case, truffle Parmesan fries!