Cheers to Spring! Nine cocktails to celebrate

Posted on 11 September, 2018

After a winter that saw the mercury dip below zero on more days than we care to remember, spring has officially sprung.

We plan on embracing the change of season with open arms. Think picnics under the blossoms by the lake, hikes in the sunshine, outdoor dining and—of course—cocktails.

Here are nine places serving up spring favourites. 

The District

 For the north-siders among us, it’s a regular favourite, and for the south-siders, well worth the journey beyond the lake. We love The District for its drool-worthy selection of burgers as well as their beers and local wines—not to mention their delicious cocktails.

Dem Apples is a standout, with its mix of Mickey Finn sour apple liqueur, tropical Malibu, Alize and apple juice. It’s tart, fresh, and perfect for spring.

Image by Tim Bean Photography

The District | 56 Abena Avenue, Crace | 9 am – 10 pm every day | 6174 3147 | thedistrict.com.au

Swan and King

Swan and King has recently opened and we can’t get enough—we even created our very own custom cocktail, the HRH! The drink was created exclusively for the Tame the Wild launch party but you can still get your hands on this botanical beauty.

We’ve mixed Cointreau with vodka, pink grapefruit and elderflower liqueur for something that’s a little bit floral, a little bit citrusy and altogether very spring. We recommend sipping it slowly while soaking in the panoramic views of the city on the open-air balcony.

Image via facebook.com/swanandking

Swan and King  | Level 5, Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | 6248 5311 | swanandking.com.au

Bar Rochford

Can you make a Canberra cocktail list without including Bar Rochford? We think not. The über cool wine and cocktail bar in the historic Melbourne building serves up delicious seasonal food and of course, delectable drinks. For something breezy and fresh, try the Club Monte, with Montenegro, Manzanilla Sherry, and lemon.

Image via facebook.com/Bar-Rochford

Bar Rochford | First floor, 65 London Circuit, Canberra  | 6230 6222 | barrochford.com 

Lazy Su

When it comes to delicious cocktails that also light up your Instagram freed, Lazy Su have the goods. Their Geisha Galaxy is a vision in violet, with its Herno Old Tom Gin, raspberry, pomegranate, lime, and activated charcoal.

Image via facebook.com/wholazysu

Lazy Su | Shop 1, 9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon  | 02 5105 3812 | lazy-su.com.au

Joe’s Bar

Cosy lounges, cheese boards and wine – what more could you ask for? Stellar cocktails, that’s what. Joe’s Bar at East Hotel has a selection that will tempt you no matter what your tipple of choice. Sip on the Fiore di Arancia with its Aperol, grappa, lemon juice and egg white for a taste of the Amalfi Coast right in the heart of Kingston.

Joe’s Bar | 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston | 02 6295 6925 | easthotel.com.au

Natural Nine

 Natural Nine have taken traditional Yum Cha and completely reinvented it with their quirky Pop Yum Cha. Team savoury dishes (like the scallop and garlic chive crystal dumplings or the cute piggy pork steam bun) and sweet buns with a tea or one of their cocktails. There’s one for each of the Chinese zodiac signs—try the Snake with green tea liqueur, pineapple, lime and mint.

Natural Nine | Located in Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, Canberra | 0455 333 119 | natural9.com.au

Public Manuka

An Aperol Spritz is a bit like a Canberra spring—sweet and fruity, but at the same a little bit fresh and bitter. With ferns dangling from the ceiling and an airy, cool interior, Public in Manuka is the perfect spot to indulge. Their Aperol Spritz is delightfully simple and traditional: just Aperol, soda, and prosecco.

Image via facebook.com/publicmanuka

Public Manuka | Corner Flinders Way & Franklin Street, Manuka | 6161 8808 | publicbar.com.au

White Rabbit Cocktail Room

On nights when you need something a bit “extra” in the best possible way, White Rabbit Cocktail room should be your go-to. Many of their cocktails are served with a side of something sweet—serving as both a cocktail and a dessert in one. For an adult version of an Iced VoVo, try the Wonderland: fresh strawberries, Frangelico, white chocolate liqueur, lemon, cranberry juice and ginger beer served with mini cupcakes.

Image via facebook.com/WhiteRabbitCocktailRoom

White Rabbit Cocktail Room | 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra | 6257 7779 | whiterabbitroom.com.au

Parlour

Celebrating its tenth birthday next month, Parlour is worth a visit for its glamorous, salon-style interior, tasty tapas and garden-view outdoor seating. Their cocktail menu is inventive and full of surprises, and the bartenders are always whipping up seasonal specials.

Try the Spring Sour, with Aperol, Four Pillars Gin Rare Dry, agave and fresh dill from John Avery Gardens.

Image via facebook.com/Parlourcbr

Parlour | 16 Kendall Lane, New Acton | 6257 7325 | parlour.net.au