Best Cocktail Bars in Sydney

Tipping its cap to old school American cowboys, Shady Pines Saloon is a low-lit basement bar famed for its whiskeys, craft beers and sarsaparilla. Often hailed as one of the best cocktail bars in Sydney, this place is an absolute must if you're craving a boilermaker. 

When it comes to cocktail bars in Sydney CBD, there's nowhere quite like this. Run by a group of pals with a penchant for deadly libations, Ramblin' Rascal Tavern is an underground bar with a tongue-in-cheek attitude, with drinks called Dylan (You Son Of A Bitch) and Grow A Pear.

Earl's Juke Joint is easily one of the best bars in Sydney, thanks to its feel-good vibes and New Orleans leaning. Taking inspiration from the USA, this Newtown drinking den plays a toe-tapping soundtrack for sipping signature creations which frequently reinvent old classics. 

Blending tropical and Twin Peaks influences, Jacoby's Tiki Bar is one of the quirkiest cocktail joints in town. Stop by for unique interiors and stick around for the menu of reinvented concoctions, like the Damn Fine Coffee which is a coconut water-laced espresso martini.

Promising fresh cuts and handcrafted cocktails under one roof, The Barber Shop is one unique secret bar in Barangaroo. Get stuck into their famous gin selection with bespoke mixes that showcase a variety of flavours, from the floral to the fruity. 

The Lobo is renowned for its rum-laced concoctions and chic interiors, making it one of Sydney's very best cocktail bars. Transporting you to the sun-soaked streets of Havana, this underground gem is characterised by its salsa soundtrack, rattan furniture and ever-buzzing atmosphere.

Searching for the best bars with food in Sydney? Smoke should be firmly on the list thanks to its modern cocktails and bites to eat. Picture this: you'll get to guzzle cumquat white negronis while grazing on wagyu sliders, rock oysters and charcuterie, all with picturesque views of the water.

One of the best rooftop bars in Sydney, Zeta Bar is a slinky drinking den that's mastered the art of theatrical cocktails. Expect a menu of Insta-worthy concoctions, like the Earls Club with peach gin, raspberry, yuzu, lemon and tea-flavoured foam.

If you're on the lookout for the best bars in Sydney with a view, Slims Rooftop is a must-visit. Combining a panoramic cityscape with handcrafted cocktails and kitsch furnishings, this place is so much more than just a pretty face.  

There are very few cocktail bars as stunning as Bar 83. Found at the top of Sydney Tower, the rotating CBD bar offers guests a luxurious experience complete with amazing views, stunning libations and fine dining in the neighbouring Infinity restaurant. 

One of Sydney's best cocktail bars is also one of its most secretive. Nestled away off the beaten track, Old Mate's Place offers visitors the chance to sip on a range of artisanal creations against a backdrop of rich leather furnishings or on the suntrap rooftop terrace. 

The Soda Factory is one of Sydney's best hidden bars, found behind the guise of Bobby's Boss Dogs. Don't be fooled though, as this place carries on the American diner vibe, with neon-covered walls and a menu of classic diner dishes alongside boozy soda floats.  

Saga Bar is a dreamy date night haunt, bringing together globally-inspired cocktails with tropical decor that has serious Indiana Jones vibes. Alongside its staple menu items, the Surry Hills spot promises a weekly rotation of new concoctions, so you'll never have the same experience twice.