Eight Cocktail Bars to Dip Into When You Don't Want the Night to End Yet

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We get it, sometimes you don't want to go home straight away. Whether you've had a fun shopping date with the girls or just finished chair-dancing the night away at a gig, there are nights when you want to eke out the fun for just that little bit longer. It mightn't be obvious where to head to first, so we've teamed up with Maker's Mark to bring you eight cocktail bars in Brisbane that have great tipples and good vibes for when you want to make the magic last.

Lachlan Douglas

AFTER GOING TO A GIG, POP INTO MRS BROWNS FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED

There's something about seeing your favourite band live that makes you want to keep the night going. Just a short stumble from The Triffid, Mrs Brown's Bar & Kitchen has become somewhat of a Brisbane institution in recent years for its lively vibe and impressive menu. Stop in for a nightcap after your next gig — it has a particularly good old-fashioned that pairs nicely with its bar snacks, including chicken and cheese spring rolls and korean fried cauliflower.

AFTER LATE-NIGHT SHOPPING, HEAD TO THE BOOM BOOM ROOM

Whether you're getting a head start on your Christmas shopping, or you're simply browsing for a new outfit, late night shopping is thirsty work. Extend your trip into the city with a cheeky tipple at one of the many bars situated a stone's throw from Queen Street Mall. Our pick? The Boom Boom Room — Brisbane's coolest basement bar. Housed under swanky Donna Chang in a heritage-listed 1920s bank, the venue has recently undergone a transformation into an izakaya, and with that comes a more relaxed, moody restaurant and bar vibe. It also has an extensive cocktail menu so you can get your whiskey fix to round off your night. Ask for a Maker's Mark in a whiskey sour or manhattan.

Elevate

AFTER SEEING A BLOCKBUSTER FLICK, DEBRIEF AT NEARBY AT SIXES AND SEVENS

You've seen the latest release at New Farm Cinemas and you're desperate to talk about it before heading home. Instead of calling an Uber, wander down to Fortitude Valley fave At Sixes and Sevens. The venue's charming white facade takes pride of place on James Street, with a relaxed, laidback atmosphere indoor and out. You'll find icy cold beers and cider on tap, classic cocktails and light eats like house-made onion rings, popcorn chicken served with yogurt and fermented chilli sauce, or artisanal cheeseboards perfect for sharing.

Sarah Ward

AFTER SEEING AN EXHIBITION AT GOMA, HEAD TO THE TERRACE FOR A NIGHT CAP

South Bank is a lively hub of activity, with Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and plenty of restaurants and bars for late-night antics. After seeing Water at the Gallery, seek out first-class views of the CBD skyline. As Brisbane's premier openair rooftop bar and restaurant, The Terrace boasts unrivalled views and, importantly, a team of talented bartenders just waiting to mix up one of their specialities. Peckish? Pair your cocktail with a bite to eat from the Asian-inspired menu, featuring soft shell crab tacos, wagyu short rib pancakes and wasabi fries.

AFTER A TWILIGHT BIKE RIDE, COOL OFF AT MR PERCIVAL'S

Summer is here, and that means long afternoons spent riverside. When you're out for a twilight bike ride along the river, stop in for a cheeky drink at octagonal bar Mr Percival's. As you cool down, order a whiskey cocktail and take in the views. This jewel of the Howard Smith Wharves' crown is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and prime position over the river. Take your pick from woodfired pizzas and burgers to king prawns and coral trout mains.

AFTER A ROMANTIC PICNIC, MAKE YOUR WAY TO GERARD'S BAR

Is there anything more romantic than a park picnic? Yes, there is actually: continuing onto a cool bar for a cocktail to keep the night going. There's certainly no shortage of bars close to New Farm Park, but in our humble opinion, you can't go past a whiskey sour at Gerard's Bar. Tucked just off James Street, Gerard's is home to Middle Eastern-inspired fare and an enviable collection of signature cocktails. Perch yourself inside at the bar or outside for a more casual experience.

Jorge Flores

AFTER KARAOKE AT BLUTE'S, HEAD TO SAVILE ROW FOR A WHISKEY

Belting out sub-par renditions of the classics at live karaoke bar Blute's will leave you in need of a good drink afterwards. Look no further than Fortitude Valley's famed whiskey bar Savile Rowe. Hidden behind an unassuming and unmarked bright orange door on Ann Street, Savile Row is all about low lighting and leather booths. The real showstopper, however, is the back bar stacked tall with some 750 spirits, spotlighted by a statement chandelier. While you're here, order a whiskey drink made with Maker's Mark, such as a mint julep, sour or old-fashioned.

Trent van der Jagt

AFTER A SCORING A STRIKE, FINISH UP AT THE GRESHAM

When your Christmas party plan is a night at the ten-pin bowls alley, you should have a cocktail bar up your sleeve for afterwards. The Gresham is an experience loaded with charm. From the limestone walls to polished furniture, the venue is just made for savouring a couple of fancy cocktails. Our pick is a Tip of the Hat (Maker's Mark, pandan, cherry-flavored liqueur, port and chocolate bitters).

Find out more about Maker's Mark and how to make an old-fashioned, here.

Top image: The Boom Boom Room