Adelaide’s best cocktails: 27 of the best from around the city and suburbs
WHETHER you’re heading out for after-work drinks or having a Sunday session in the sun, nothing’s better than kicking back with a cocktail in hand. Here are 27 of the best.
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WHETHER you’re heading out for after-work drinks or having a Sunday session in the sun, nothing’s better than kicking back with a cocktail in hand. Here are 27 you have to try.
City
Toblerone, Fumo Blu
I tried this cocktail ($17) for the first time when I turned 18, and it’s still my favourite eight years on. It has been on Rundle St bar Fumo Blu’s menu since the venue opened 17 years ago. In a bid to keep up with the times, owner Stev Plos says the team decided to bring it into the future by adding melted Cadbury dairy milk chocolate into the mix. “The combination of Cadbury chocolate, honey, vanilla and a secret mix of liqueurs gives rise to our slight twist on the classic,” he says.Sipping on one of these while mingling with friends (or making new ones) is a fond memory of mine, so next time you find yourself in the East End, head down the stairs, towards the blue light, and make it the first thing you order. Fumo Blu, 270 Rundle St, city.
Rosemary’s Gin, MyBar, Hilton Hotel
This contemporary bar in Adelaide’s inner west has an impressive cocktail menu, but a newbie on the list is Rosemary’s Gin ($15). It’s a refreshing fusion of rosemary, lemon, cucumber and gin which goes down a treat, particularly on a warm summer’s night. Bartender Callie Davis is a big fan of the herb-infused concoction. “Using fresh Hilton Harvest Garden ingredients from our backyard, we’ve made a refreshing summery cocktail best served in the sun,” she says. MyBar, Hilton Hotel, 264 South Rd, Hilton.
Grey Goose Le Fizz, Lucky’s Beach Club, The Maid
With plenty of warm days ahead, why not pull up a deck chair, sink your feet into the sand and soak up the sun at Lucky’s Beach Club? It’s the perfect place to sip on cocktails all day long, especially the Grey Goose Le Fizz ($12). The fresh and citrusy cocktail uses premium vodka with an elderflower liqueur, finished with a splash of lime juice and a lime wheel garnish. Lucky’s Beach Club, The Maid, 1 Magill Rd, Stepney.
Espresso Martini, Florence Rooftop Bar
Friday night rooftop hangs is my kind of outing, and Florence Rooftop Bar won’t disappoint with it’s cool, relaxed vibe. The new city bar’s cocktail menu is equally as sophisticated with classics like the espresso martini ($23). It will awaken your senses and prepare you for a big night out with its caffeine hit that packs a punch. Bartender Tash Jones says there are four types of alcohol in it, mixed with a touch of vanilla and garnished with a line of coffee and coffee beans. Florence Rooftop Bar, 27 Gilbert Place, city.
Christmas Martinez, Mr Goodbar
Feeling festive? Head to the East End’s Mr Goodbar for its take on the classic Martinez. Bartender Mitch Clarke says the limited edition drink ($25) is a favourite of his. “We stir it down over ice and serve it up with an orange zest spiked with clove and a Luxardo maraschino cherry,” he says. Key ingredients are Four Pillars Christmas pudding infused gin, Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and Boker’s Bitters. Mr Goodbar, 12 Union St, city.
East
Pretty in Pink, The Unley
Pretty in Pink is more than just an 1980s rom-com at the The Unley — it is one of the hotel’s most popular cocktails. The Pretty in Pink cocktail ($16) is a refreshing concoction of Absolut Citron Vodka, Chambord Liqueur, cloudy apple juice, lemon juice and egg white to form the foamy top of the drink. The Unley bar manager Nick Busse says the drink is a popular choice in summer, particularly among women. “It also looks really nice” Ms Busse says. “It is quite a sweet drink, too.” 27 Unley Rd, Parkside.
Espresso Martini, Stone’s Throw
A small-bar feel in the suburbs, Stone’s Throw on The Parade is great for a casual cocktail without the hustle and bustle of the city. Like many other haunts across Adelaide, the traditional espresso martini is always a hit among customers, so the team came up with its own “with-a-twist” recipe. Vodka is replaced with spiced rum and salted caramel is added for an extra kick. Restaurant manager Chris Howard says the drink ($18) has become popular among customers. “We put a bit more love into it than most other espresso martinis,” Mr Howard says. 127 The Parade, Norwood.
El Diablo, TA Hotel
If you like your coffee hot, then this is the one for you. Cue the El Diablo ($15) — and it is not for the faint-hearted. Combine espresso coffee, tequila, sugar syrup, chilli, tabasco sauce, Kahlua and Frangelico then be prepared to turn up the heat (and maybe have some water on standby). Hotel manager Tom Marschall says the drink is different, but delicious. “We did some experimentation with it and found a nice flavour concept and ran with it,” Mr Marschall says. Its espresso martini with housemade salted caramel sauce is also tipped to be popular this summer. 95 Belair Rd, Kingswood.
