The cocktail scene in Sydney is booming, making it a paradise for cocktail enthusiasts looking to explore unique bars. From glamorous rooftop views of the Opera House to hidden speakeasies inspired by Prohibition-era style, Sydney offers something special for every type of cocktail lover. Read on to discover the must-visit bars in the Sydney cocktail scene, each with its own story, signature recipes, and inviting atmosphere.
Opera Bar: Iconic Cocktails with a View
As one of the most iconic spots in the cocktail scene in Sydney, Opera Bar offers stunning views of Sydney’s landmarks. Located by the Opera House, this bar combines breathtaking scenery with cocktails inspired by local Australian flavors.
Signature Cocktail: Opera Spritz
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Australian sparkling wine
- 30 ml Aperol
- 30 ml soda water
- Fresh rosemary sprig
- Orange slice
Instructions:
- Pour sparkling wine, Aperol, and soda water into a glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently, and garnish with rosemary and an orange slice.
Website: Opera Bar
Explore more about the Opera House’s cultural impact here link.
Maybe Sammy: Award-Winning and Retro-Inspired
A staple in the cocktail scene in Sydney, Maybe Sammy is renowned for its award-winning drinks and glamorous, retro decor. The bar has a Rat Pack-era vibe and creative cocktails that are loved by locals and visitors alike.
Signature Cocktail: Sammy’s Margarita
Ingredients:
- 45 ml tequila
- 15 ml mezcal
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml agave syrup
- Salt rim and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with salt and fill with ice.
- Shake tequila, mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup, then strain into the glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Website: Maybe Sammy
Explore more in The Rocks district here link.
Bulletin Place: Sustainable and Seasonal Sips
Bulletin Place is a must for eco-conscious drinkers in the Sydney cocktail scene. Known for sustainability, the bar features a menu based on seasonal ingredients. This small Circular Quay bar is a top pick for cocktail lovers in Sydney.
Signature Cocktail: Native Negroni
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin infused with Australian botanicals
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over ice and stir.
- Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
Website: Bulletin Place
Discover nearby places in Circular Quay here link.
Palmer & Co.: A Step Back into the Prohibition Era
If you’re exploring the hidden gems in the cocktail scene in Sydney, Palmer & Co. offers an immersive experience with its 1920s decor and speakeasy vibe.
Signature Cocktail: Mary Pickford
Ingredients:
- 45 ml white rum
- 45 ml pineapple juice
- 10 ml grenadine
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine with ice.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
Website: Palmer & Co.
The Baxter Inn: Whiskey Lover’s Paradise
A haven for whiskey lovers, The Baxter Inn is one of the best spots for whiskey-focused cocktails in the Sydney cocktail scene.
Signature Cocktail: Whiskey Sour
Ingredients:
- 60 ml bourbon
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Lemon twist and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with lemon twist and cherry.
Website: The Baxter Inn
Eau de Vie: Speakeasy Meets Theater
With its speakeasy vibe and theatrical presentation, Eau de Vie in Darlinghurst is a must on the cocktail scene in Sydney.
Signature Cocktail: Espresso Zabaione Martini
Ingredients:
- 30 ml vodka
- 30 ml espresso coffee
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- Fresh cream float
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur with ice.
- Strain into a chilled glass and float fresh cream on top.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House: Rooftop Views and Modern Vibes
For rooftop vibes in the cocktail scene in Sydney, Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House offers cocktails alongside breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Signature Cocktail: Barangaroo Breeze
Ingredients:
- 45 ml gin
- 20 ml elderflower liqueur
- 15 ml fresh yuzu juice
- Soda water
- Cucumber slice and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake gin, elderflower liqueur, and yuzu juice with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and garnish.
Website: Smoke Bar
Learn more about Barangaroo’s redevelopment here link.
Old Mate’s Place: A Library-Themed Rooftop Bar
Old Mate’s Place blends a library-themed interior with a rooftop view, adding to the unique charm of the cocktail scene in Sydney.
Signature Cocktail: Oaxacan Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 45 ml mezcal
- 15 ml agave syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
Instructions:
- Stir mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters over ice.
- Strain over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
Website: Old Mate’s Place
PS40: Creative Cocktails and Local Spirits
For something different, PS40 is a top choice in Sydney’s cocktail scene, known for creative drinks made with house-made sodas and local ingredients.
Signature Cocktail: Bush Tonic
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Australian gin
- 30 ml PS40 Bush Tonic
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour gin and tonic over ice, stir, and garnish with lemon.
Website: PS40
Now that you know the best spots in the cocktail scene in Sydney, it’s time to explore. Whether you’re visiting these iconic bars or making their signature cocktails at home, each drink connects you to Sydney’s vibrant nightlife. Tag us in your creations and let us know which bar was your favorite. Follow for more adventures in travel and cocktails!