You might not automatically associate winter with cocktails, but venues on the East Coast are making a great case for keeping your Saturday social plans locked in. Across June, several venues are helping you keep warm with Absolut vodka cocktail specials. From rooftop views to design-led, cosy hotel bars, these spots are ones to save for when the group chat needs to shake up your cocktail destination. Hervés Restaurant and Bar, Brisbane Located in Albion, Brisbane, Hervés Restaurant and Bar is a French-inspired dining room with a hidden moody bar. It's polished yet playful and the perfect nook for a relaxed drink with friends or date night over a small plate. This month, Herves is offering two cocktail specials: The Truc Blanc — a creamy, tropical mix of Absolut vodka, Coco Lopez, lychee, lime and sour as well as the 38 and Still Fun, a bright, punchy blend of Absolut Passionfruit Vodka, Liqueur 43, Aperol, pineapple, lemon and sour. They'll give you a taste of summer in the depths of winter. Fiume Rooftop Bar, Brisbane Sitting above Howard Smith Wharves and Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, Fiume Rooftop Bar is a glossy open-air escape made for golden hour drinks and riverfront views. It's one of Brisbane's go-to rooftop destinations, best experienced this month with the Rooftop Ruby in hand. The cocktail is a vibrant mix of Absolut vodka, lemon myrtle, lychee, pomegranate, lemon and sugar that's perfect for sipping on whilst catching the sunset. WET Deck, Brisbane WET Deck, located in the sleek W Hotel, Brisbane, is all about poolside glamour. With skyline views, live DJ sets, and hand-crafted cocktails, the pool bar is a go-to for an inner city hangout spot. This month, take in the panoramic views alongside a Berry Bang. The cocktail is a sweet, silky mix of Absolut Elyx, lychee, lavender honey, raspberry, strawberry and coconut foam designed to taste like a holiday in a glass. The Terrace, Brisbane Sat high above Brisbane's Southbank district in the Emporium Hotel, The Terrace is another rooftop bar to add to your list. With open-air interiors, sweeping views and a focus on elevated hospitality, The Terrace is a polished option for your next cocktail night. This month, The Terrace is serving XXXXXXX. Cloudland, Brisbane A true Brisbane institution, Cloudland is a Fortitude Valley go-to and a reliable pick for a night out that involves both drinks and dancing. Known for its dramatic chandeliers, lush interiors and moody corner tables, it's a venue that suits afternoon drinks and late-night dancefloors. This season, the Garden Peach Mule is the cocktail to order. It's a refreshing, slightly spicy mix of Absolut vodka, lime, peach, rosemary, chilli and ginger beer, garnished with rosemary and a peach slice. The Beaumont, Brisbane Another Fortitude Valley staple, The Beaumont is a beer garden and rooftop bar all in one. The sprawling venue is a go-to for casual date nights or large group bookings. This month, The Beaumont is serving an Absolut Pornstar Martini, a crowd-pleasing classic to enjoy before you hit the dance floor. Story Bridge Hotel, Brisbane Located underneath the Story Bridge, the Story Bridge Hotel is a piece of Brisbane hospitality history. The quintessential local venue blends classic pub energy with a strong cocktail menu, live entertainment and Deery's Restaurant. It's a dependable all-rounder for any kind of night out, especially when an Espresso Martini made with Absolut Vanilia is on the cards. It's a smooth, rich mix that's designed to keep the evening going. Paradiso Music Room, Byron Bay Moving down the coast, Paradiso brings Byron Bay's nightlife into full swing. The Music Room hosts the best in local and international artists, making it a perfect option to drop by for cocktail night. The French Kiss in Cannes – made with Absolut Elyx, raspberry liqueur, strawberry and hibiscus sorbet from Frankie's Gelato, lemon and Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne – is inspired by the glamour of the French Riviera. Alongside the silky cocktail, guests can be papped by the paparazzi bartender and leave with a souvenir of the evening. Miss Moneypenny's Noosa Located on Hastings Street in Noosa, Miss Moneypenny's is a polished coastal venue known for its social dining, cocktail focus and consistently lively atmosphere. This season, the Citron Meringue cocktail offers a taste of holiday with Absolut vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, pineapple and burnt meringue. It's bright, zesty and just indulgent enough to match the energy of Noosa itself. Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast Why not mix cocktail night with culture? Set within the Gold Coast's cultural precinct, Home of the Arts (HOTA) blends art, performance and laid-back lakeside hangs. This winter, HOTA is serving Happy Fantasies, it's a playful blend of Absolut vodka, rhubarb, strawberry and tonka bean creaming soda inspired by the contemporary art on the walls of the gallery. CTA