The Gypsy, Hula Hoop
After a hard day’s work, consider turning to a Gypsy — of the cocktail variety — at Hula Hoop to wind down. The Gypsy ($18) is a careful balance of sweet and sour that can be paired with a number of tapas dishes. With ingredients including Archie Rose Distilling Co gin, Campari, lemon juice and specially imported ingredient Lebanese rose syrup, the cocktail is a crowd favourite. “It goes really nicely with (dishes) on the menu,” bartender Charlie Hamra says. “It is very refreshing and versatile too.” 2/269 Kensington Rd, Kensington Park.
Margarita, Villa77 Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant
If a fresh, crisp drink is on the cards, look no further than Villa77’s margarita ($13.90). The classic cocktail dates back to the 1930s and is just as popular today at Villa77. On the menu there is the traditional recipe with tequila, triple sec and fresh lime but, when the mercury rises, try the frozen margarita ($13.90). Director Sunny Sharma says the drink is popular because it has good-quality tequila and can be paired with a number menu items, including calamari and patatas bravas — a tapas dish of potato in a spicy tomato sauce. 77 Unley Rd, Parkside.
South
Crown Jewel, Crown Inn Hotel
A lonely bottle of banana liqueur that was gathering dust on a shelf behind the bar at Crown Inn Hotel sparked the inspiration for the pub’s most inventive cocktail. “We had the bottle of banana liqueur sitting on the bar shelf and I wanted to use it but I also wanted to include scotch or whiskey in a cocktail to hopefully encourage more men to step out of that ‘beer box’,” said venue manager Chad Gross. “And believe it or not these two go together perfectly — mixed with a dash of bitters and sweet and sour mix and you’ve got yourself a Crown Jewel.” While the Crown Jewel has become a firm favourite among patrons, it is yet to knock the pub’s most popular cocktail off its throne. “The Passion Fruit Cosmo is most popular — we find customers like the twist on an old classic,” Mr Gross said. Cocktails range between $15 and $20. Old Main South Rd, Old Reynella.
Coronarita, Tequila n Tacos
It is no surprise that Port Noarlunga hotspot Tequila n Tacos is all about spirits — but it has managed to incorporate another well-loved Mexican beverage into its latest cocktail. The Coronarita ($17) is the love child of the margarita and Mexico’s famous Corona beer. The frozen yellow beverage is served in a margarita glass, topped off by an upside-down 210ml bottle of beer and a slice of lime on the rim for good measure. “It’s very popular already with the summer weather,” says the three-year-old restaurant’s owner, Viv Dhir. “In Mexico people drink them in bigger fishbowls and that gave us the idea.” 1/7 Gawler St, Port Noarlunga.
Mermaid Water, Victoria Hotel
Vodka and orange juice is still the most popular spirit-based drink at the Victoria Hotel but the venue has introduced $10 cocktails on Friday nights to encourage punters to be more adventurous. So far it is sea-inspired cocktails attracting the most interest, said venue manager Richard Cassin. “The Mermaid Water — which has Sailor Jerry (spiced rum), Malibu, and blue curacao is popular,” Mr Cassin said. “And the Drunken Sailor — that’s got Sailor Jerry as well, cranberry juice and fresh lime.” Main South Rd, O’Halloran Hill.
Zooper Dooper, Blue Pepper Restaurant & Bar
Zooper Dooper iceblocks are popular among children but now there is an equally refreshing treat just for adults. The restaurant’s Zooper Dooper cocktail ($19) contains splashes of Chambord, vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, lemonade and grenadine. It is just one in an extensive list of cocktails available at the funky Mexican eatery. Others include Cake by the Ocean — an indulgent mix of whisky, Malibu, pineapple juice, blue curacao and cream — and the Lychee Mojito — where lychee liqueur and lime juice add a welcome twist to the cocktail classic. Prices range between $15 and $20. 32A Beach Rd, Christies Beach.
Hot Choctini, Woodcroft Hotel
If you are after a unique cocktail, then look no further than the Woodcroft Hotel. For a decidedly rich nightcap, the Hot Choctini ($13) is a sweet deal featuring a mix of marshmallow vodka, dark crème de cacao and hot chocolate. Or the Honey Bear — containing Baileys, Kahlua, Frangelico, honey and cream — is bound to give you a hit. The Raspberry Beret provides a soothing option, with Belvedere vodka, St Germain, triple sec, raspberry coulis and egg white. Prices range between $13 and $20. 1/304 Bains Rd, Woodcroft.
North East
Martini Mocha, The Gully Public House & Garden
Martinis and Mozarts make The Gully Public House & Garden your go-to for cocktails under $20. The Martini Mocha is royally enjoyable with its use of Mozart Gold liqueur in the mix ($16). Known for its classic beer garden and “good old-fashioned service”, this is a must-try for the Tea Tree Gully area. 1349 North East Rd, Tea Tree Gully.
Summer Loving, The Golden Grove Hotel
The Grove provides a wide range of delicious cocktails with fruity flavours designed for summer. Try the Summer Loving ($14) with vodka, cointreau, passionfruit and pineapple, or a Liquid Ecstasy ($16) for breezy summer nights, which features baileys, Kahlua, butterscotch schnapps and cream. The pub’s lounge bar offers comfort, great service, and a chance to get up and boogie to the jukebox tunes. Corner Golden Grove Rd and Grenfell Rd, Surrey Downs.
