Australia’s cocktail culture has grown up. No longer just about the drink itself, the best bars now combine premium pours with curated menus, buzzing atmospheres and design-led spaces. Whether you're sipping a salted hazelnut espresso Martini in Margaret River or enjoying a strawberry rhubarb Negroni in Balmain, these spots know how to turn a simple night out into an experience.
From moody hideaways and inner-city gastropubs to open-air garden bars, here are five venues that take cocktails seriously - and their food even more so, because when the drinks are good, the bites need to match.
Morries isn’t just a bar - it’s an institution. Tucked along Bussell Highway in the heart of wine country, this intimate, low-lit gem has been delivering killer cocktails and moreish plates for more than a decade. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, with a hint of mischief - whether you’re tucked inside surrounded by eclectic artwork or chilling alfresco beneath hanging greenery. Tapas is the name of the game here and everything is designed to pair perfectly with the impressive drinks list.
Don’t miss the 'mega hour' from 5 pm-6 pm, where Espresso Martinis are whipped up with salted hazelnut cream - a velvety, nutty twist on a classic that keeps locals and visitors returning. Pair it with the fresh and punchy snapper ceviche, or indulge in Abrolhos Island octopus with aji amarillo, black garlic and corn. It’s the kind of place where you order one more round just because the vibe is too good to leave.
With its street-food energy and Latin flair, Cantina Bar is Balmain’s ode to good times, tequila and tacos. The space is raw and vibrant - exposed brick, bold murals and recycled timber furniture give it that laid-back street party feel, while the bar (yes, set atop 44-gallon drums) shakes up cocktails that rival Sydney’s best.
The drinks are fun, fresh and cheeky. One of the current stars is a twisted Negroni, infused with strawberry and rhubarb for a fruity punch that’s all Summer sass. It's the perfect companion for seared scallop tostadas or slow-cooked lamb tacos, which arrive layered with slaw and pickled onion. There’s a sense of celebration in every dish and drink - Cantina is where Balmain goes to let its hair down and spice things up.
Sleek and modern with a gastropub soul, Village Crown in Zetland elevates the neighbourhood bar game. Located beside East Village Shopping Centre, this spacious venue balances earthy interiors with a buzzing energy that makes it a hit for casual after-work drinks or full-blown feasts. The bar is a focal point, offering a meticulously curated mix of local craft beers, boutique wines and bold signature cocktails.
The cocktail list is designed with pairing in mind. From zesty Mojitos to hoppy IPAs, there’s something for every palate. Sip a smooth red while digging into American-style beef ribs with smoky BBQ sauce or start with a citrusy cocktail alongside seared scallops cooked in kombu butter. It’s a bar where you can just as easily pop in for a round as you can stay for a full-course dinner - and you’ll want to do both.
Bringing a burst of Mexican joy to Frankston, Hola Mexico is as vibrant as the dishes it serves. With bold black-and-white tiles, Frida Kahlo artwork and the hum of animated conversation, it’s an atmosphere built for festive sipping and feasting. Whether you’re sliding into a booth or standing by the bar with a salt-rimmed glass in hand, this venue turns every night into a fiesta.
The cocktail menu has everything from classic Margs to cheeky house specials. Grab a chilled Margarita (or three) and dive into smoky street corn slathered with chipotle aioli and paprika. The double-decker tacos are an architectural feat - layered with black beans, pork, pineapple, chipotle aioli and chilli con queso. Each bite is bold and beautiful, just like the drinks they’re designed to complement.
Tilly’s Garden – Piara Waters, WA
Seasonal, stylish and full of soul, Tilly’s Garden is Perth’s open-air darling. Only open from October to April, this garden bar serves up Asian fusion share plates and next-level cocktails beneath market umbrellas and among wine barrels. The setting is lush, the mood relaxed and the drinks? Crafted to perfection using premium ingredients and serious mixology skills.
Expect vibrant, bespoke cocktails designed to cool you down on warm evenings - think lychee, kaffir lime and spiced syrups mixed into picture-perfect serves. Pair with tuna tataki on a tapioca crisp or bao buns filled with char siu duck and a spicy hit of red chilli. Bigger appetites can tuck into grilled chicken with Malaysian spices or a classic prawn yellow curry. It’s your last chance to visit before the season wraps - so make it count.
Whether you’re chasing spice in Sydney or sipping garden-fresh concoctions in Perth, these bars prove that Australia’s cocktail scene is every bit as exciting as its food culture. With inventive menus, thoughtful drinks and inviting atmospheres, these venues serve more than just cocktails - they serve unforgettable experiences, one expertly mixed drink at a time.
