Best Cocktail Bars
From classic to creative, get a cocktail or four at Melbourne's best cocktail bars!
1. Siglo Bar || Level 2. 161 Spring St. Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9654 6631.
Accessed via the Supper Club, this classic salon-style rooftop bar stars a heated terrace, perfect in winter. With a view of historic Parliament House, enjoy a dry martini or fine wine. Unpretentiously Melbourne.
2. The Black Pearl || 305 Brunswick St. Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9417 0455.
Forget Johnny Depp, think award-winning cocktail and boutique beer in low-key Brunswick St. Pull up an armchair in the 70’s style, veloured and candle-lit lounge. Swap your Bloody Mary for a ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ with Tanqueray gin, Aperol, Punt e Mes and hibiscus.
3. Emerald Peacock || 233 Lonsdale St. Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9654 8680. theemeraldpeacock.com.
Cosy cocktail lounge with vintage French foil wallpaper. Self-proclaimed ‘graceful, confident and bold, just like a peacock!’ dress smart on Fri and Sat and order the namesake – a blend of muddled watermelon, pomegranate molasses, apple and lime juice shaken with Pisco & Liqueur.
4. Der Raum || 438 Church St. Richmond. Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9428 0055. derraum.com.au.
Closing its doors on non-members (unless there’s room) there’s nothing pre-mixed or artificial at this 10-year-old, award-winner. Only fine spirits and hand-pressed juices for a signature cocktail list. August 2011 saw a Chicago 2300 with spiced rum, cherry, citrus and tonka bean!
5. Polly Bar || 401 Brunswick St. Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9417 0880 pollybar.com.au.
Discrete but divine. With old-world décor and an awesome cocktail list, staff don waistcoats and ties and shake every favourite and more. Order renowned espresso martini or settle with some traditional French Absinthe. As you leave, the doorman gifts a pink heart lollypop.
