Overview
Spring in Sydney is one of the most inspiring times of the year, and in our opinion nothing is more inspiring than disappearing from work early to drink something strong and alcoholic. That's why we've compiled a list of seven of the best spring cocktails.
Some are classic and some are fresh but they're all superb accompaniments to a warm afternoon, celebrating the close of winter and the re-emergence of the sun for another year. So let's raise our glasses, put that mini umbrella behind our ears and toast to the arrival of spring.
1. Paloma, The Hazy Rose
A unity of Espolon Reposado and fresh ruby red grapefruit, according to the Hazy Rose, the Paloma is apparently the most popular tequila cocktail in the whole of Mexico. And who can deny it? It's titillatingly simple and packs the punch this Stanley Street hidden gem has managed to effortlessly perfect.
Tue 5-11pm, Wed-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 3pm-12am, Sun 3-10pm; 83 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst; 02 9357 5036 www.thehazyrose.com.au
2. Dirty Carpet Disco, Opera Bar
Don't be thrown by the name, this bright red concoction of Chambord, Absolut vanilla vodka, wild strawberry liqueur, apple juice, soda and berries is a veritable orchard in your mouth. Combined with the jaw-dropping vistas of Sydney's Harbour in its spring finest, after a couple of sips it'll be sweet nothings and honeyed words all day long.
Mon-Sun 11.30am-late; Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House, Sydney; 02 9247 1666 www.operabar.com.au
3. Mojito, The Bucket List
Although the water might not be warm enough just yet, there's nowhere quite like the Bucket List to relax after a hard day's work spread on the sand. Their Mojito with Havana white rum, fresh lime and mint, muddled with ice, soda water and sugar, creates the ideal drinking partner for a truly delicious and classic Bondi bevvie.
Mon-Sun 12pm-12am; The Bondi Pavillion, Bondi Beach; 02 9365 4122; thebucketlistbondi.com.au
4. Hendricks Tea Party, Eau de Vie
Winner of the World's Best New Cocktail Bar award (2011), not to mention a host of other impressive accolades, Eau de Vie is a fine venue regardless of season. However, it's hard not to chillax in the ever-so-cool surrounds when liquid nitrogen is expertly used to frost your dainty tea cup serving of Hendricks Gin and St Germain elderflower liqueur with blueberry and lemongrass syrup. Get a gang of four together and enjoy from the pot.
Mon-Sat 6pm-1am, Sun 6pm-12am; 229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst; 0422 263 226; www.eaudevie.com.au
5. Aperolling with the Bulls, The Carrington
Pink, frothy, sweet and served with a skewered glace cherry, Aperolling with the Bulls is one of this Surry Hills' bar-cum-tapas restaurant's newbies. It's made from Aperol, pomegranate and cranberry syrup, shaken with lemon and delivered in a wine glass. Totally camp, enjoy it outside so you can watch the girls and boys in short shorts walk by.
Mon-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-10pm; 563 Bourke Street, Surry Hills; 02 9360 4714; the-carrington.com.au
6. Yes Please, The Gazebo Wine Garden
This fruity number from the Keystone folk is a choice option for basking in the funky outdoor garden at Gazebo on the Potts Point/Elizabeth Bay border. Ketel One vodka, vanilla Licor 43, passionfruit and lime served straight up is lip smackingly tangy and it won't be long until you're repeating its name at the bar.
Mon-Thu 3pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am; 2 Elizabeth Bay Road, Potts Point; 02 9357 5333; www.thegazebos.com.au
7. Rhubarb, The Morrison
A classic favourite on this CBD hangout's cocktail menu, the Rhubarb is a pretty in pink combination of; you guessed it, rhubarb. Complemented with agave spirit and homemade pomegranate grenadine, this gleaning medley is not too sweet and best enjoyed in the outside conservatory after a busy day in the office.
Mon-Wed 11.30-12am, Thu 11.30-1am, Fri-Sat 11.30-2am; 225 George Street, Sydney; 02 9247 6744; themorrison.com.au