Toblerone, The O.G. Hotel
Sinfully good drinks are on offer at the O.G Hotel, with their Toblerone cocktail ($12.90) with baileys, Kahlua and Frangelico, or their fresh Schnapple Pie cocktail ($15.90) with apple schnapps, vanilla Galliano, apple juice, cream, and American honey whisky. Happy days I say, as the quality venue provides all day happy hour on Saturdays. 246 North East Rd, Klemzig.
Classic Cosmopolitan, The Highlander Hotel
Traditional cocktails are on offer at the Highlander, with their Classic Cosmopolitan ($19) with vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice and lime. There is also a classic with a twist — the Dirty Mojito ($19) with lime, sugar syrup, spiced rum, mint and soda. Pair your cocktail with some finger food from the stables feed menu, which includes popcorn chicken bites and arancini balls. 647 North East Rd, Gilles Plains.
North
Japanese Slipper, Sneaky’s Wine & Cocktail Bar
The Japanese Slipper ($15), featuring Midori, cointreau and lemon juice is a favourite at Sneaky’s Wine & Cocktail Bar, manager Anthony Pilaia says. Another crowd pleaser is their classic Cosmopolitan ($15) with vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice and lime. Mr Pilaia says the cocktail is so popular because it combines “fruit and zest”.“The cocktail and wine bar has taken off really well considering it’s only 10 months old,” Mr Pilaia says. Sneaky’s is a part of the picturesque Virgara Winery estate at Angle Vale. 143 Heaslip Rd, Angle Vale.
Nutty Captain, The Bridgeway Hotel
The Bridgeway Hotel offers a selection of cheaper cocktails featuring funky combinations including the Nutty Captain ($12) with Captain Morgan spiced rum, Frangelico, and fresh fruit. The sinful Baileys Hot Chocolate ($8) features bailey’s, hot chocolate, milk and whipped cream. The large pub includes a front bar, beer garden and sports bar which hosts regular eight-ball competitions. 18 Bridge Rd, Pooraka.
The Funhouse, The Midway Tavern
Fun, fizzy cocktails are on offer at the Midway Tavern with fresh drinks for under $10 each. The Funhouse cocktail ($8) is zingy and crisp with peach schnapps, vodka, lemon squash, raspberries and strawberries, and their Melon Crush ($7) is bound to quench your thirst after a big day at the office with Midori, peach schnapps and lemon squash. The pub offers tasty grub for all with vegan and gluten-free options available on their menu. 212 Midway Rd, Elizabeth Downs.
West
Palais Hotel
Cocktails are a “huge focus” for the Palais Hotel, bar manager George Lagos says. Every week night between 8pm and 9pm the beachside bar has selected cocktails for the bargain price of $10. “By far the most popular is our espresso martini,” Mr Lagos says. “Most of our bartenders stick to the old school favourites and are likely to recommend a hot sex on the beach or a mojito, or if someone was adventurous maybe a sloe ‘n’ steady.” He said patrons are often partial to a cocktail jug to share, which can be enjoyed outside in the hotel’s enclosed outdoor area located just metres from the sand. The Esplanade, Semaphore.
Bacchus Bar
If you’re looking for a spot by the beach for a cheeky cocktail or two, it’s hard to go past the Bacchus Bar. The bar is located in the heart of Henley Square and has a huge list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. On the menu are traditional favourites such as pina colada, margarita and mojito as well as in-house specials such as “Oreo Cookie” (a tasty combination of Kahlua, Bailey’s, vanilla ice cream and Oreos) and “Cookie Monster” — consisting of Kahlua, Bailey’s, Bacardi and cinnamon. 253 Esplanade, Henley Beach.
Commercial Hotel
The recently renovated Commercial Hotel in the heart of Port Adelaide is ideal for an afternoon cocktail. The charming heritage hotel has outdoor seating with views of the Lighthouse and the Port River. The owners, Nick and Alex Watson, are partial to theme cocktails — as demonstrated by their Frozen-inspired beverage last winter. Their summer menu is full of fruity delights such as strawberry daiquiri, hourglass (Jameson with orange, cranberry and lime juice) and playboy (Midori, tequila, pineapple and orange juice). 29-31 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide.
Sunset Bar
With gorgeous views of the marina and the beach, Sunset Bar is the perfect place to unwind on a hot summer’s night. There are nearly 20 creatively named cocktails inspired by popular culture available such as Alice In Vodkaland and Tequila Mockingbird. Fishbowl-style drinks also feature on the bar’s menu with three fruity flavours on offer. Shop 3, Holdfast Shores Marina, Glenelg.
Port Admiral Hotel
After 10 long years, the historic Port Admiral Hotel has reopened its doors just in time for summer. The heritage hotel, while known for its local craft beer and wine, has a number of delicious cocktails on offer including the ever-popular espresso martini, cosmopolitan and negroni. Its brunch menu contains bloody marys and mimosas — ideal for a laid-back day out.
Best enjoyed out in the bar’s beer garden with a serve of chef Wesso’s crinkle-cut chips or schmiko roll. 55 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide.
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