The Guest Edit: Podcaster, DJ and Barfly Jade Le Flay Makes a Case for Sydney's Best Cocktails

In The Guest Edit we hand the reins over to some of Sydney's most interesting, tasteful and (or) entertaining people. For this instalment, we have Jade Le Flay — ultra charismatic fixture of Sydney nightlife and dance music scene — take the role of our after hours shepherd, guiding us to her favourite Sydney cocktail joints and what to order from the drinks list at each. And with her resume, she's a reliable source when it comes to having a good time.

She's a producer and DJ (who's done supporting gigs for hip hop titans like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzivert), hosts Spotify's A1 podcast (among others), and was recently featured in a campaign for JD Sports x Nike alongside drill crew ONEFOUR and First Nation's rapper Kobie Dee. And still, she always makes time for a cocktail. That's our kind of guest editor.

JADE LE FLAY: In my years of DJing, hosting and promoting events, I've been lucky enough to experience some of Sydney's best venues and, of course, make my way through their cocktail lists. A few in particular have stood out.

On the drinks side of things, the perfect cocktail is one of two things: something you could have never imagined in your wildest dreams but somehow works (and works well), or a perfected classic.

As important as the drink itself is the vibe of the venue — and how well it matches the cocktail. A few of the places below boast incredible views of Sydney's most iconic locations, places where the staff treat you like family, and places that transport you around the world while you're there.

1. BAD HOMBRES, BONDI BEACH

The bar: Bad Hombres, 75-79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach
The drink: The "Rosalinda" (Altos blanco, triple sec, watermelon, Bad Hombres' o-t sauce and citrus)

When my vegan friends ask me where to eat in Sydney, I instantly recommend Bad Hombres for their delicious Mexican-inspired, plant-based food and the vibrant energy that uplifts you as fast as their 'Rosalinda' cocktail — a twist on the classic spicy margie! What's the twist? It's EXTRA spicy! Just how I like it. If you can appreciate that they make their own hot sauce then you'll understand and feel how much love has gone into the menu.

2. SAGA BAR, CHIPPENDALE

The bar: Saga Bar, 49-51 Goold Street, Chippendale
The drink: Strawberries & Cream (Wheatley vodka, shaken with strawberry syrup and cream)

This hidden gem is the mecca of dreamy delights that makes you feel like you're on a movie set in south east Asia. From the magical decor, moody lighting to the golden mosaic bathroom, this spot is a must! My select from Saga Bar is a nightcap called 'Strawberries & Cream' — it's the perfect substitute for dessert.

Robert Walsh

3. BAR 83, SYDNEY CBD

The bar: Bar 83, 100 Market Street, Sydney
The drink: Seasonal Spritz (vodka, prosecco, strawberry, coconut water, elderflower tonic)

Paired perfectly with oysters and a view you literally can't find anywhere else in Sydney, Bar 83 is one of my go-to spots in the Sydney CBD. The stand out interiors is giving Austin Powers and perhaps James Bond aesthetics with bold red and gold furniture — it's very Instagram friendly. I come here just for a quick Spritz stop in between shopping.

4. UNA MAS, COOGEE

The bar: Una Mas at Coogee Pavilion, 130a Beach Street, Coogee
The drink: Sangria Blanco (peach, vermouth, wine and seasonal fruits)

A dear girlfriend suggested we eat at this Spanish tapas joint at the Coogee Pavilion. I was very keen but little did I know I'd be whisked away to a classy and intimate beachside location — the views here are pure bliss. As soon as I realised this was a Merivale restaurant, I knew we'd be in for a treat as the service is always A1! Sangria is perfect for those hot summer nights and I love picking at the ice and the fresh fruit drenched in wine at the end of the drink. I don't know why but this makes me very happy.

5. ICEBERGS DINING ROOM AND BAR, BONDI BEACH

The bar: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach
The drink: No. 147 (Ketel One vodka, coconut, passionfruit, pineapple, lime and aromatic bitters)

If a cocktail's ingredients include three or more fruits, it's game over for me! Icebergs nailed this cocktail — it's my go-to if I need some quenching on a warm day! This famous beachside venue is a true Bondi bubble favourite but rightfully so. It may be world-famous (which can actually make you think that's kinda corny) but it boasts a very local/community vibe. If anyone comes to visit me in the east, this is where I take them because not only do the views exceed expectations but above all the staff treat you like family.

6. EMPLOYEES ONLY, SYDNEY CBD

The bar: Employees Only, 9A Barrack Street, Sydney
The drink: Playing with Fire (Appleton Estate signature blend, Overproof rum, Chivas 12 year, and Amaretto shaken with cinnamon, pink guava, peach, finger limes and fresh lemon)

My favourite memory of this venue is taking some friends there to play a DJ set and try out the menu for the first time. I was a few cocktails in at this point but I remember wanting to order one of everything on the menu. It is by far one of the more sophisticated but still cool venues in Sydney with that New York flair. I imagine cocktail experts would rate the Employees Only drinks menu very highly as they seem complex and difficult to make. Oh, and they have burlesque shows which I think can be corny but also kinda cute. Def go there for the cocktails though!

Ed's note: Employees Only is on our list of Sydney's Best Underground Bars That Are Actually Underground.

Kitti Gould

7. MEU JARDIM, SYDNEY CBD

The bar: Meu Jardim, 304 Kent Street, Sydney
The drink: Espresso Martini

I first enjoyed dinner and drinks here for a friend's birthday and immediately fell in love with the cool, blue signature neon lighting — it feels like you're inside a modern European spaceship vibe. Doja Cat would love it here. The venue throws pretty decent parties here too, so the espresso martini is perfect to get you on that buzzy vibe and ready to dance!

8. NOUR, SURRY HILLS

The bar: Nour, 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
The drink: Lichee (Vodka, Pama liquor, cranberry, lychee and pomegranate)

Again, I follow the sweet and fruity cocktail vibe all day, everyday! This refreshing little number paired with Lebanese food is my all time favourite mix of flavours. It doesn't get better than Middle Eastern food for this tropical island gyal. Nour's extensive wine list is also very impressive and the location in Surry Hills is a good alternative to the city or the beach.

Kitti Gould

9. BAR OMBRE, CIRCULAR QUAY

The bar: Bar Ombré, Level 3 Gateway, 1 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay
The drink: Long Island (gin, vodka, triple sec, tequila and Bacardi)

It's a proven theory that cocktails taste even better on a rooftop overlooking the Sydney skyline — you can practically touch the harbour bridge from Bar Ombre. They also have very decent live music and food menu. I never think to order Long Island's but for some reason, the vibes here pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

Destination NSW

10. SMOKE, BARANGAROO

The bar: Smoke at Barangaroo House, 35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
The drink: Mai Thai (Bacardi Carta Blanca, coconut, citrus, pineapple, lemongrass, chilli, coriander, pandan leaf)

Rarely quiet enough for walk-ins, this is a very showy type of venue with a sophisticated cocktail menu. Not often do you find a drink with pandan leaf as an ingredient. We love this. The Mai Thai is spicy and short and my top pick on the menu for sure. I think I tried every cocktail at Smoke from DJing here for over a year or so. Great vibes (and not just because I was the DJ).