Coming Soon: Maybe Cocktail Festival Is Returning for 2025 to Bring the World's Best Bartending Talent to Sydney
With talent from Argentina to Japan whipping up drinks, you can expect a global mix of cocktail shenanigans.
Don't have the time or cash to jet-set around the globe visiting the best cocktail bars? The good news is that some of the world's most acclaimed shakers and stirrers are making tracks for Sydney. Running across April 7-13, the third edition of the Maybe Cocktail Festival showcases an incredible array of bartending talent, with representatives from 12 venues on the World's 50 Best Bars list flying into town.
Bringing an abundance of creative ideas and powerful concoctions, this international affair will feature leading figures from Argentina, Indonesia, Spain, the UK, the USA, Italy, Japan and Mexico. Naturally, this diverse collective will ensure keen drinkers experience their fair share of global cocktail culture, from little-known spirit makers to inspired ingredients that give classic tipples an inventive twist.
"Maybe Cocktail Festival is about bringing the best drinking experiences from around the globe to Sydney," says festival director Stefano Catino. "We're talking top-tier bartenders serving up world-class cocktails without anyone needing to clear customs."
The line-up is still to be announced, but these acclaimed names will take up residence in some of Sydney's most happening cocktail bars for five days of events, collaborations and exclusive experiences. And there's no shortage of stellar venues getting involved in the fun. For instance, Maybe Sammy's 1950s Hollywood glamour landed at number 26 on the World's 50 Best Bars list in 2024, while Dean & Nancy on 22 was named Hotel Bar of the Year at the 2024 Australian Bar Awards.
Also playing host is El Primo Sanchez with tequila cocktails, Maybe Frank with Italian-inspired aperitivos and digestifs, Little Cooler with punchy dive bar drinks and lush Latin American creations at Hacienda. So, whether you're a cocktail aficionado or just excited for a big night out, finding the ideal spot to indulge in an experimental drink is made easy.
"With the cost of living and the sheer distance of Sydney from so many of the world's great drinking destinations, it's not always easy to visit these bars in person. But for one week, they're right here in our backyard. The lineup is stacked, the drinks will be flowing and we can't wait to see Sydney turn it on once again," says Catino.
Credit: Steven Woodburn
Steven Woodburn
Credit: Steven Woodburn
Maybe Cocktail Festival runs from April 7-13 at various venues across Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
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