Every day there’s a new cocktail recipe created at the trendiest bars in cosmopolitan cities, attempting to bring something fresh and unique to your table. They can be inspired by the classics like martinis and mojitos, or influenced by alternative themes and popular culture, designed for the curious urban drinker.
There’s a fine line between the two, and these classic yet somehow modish cocktail bars located in Sydney have the best alter in town:
Blu Bar on 36 at the Shangri-La hotel hosts a one of a kind cocktail menu. Its lavish interiors and sky-high views of Sydney Harbour pairs well with the exquisite drinks.
Their ingenious twists on the classic cocktails are inventive yet incredibly simple. Their Chamomile Sour includes chamomile infused Glenmorangie, orgeat syrup and egg white. Another of their classically different drinks is the French Ward; a fusion of Plymouth Sloe Gin, Chambord, yuzu juice and pineapple juice.
From one of their signature cocktails, there is a mix of sweet, savoury and sour drinks; one that truly stands out is Thyming Tokyo, where the thyme-infused vodka is the hero ingredient.
At O Bar and Dining, ‘the world revolves around you’. The bar spins ever so gradually giving guests 360-degree views of Sydney’s sophisticated streets and architecture while they sip on a range of well-crafted cocktails.
They say “if you prefer a classic drink, just ask”, as their cocktail menu heroes seasonal ingredients with a strong dash of creativity that goes off the grid. Two cocktails that stand out are Bumble Breeze and Lemon Pie.
The Bumble Breeze is a combination of Bombay Sapphire gin, eucalyptus vodka, honey, pressed lime and mint bitters. The incredibly tasteful Lemon Pie consists of Vodka O, Disaronno Amaretto, Limoncello, butterscotch biscuit and meringue.
The charming Henry Deane Bar at Hotel Palisade in Millers Point boasts breathtaking views and a sophisticated cocktail lounge. The light tones of soft pink and off-white create the perfect atmosphere for day drinking and celebrate spring and summer culture.
The drinks menu actually goes against the light themed interior as the menu’s playfully sinister cocktail names express the dark character of drinks. The Hilo turn it down… is a devilish drink containing seed lip spice, apple and ginger kombucha, grape acid and froth; it sounds like the definition of Snow White’s wicked queen.
You can also request the Bartenders Potion: the weekly special where guests can try it if they dare, no questions asked.
The Rockpool Bar & Grill’s interiors are nothing short of quintessential old-fashionedness; but don’t be fooled when it comes to the cocktail menu, you’re in for a surprise. Looking at the top item, the Spritz Royale, it contains a variety of elaborate ingredients including fragrant Italicus rosolio, Tanqueray gin infused with jasmine pearls and fresh lemon sherbet charged with sparkling wine.
The flavours being so electrifying lifts the spirit of the Rockpool Bar’s classic appeal. Another of The Rockpool Bar & Grill’s standouts is the Banana on Mai Tai, a blend of Ron Zacapa and Cargo Cult banana spiced rum, paired with Amer Picon and house-made orgeat and lime.
By Claudia Siron