Overview
The days are longer. The nights are getting balmy. Yep, that's right — we are in the depths of Aperol season. And we don't doubt that you've seen Sydney's pubs and bars flooded with rounds of that most summery of drinks: the Aperol Spritz.
That's why we thought it appropriate to create a list of some of our favourite places to go for a sunset spritz this season in partnership with Aperol.
First and foremost, these places all make a good Aperol Spritz — that's essential. But, beyond that, each spot offers a great way to experience sunset in Sydney — whether you're soaking it up from high up on a rooftop bar or enjoying it down by the water.
THE NEWPORT, NEWPORT
Few waterside drinking spots compare to The Newport. This huge waterside venue has been landscaped to the nines, with each outdoor drinking and dining area given its own unique style. It's perfect for group hangs with your mates and family nights out — and it's also very dog-friendly. So, there's no leaving your four-legged friend at home for the night while you're out sipping on spritzes, eating pizza and watching the sunset by the water. Dreamy.
KASBAH, DARLINGHURST
This is one of the newest additions to Sydney's rooftop bar scene, having opened just before summer 2023. And it's quickly shot up to be one of our favourites. From the top of the newly renovated The Strand, you feel as if you're sitting along the Mediterranean within the city's skyline as the sun sets over the surrounding apartments and office towers. DJs and live entertainment are also up on this sun-soaked rooftop on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight and on Sundays until 10pm, so you won't have any issues stretching out your evening up here as you lounge on the comfy sofas and sip on spritzes.
THE COURTHOUSE, NEWTOWN
The Courty is a Newtown favourite for so many reasons. The large and welcoming pub has a bunch of different rooms for drinking and playing weekly trivia — but the massive beer garden is arguably the greatest drawcard of this Australia Street institution. Wrapping around almost the whole pub, the expansive outdoor space is a super laidback spot where many an afternoon has stretched out to nighttime. There's also a heap of coverage, too, so if the weather takes a turn, you won't have to make a dash for the nearest exit.
BONDI PAV, BONDI
If an Aperol Spritz is what you're after this summer, then you'd be a fool to miss out on a visit to the revamped Bondi Pavilion. The ocean-facing promenade of the legendary beach has been transformed into the new Sydney HQ for all things spritz. Several hospitality venues line the walls of the Pav for any hungry passerby. During daylight hours, you can grab a meal at Glory Days (and Surfish cafe, which is due to open soon), and after-dark diners can get their fix at Promenade Bondi Beach or Upstairs by Glory Days a few floors above.
Steven Woodburn
BACKYARD AT THE ALEX, ALEXANDRIA
This Alexandria watering hole has been given a total makeover by the Merivale team, who've made this a proper drinking and dining destination. But despite the dress-up, the bones of this historic pub remain the same, helping The Alex maintain the feel of an old-school boozer. And what they've done with the beer garden is masterful. There's an outdoor bar in an old shipping container, stacks of large communal tables, a basketball court for anyone wanting to shoot some hoops and an ever-changing selection of food trucks that rocks up each night. Perfect, in other words, for an afternoon sesh with mates.
MANLY GREENHOUSE, MANLY
Head right from the beach to the verdant sun-filled rooftop at Manly Greenhouse to get some epic sunset views. (Well, maybe wash off the sand and throw a top on first. We aren't savages.) Once you make yourself decent, grab a spritz from the central bar and enjoy uninterrupted views of Manly Beach while DJs set the mood. Don't skip the food while you're up here, either — share a plate of fresh ceviche and a round of freshly shucked oysters or get around a proper serve of fish and chips. You can even go down a level to the wine room for a slightly more sophisticated sunset viewing.
For more ways to elevate your summer with Aperol, head to the website.