On the hunt for a stand-out cocktail in Newcastle?

From the classics through to modern concoctions, you can get it all at Newcastle's best cocktail bars. 

Bar Mellow

Taking up residence in the Bank Corner building on Hunter Street, Bar Mellow offers an extensive, elevated cocktail list. It's complimented by their Italian-inspired food offering, with snacks, pastas and paninis. 
Where: 744 Hunter St, Newcastle West 

Blue Kahunas

Calling Hunter Street Mall home, Blue Kahunas is Newcastle’s very own tropical rum bar with a passion for cocktails. Expect the unexpected with drinks served in pineapples, mini barrels or even in a miniature Tiki.
Where: 3/146 Hunter St, Newcastle

Bartholomew's

One of Newcastle’s most beautiful buildings is home to Bartholomew's, a 1920s-style bar and restaurant with a sophisticated cocktail menu. Sit up at the bar or recline an alcove while you sip on one of the team's concoctions.
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle

Market St Basement

Dark, sexy and sophisticated, Market St Basement on Market St is known for their cocktails and Italian-inspired menu. It's a great spot for first dates and girls' nights out.
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle

Coal & Cedar

Finding Prohibition-style speakeasy Coal & Cedar may be a bit of a challenge, but once you're inside, you'll discover a bar that was worth the effort it took to locate it. Winning Australia's Best Regional Bar in 2016, Coal & Cedar has been a favourite with locals since 2014.
Where: 380/382 Hunter St, Newcastle

Earp Distilling Co.

Run by one of Newcastle's oldest family businesses, Earp Distilling Co. distils gin, rum and limoncello on site at their Carrington distillery. Naturally, their cocktail offering shows off their premium spirits, with plenty of twists on your favourites.
Where: 1 Darling St, Carrington

Ginger Meg's

Each of the cocktails at Ginger Meg's continue the Asian fusion flavours the venue is known for, with ingredients like kaffir lime, chilli and lychee all making an appearance. You can even grab $12 cocktails on Wednesday and Thursday nights down at Gingertown Bar.
Where: 212 King St, Newcastle

Hope Estate at The Landing

In what is a sign of things to come, Hope Estate at The Landing allows guests to experience all that the Hunter Valley's Hope Estate offers, with a Newcastle Harbour perspective.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Meantime

While Meantime boasts a comprehensive cocktail menu, the kitchen is also fully gluten-free, so why not grab a bite to go with your drink? The Painkiller with dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and coconut cream is calling our name.
Where: 104 Beaumont St, Hamilton NSW

Merewether Surfhouse

Sip a cocktail while you admire the view at Merewether Surfhouse's terrace bar. It's an ideal place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sunshine, enjoying an espresso martini. You can also head down to the Beach Bar on the lower level for Mexican food and cocktails.
Where: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether

MoneyPenny

Located on the Honeysuckle Boardwalk, MoneyPenny changes their cocktail menu weekly based on what fresh ingredients are available. Don't expect anything too serious here – MoneyPenny is all about simple yet fun cocktails, made to enjoy with friends.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Romberg's

Make your way up to level nine of Crystalbrook Kingsley Hotel to experience panoramic views and cocktails with a focus on native ingredients. You can't miss the sophisticated bar food offering to pair with your cocktail.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle

The Koutetsu

Newcastle’s not so ‘secret’ cocktail bar, The Koutetsu is the place to try interesting cocktails that are out of the ordinary. With almost 20 Japanese whiskies and nearly 40 gins on offer, you know the team is passionate about quality spirits.
Where: 555 Hunter St, Newcastle West

The Rooftop at QT

Dotted with lunar motifs and enjoying gorgeous views over the harbour, The Rooftop at QT transforms the heritage David Jones building into a captivating culinary and cocktail experience. Opt for a Japanese-inspired cocktail or pick from the many gins and Japanese whiskies on offer.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Underground

Located underneath The Grand Hotel on Church Street, The Underground is a cosy, intimate oasis for cocktail lovers. The team have non-drinkers covered with non-alcoholic cocktails too, and there's antipasto and pub grub from upstairs available.
Where: Lower Ground, 32 Church St, Newcastle

Uptowns Bar

The 80s and 90s cocktail bar on Watt Street is known for its love of the NBA, sneakers, video games, hip hop and, of course, cocktails. Order a round of their classic with a twist cocktails, and play your bestie at a game on the Nintendo 64.
Where: 6/23 Watt St, Newcastle

5 Sawyers

Darby Street’s original cocktail bar has generated a number of iconic cocktails over the years, like the The Weis Bar and the Kit Kat Gold Martini. Perch yourself at the front window to people watch and order their $10 cocktail of the week.
Where: 115 Darby St, Cooks Hill