It’s the time of year for good cheer…and what says good times more than a cocktail catch up with family and friends?
Funny how strange drinking 8 glasses of water a day seems impossible – but 8 cocktails dont. Get my drift? Here are five venues where celebrating Christmas cheer is definitely encouraged:
Ettalong locals flock to The Box on the Water restaurant and lounge bar for absolute waterfront dining in contemporary style, found ocean-side of The Esplanade on the redeveloped foreshore. In all weather, soak up panoramic views across soft sand and sheltered bay waters, dining at a leisurely pace, seated underneath lush ferns hanging from the ceiling in black pots, while surrounded by a smart casual environment reflective of nature outside.
Stop in for sunset sips such as a mezcal pineapple sour with lemon, aquafaba, agave and cracked pepper, or the Cosmo Twist – Grey Goose strawberry and lemongrass, Grey Goose l’Orange vodka, cranberry and lime – while grazing on small plates like gin-cured salmon, cucumber, lime, mint, radish and crème fraiche.
Bringing high roller energy to Flinders Lane, head to Cha Ching in the heart of Melbourne for Asian-inspired fare with flair and spicy cocktails. An intersection of East and West, Cha Ching has wowed Melburnians since opening late in 2022 with top-tier fusion dishes and one of the coolest interiors to grace a CBD laneway – think moody lighting, neon signage, banquette and cosy table settings, ideal for a special night out.
Drool over dishes such as five-spice crispy pork belly, chilli caramel, aged black vinegar and spicy green apple slaw, best enjoyed with a Thai Me Up cocktail – tequila, tabasco, lemongrass, coconut water and passionfruit purée – or Set Me on Fire with Starward Two Fold Whiskey, peach purée, cinnamon, orgeat and lime juice.
Inspired by Mexican flavours and traditions, come and explore the Victorian Georgian beauty that is No 92 Wine Bar and Restaurant on Glebe Point Road in Glebe. Once a private investigator’s office, this renovated elegant terrace venue oozes charm with whitewashed walls, open fireplaces and an eclectic mix of accents; settle in to graze on starters like scallops, curry leaf and piquin chilli brown butter and buckwheat.
Perhaps order the Frida cocktail, inspired by Frida Kahlo one of the most influential female artists from Mexico, with Tanqueray tin, Chartreuse, lavender, hibiscus, butterfly pea tea, cardamom and lime; best enjoyed with a lobster taco, black beans and creamy arbol chilli sauce, on a flour tortilla.
Find an amazing collection of gourmet burgers, quality brands, eclectic vibes and good times at Hard Days Night ADL on Wright Street in Adelaide. Nestled in the southwestern corner of the CBD, this is a place to settle and relax whether catching up with friends, hosting a function or chilling out in the large beer garden on Summery afternoons while sipping a Pornstar Martini – Lost Phoenix vodka, Ambra Limoncello, passionfruit purée, simple syrup, lime and lemon juice and Wonderfoam.
Campground Kitchen & Bar on Errol Street is a true hidden gem located in a unique rustic warehouse in Braybrook. Casual, friendly, and fun, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, this is the new ‘home base’ for all things pizza and pasta, enjoyed in an industrial-style vibe of polished concrete, blond wood table settings and potted greenery with bifold doors opening to the alfresco area.
Start with Bolognese arancini and a cocktail such as an Amaretto Sour, or a Devil’s Margarita – chilli pepper syrup, fresh lime juice, tequila blanco, orange liqueur, red wine and red pepper – before picking up a slice of gourmet pizza topped with housemade BBQ sauce, red onions, mozzarella, smoked marinated chicken and coriander.
