Drink in style! Sydney’s best cocktail bars

If you like both types of music – country AND western – then Jolene’s Sydney is the place for you. This basement bar in Sydney’s CBD has been inspired by the scene in Nashville and promises top shelf whiskeys from America and beyond, fun cocktails with names referencing Dolly Parton songs and a menu of American diner classics, from artisan hot dogs to mac ‘n’ cheese balls.

Fancy Islands in the Stream? This nod to Kenny and Dolly is a tropical delight with Jack Daniels, mango, banana and lime, but who can go past the Superbowl Sundae? Jack Daniel’s Old No 7, Frangelico, coffee liqueur and cold brew coffee topped with “pancake maple” whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on the top. Yum!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Superbowl Sundae ($21)

Housed in a former soda factory, PS40 is at the forefront of the mixology game. Classic cocktails are mixed with intriguing ingredients to produce unexpected flavours. The Breakfast Negroni is a good example – it’s made up of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth which has been put under sous vide with the warm flavours of banana bread, tonka beans and coffee beans.

So this isn’t a place for purists, rather the elegant space, overlooking bustling King Street, is for those that like to expect the unexpected.

The cocktail list changes regularly (we’re talking daily menu updates) and the food menu focuses on small plates and freshly baked flatbreads. There’s also a wine and beer list – it’s short, but well curated.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Africola – Mr Black coffee liqueur, native cola and coconut foam ($16)

The Spanish-style deli storefront of The Cumberland isn’t what it seems: hidden behind vintage icebox doors is a beautiful basement. Down the dimly lit stone staircase you’re greeted by a wine vault reminiscent of an old English cellar and lining the shelves are 250 whiskies from around the world.

It’s the botanical-focused cocktails that are the thing here though. They use herbs, fruits, and flowers that have been foraged from the Manly Cove region. The Dandelion Espresso, for example, consists of vodka, espresso, cacao, and local dandelion root and flower.

Other signature cocktails honour the exports the area was once known for – gold, hops, tea, wool, wood, and dairy. Vodka or rum are mixed with ingredients such as sheep-whey, corn-cereal milk, and olive oil. For bar snacks, there are antipasto boards with cheeses and cured meats.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Dandelion Espresso ($19)

Inspired by rat pack fave Sammy Davis Jr, the décor at Maybe Sammy, one of Sydney’s most acclaimed bars, features pink velvet banquettes, tropical wallpaper, gold-accented details and even a porcelain flamingo keeping watch over the marble-top long bar. Very Palm Beach, Frankie would approve!

Staff are knowledgeable, clearly love what they do, and serve in sharp double-breasted white dinner jackets.

Kick-off with a mini cocktail of tequila, vermouth bianco, mango tea, eucalyptus, and grapefruit bitters.

Then swing into a cocktail menu which is seriously impressive. It includes a martini trolley, coffee section, Champagne minis, vintage cocktails and the stunning Stardust menu, which features mixed drinks inspired by the biggest stars of the 1950s and beyond. Food is top-notch with fresh rock oysters, and charcuterie boards with aged prosciutto.

Dish Cult’s top pick: My Fair Lady (inspired by Audrey Hepburn) – O’ndina gin, Lillet Black aperitif, Black Market plum sake, Giffard apricot ($26)

Keen for a Caribbean-inspired cocktail with a touch of nostalgia in the city? Head down a winding staircase at The Lobo for a trip back in time to old Cuba.

This opulent bar features a domed ceiling, murals, red leather Chesterfield lounges and a herringbone timber floor. A mix of rattan chairs, banana palms, and patina surfaces adds to the Cuban charm.

Rum is what this bar is all about. A crowd favourite is the “fire drink” or Old Grogram cocktail made up of spice rum, cinnamon sugar, lemon juice, vermouth, and a cinnamon stick toasted using a butane torch. The White Negroni Daiquiri is made with white rum, Lillet Blanc, Suze, lemon, sugar and orange bitters. Or try a refreshing Rosella, infused with botanicals like strawberry, plum, eucalyptus, lemon, coconut, and vodka.

For snacks, turn to the flaky empanadas filled with slow-braised chilli beef or a Cuban sandwich with slow-roasted pulled pork, ham, cheese and pickles.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Found Nemo – Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, banana, pineapple, nori, matcha, orange bitters and a splash of blue

Come party in the wild wild west – just off Oxford Street down a small alley, and through an unmarked door, you’ll discover Shady Pines Saloon. A stuffed Texan longhorn steer head greets you, as well as live country bands, wine barrels, vintage furniture and peanut shells covering the floor.

The American country theme extends to the drinks and cocktails with bourbons and whisky-based drinks featuring heavily.

A cult favourite is the foamy fresh-pressed apple juice and whisky. Among the cocktails is the Georgia Jean made up of vodka, creme de peche, creme de menthe, cranberry, and ginger. The Black Shadow is made with rye whiskey, cynar, pun e mes, coffee and baking spices.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Georgia Jean