Sip on summer: 10 Canberra cocktails for hot nights

Posted on 12 December, 2019

Summer is well and truly here—but where are those drinks?

Pools, fairy lights, cocktails and Pimms, these are a few of our favourite summer things.

Quench your thirst and look great doing it this summer with some of our favourite cocktails from across Canberra.

BERRYLICIOUS

Crace or the Caribbean? You could be in either as you sip this floral, tropical creation from The District that borrows its festive colour from a combination of Chambord, strawberry liqueur, lychee liqueur, hibiscus, cranberry and fresh berries.

Perfect for: Pretending you’re on holidays already.

The District | 56 Abena Avenue, Crace | thedistrict.com.au

SANTA DON’T BE LATE

Dessert and a cocktail? Yes please.

Beirut Bunker Bar is serving up the goods this summer with adorable festive cocktails like Santa Don’t Be Late—a twist on a Bourbon Old Fashioned with gingerbread syrup and a crunchy Christmas candy rim served that’s served with a cream brandy crisp.

Perfect for: If you haven’t booked any time away and want to pretend you’re on holiday in Lebanon. 

Beirut Bunker Bar | 25 Garema Place, City | beirutbunkerbar.com.au

LAVENDER COSMO

Image via Facebook.

Need we say more? This twist on a classic perfectly encapsulates Kokomo‘s signature colour and tropical flair.

Perfect for: Slow sipping catch-ups in a leafy booth.

Kokomo’s | 1 Genge Street, City | kokomos.com.au 

SUMMER DREAMS

Via Instagram.

At least this is what we think this cocktail from Assembly is called. That’s what it says on Instagram anyway.

Assembly keeps its cocktail cards close to the chest (online at least), however, we know from personal experience that they sling some of the best in Braddon, so does it really matter what its name is?

Perfect for: Office Christmas party kick ons.

Assembly | 11 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | assemblycbr.com.au

G&T FROM THE GINTONICA BAR

Pialligo Fields isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience, especially when you’re able to construct your dream G&T from their Gintonica Bar’s extensive menu of gins, mixers, garnishes and more.

Perfect for: A luxe evening in the countryside (that’s only 15 minutes from the city).

Pialligo Estate | 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | thepialligoestate.com.au

CHE FIGATA

Credit: Ashley St George/ Pew Pew Studio.

Described as the “martini for when you can’t have a full-strength cocktail”, this elegant tipple matches perfectly with Amici‘s pastel interior. Did someone say Instagram gold?

Perfect for: When you’re taking it slow. 

Amici | 59 Northbourne Avenue, City | amici.bar 

HIGHBALL EXPRESS PUNCHBOWL

Fruity, tasty and perfect for summer, Highball‘s punchbowls are almost as fun to watch being made as they are to share. Chat to the friendly bar staff about filling it with your favourite flavours.

Perfect for: Easily shouting everyone a round.

The Highball Express | 82 Alinga St, Canberra | highballexpress.com.au

FENWAY SLUSHIE

Via Facebook.

It’s hot out and there’s no better way to cool down than slushies—especially when that slushie is also a cocktail at Woden’s Fenway.

Perfect for: Catch ups with a big group.

Fenway | Bradley Street, Woden | fenwaypublichouse.com.au 

CLEMENTINE’S PUNCH

Via Instagram. Credit: Pew Pew Studio.

It wouldn’t be a cocktail list without a mention from OG cool spot, Bar Rochford.

Do yourself a favour—pull up a barstool and order one of these refreshing bevvies and thank us later.

Perfect for: Date night. 

Bar Rochford | First floor, 65 London Circuit (Melbourne Building), Canberra City | barrochford.com

ESPRESSO MARTINI

Via Facebook.

This one is a bit of a no-brainer—and a summer necessity for long hot nights on the dancefloor. Especially when it’s 88mph‘s light-up dancefloor.

Gives you the pep you need to see the sunrise (or at least make it to midnight in the madness of the festive season).

Perfect for: Drinks and dancing and more dancing (with maybe a cheeky bit of 80s karaoke) 

88mph | 8/10 Hobart Pl, Canberra | 88mph.bar