Seven Adelaide Venues to Visit When All You Want to Do Is Sip a Spritz in the Sunshine

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Adelaide's balmy summers aren't just a blessing for beachgoers. If you're fond of cooling down on dry land with a spritz in your hand and the sun's rays on your face, this is your time to shine. Perhaps more than most, this summer is certain to bring friends and family together. A chaotic few years, the gorgeous climate, tasty cocktails, the carefree vibe that floats across the Southern Indian Ocean as soon as the season hits — that'll do it.

Perhaps more than most, this summer is certain to bring Adelaide locals together. A chaotic few years, our gorgeous climate, tastebud-tempting cocktails, that carefree vibe that floats across the sea as soon as the season hits — that'll do it. If you're wondering where to head, we've teamed up with Aperol to pick nine must-visit spots that'll take care of this year's holy trifecta: spritzes, all that glorious sunshine, and ample space for you and your pals. Plus, to celebrate togetherness, Aperol is picking up the tab for 100,000 spritzes this summer to make your summer soiree even sweeter.

TAKE YOUR POOCH TO THIS ADELAIDE HILLS FAVOURITE

Just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, The Bridgewater Inn is an idyllic place for an afternoon drink outside overlooking the babbling Cox Creek. The dog-friendly venue has a multi-level beer garden, perfect for a pit stop if you're making your way along the scenic Heyson Trail.

Drinks-wise there's classic cocktails, cider, beer and a selection of local wines that can be paired perfectly with the extensive food menu. There's share plates, classic pub fare and a vegan menu that goes far beyond the standard eggplant parmigiana and mushroom burger. 

HANG OUT IN THE GARDEN BAR AT A REVITALISED CBD HOTEL

After 20 years in disarray, the Electra House Hotel on King William Street has been revitalised with an architectural overhaul across each of its three levels. Head to the ground floor to find the sunny Garden Bar filled with plants, bar seating and booths that are ideal for groups.

Grab some share plates to pair with your spritz like duck fat potatoes, fried chicken with green chilli mayo or chips with truffle salt and parmesan. If you're after something more substantial, try the Mediterranean-style eggplant with sumac lentils, turmeric dukkah and micro herbs or the 48-hour lamb press with smoky baba ganoush, prosciutto, buttermilk peas, hung yoghurt and bacon crumb.

ENJOY OCEAN VIEWS WITH YOUR SERVE

Summertime calls for beachside hang-outs and West offers just that. The retro rooftop bar is perched on top of Henley House opposite picturesque Henley Beach and serves up stellar ocean views alongside delicious food and drink.

Grab a cocktail and some bar snacks before heading outside to take in the ocean breeze on the rooftop terrace. We've got our eye on the Garden Party cocktail mixed with vodka, dill, sour apple, cucumber, elderflower and bubbles and the Bush Apple Fizz made with Seven Seasons Bush Apple gin, pear puree, quandong syrup, citrus and soda.

HEY JUPITER

For a distinctly French feel for your next afternoon bev, head to Hey Jupiter on Ebenezer Place. After almost ten years in operation, you'll be in the safe hands of these hospitality experts.

Soak up the sunshine from a seat in front of the venue's striking green and white-tiled exterior and enjoy French classics like escargots a l'ail (snails with garlic butter) or the confit de canard — a duck confit served with duck fat potatoes, spinach and jus. For drinks, try a French beer like the Blonde Brasserie Du Mt Blanc or one of the 11 aperitifs on the menu.

SOAK IN THE CITY SKYLINE AT THIS CBD ROOFTOP

Love a breezy inner-city rooftop? Make tracks to 2KW Bar and Restauarnt. And no, the KW doesn't stand for Kardashian-West. The venue gets its name from the street it's located on — that'd be King William.

2KW is home to a number of spaces to suit any occasion. The rooftop Terrace Bar is ideal for soaking in quintessential Adelaide sights as you sip on your sunset drink. It's walk-ins only so arrive early to secure a spot. Got a group that needs seating? Book one of the outdoor cabanas that seat up to 12 guests — and come with dedicated wait staff — or lock in the private outdoor area called Garden for groups of 20–30.

GRAB A CHEAP MID-WEEK LUNCH WHILE CATCHING SOME ART

Refreshing cocktails, incredible art and a breezy rooftop. That's the winning combination you'll find at Gallery Adelaide on Waymouth Street in the CBD.

Check out the artwork on the ground floor before making your way to level three for tasty treats. There are four spritzes to try (lychee spritz anyone?) and $10 pizzas for lunch from Tuesday–Friday with any drink purchase. Try the Moroccan-speiced lamb with caramelised onion, tomato and tzatziki or the bianco topped with hummus, potato and rosemary.

HEAD HERE FOR MIAMI-INSPIRED DECOR AND LIVE MUSIC

What's in name? Well, a whole lot when it comes to this aptly named venue. El Cheeky Flamingo, located in Adelaide's East End, is a Miami-style cocktail bar that's an ideal setting for a pre- or post-show drink with mates during Adelaide Fringe.

Expect leafy wallpaper and pink birds aplenty when you step into this colourful watering hole. There's cocktails galore and live music on Thursdays, too. Want to soak in some sunshine? Pull up a chair in the al fresco seating area and embrace the charm of this small but mighty bar from outside.

Celebrate summer with someone you love and an Aperol spritz on the house. Aperol's 100,000 spritzes will be up for grabs till Sunday, January 2, 2022. For more information and to register for your refreshing freebie, visit the website.