6 RCA-winning Bars for Your Next Cocktail Session

As we continue on our delicious drive around the country discovering the plethora of Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues, let’s take a look at those bars where everyone knows your name and the cocktails are always killer.

Here are six of our faves for good vibes and times:

Drink where the locals drink at Sydney spirit and cocktail bar, Grain by Four Seasons Hotel on George Street in the heart of the city. Grain Bar celebrates the fine craft of drinking in a neighbourhood vibe - showcasing passion, produce and people in moody surrounds of subtle lighting, a glowing aqua bar and embossed walls, setting the scene for lingering over cocktails and share plates.

 

Let the mixologists concoct a signature Eastwood Martini – Altos tequila, Siete Misterios mezcal, Tio PepeFino sherry, verjus, spiced apple syrup and salt – to go with grazing plates like a smoked duck bao bun with bean sprouts, mint, cucumber, lime and coriander. 

Rise above it all and take in stunning harbour views at Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge in Circular Quay. Watch the glistening water with a glass of wine in hand at this luxe, yet playful bar and lounge inside the Pullman Quay Grand Hotel, where quirky artefacts and hanging greenery set an oasis-like vibe. Inspired by the grand plantation architecture of Cuba, mixed with modern vintage 1950s Miami hotels,

 

Hyde Hacienda is an ideal location to meet for after-work drinks and watch the sky turn sunset red with an Everest Sunset cocktail – rum, orange, citrus and honey-spiced citrus – paired with crispy salt and pepper squid, lemon and aioli.

Those looking for funky, yet sophisticated rooftop drinking with luscious gardens, panoramic city views and creative cocktails head to Loop Roof on Meyers Place in Melbourne. Hard on the heels of an eye-catching vertical garden which climbs from the ground floor to the rooftop, Loop Top is an extension to the existing bar, making this a unique twin-tiered garden oasis in the CBD.

 

Be treated to dozens of horticultural gems from the mystical bottle tree and multi-crowned tree aloe to an array of prickly pear cacti, while sipping a Savage Garden cocktail with cucumber vodka, crème de violette, lavender and yuzu soda.

Hearty meals, breathtaking views of rolling countryside and comfortable accommodation make Neerim South Hotel on Main Neerim Road a must-stop on a journey to Gippsland. Formerly the Kings Arms Hotel, this venue warms the soul with a central fireplace, rustic décor, updated bar and affordable dining.

 

Sourcing fresh and local ingredients and a range of local wines, enjoy an ice-cold brew paired with a crowd favourite BBQ bacon burger with beef patty, cheese, lettuce and BBQ sauce; or team a glass of Chardonnay with fried calamari strips, salad and chips.

Camberwell locals drop by Running Postman Wine Bar on Camberwell Road for all things wine, along with cocktails and share-style fine food. A modern architectural fit-out of timber, steel-framed archway and blue-tiled bar makes for ideal surroundings to enjoy a glass of wine and bite to eat with friends.

 

Enjoy the renowned ever-popular wine wall with more than 500 labels of Australian and Italian wines to choose from, either dine-in or take home; along with local and imported beer, spirits and liqueurs. 

Find an intimate, warm-lit space to chill out with a wine, fine fare or dine privately at Wakefield’s Bar & Wine in Ainslie. Wakefield’s is the ideal neighbourhood wine bar, nestled around the corner and upstairs from Edgar’s Inn – one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets. This stylish wine bar exudes rustic charm with exposed brick, dark timber and moody lighting, ideal for after-work drinks, or a romantic interlude with someone special.

 

Perhaps grab a Fig Lebowski cocktail with Botanist gin, fig liqueur, lemon and rosemary syrup to go with dishes such as beef cheek croquettes and pepper mayo, or karaage chicken and smoked teriyaki sauce, for the perfect matinee of your night.