The festive season is here, and we all know what comes next – a summer filled with social catchups, days by the beach and for some of us; many a cocktail!

To ensure you’re getting to enjoy the pick of Newcastle’s cocktails, we’ve got chatting to the wonderful people behind our city’s top bars and restaurants to find out the very best cocktail offerings over summer. So, without further ado here is Newcastle’s best summer cocktail guide.

5 Sawyers

Photography courtesy of Tidy Media

Darby St’s go-to cocktail joint continues to serve up some of the best across Newcastle this summer!

Lemon Cheesecake
Complete with Limoncello, Mozart Vanilla & White Chocolate Liqueur, Vanilla Syrup, Lemon Juice, and Egg Whites. Served straight up and finished with wafer crumbs for that authentic cheesecake base.

Where: 115 Darby St, Cooks Hill
To book: click here

Bar Romeo

If you’re a lover of music, natural wines, good vibes, and cocktails, you’ve got to check out the disco social club on Darby St, Bar Romeo, this summer!

Clover
Complete with Poor Tom’s Strawberry Gin, Raspberry, Lemon, and Aquafaba.

Where: 97-107 Darby St, Cooks Hill
To book: click here

Market St Basement

One of my personal favourite venues across Newcastle made the exciting decision to change things up prior to corona – a dedicated Italian menu. The always buzzing Market St Basement is constantly updating their cocktail menus and this summer is no different. Check out the top three recommendations from the staff themselves!

Italian Summer
Complete with Italicus, St Germain Elderflower, Bombay London Dry, Lime Juice, Frothy Egg Whites, and Sugar Syrup.

Fiore Rosa
It’s floral, aromatic, and features the prettiest of pinks and is inspired by the gardens in Roma. Comes complete with Sake, Bombay London Dry, Hibiscus Syrup, Lime Juice, Rose Water, and Orange Bitters.

Italian Stallion
The sweet taste of a European fling! Complete with Peach Schnapps, Bacardi Oro, Peach Purée, Lemon Juice, Fresh Basil, and Sugar Syrup.

Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle
To book: click here

Blue Kahunas

The brains behind Newcastle’s original tiki bar and self-proclaimed rum enthusiasts, Byron & Prudence of Blue Kahunas are continuing their tropical getaway vibes with their Grass Skirt cocktail.

Grass Skirt
Complete with Dry Gin, Honeydew, Thyme Tincture, Prosecco, Peach Spray, and mint to Garnish.

Where: 3/146 Hunter St, Newcastle
More Info: click here

Dullboy’s Social Co.  

The Lake Mac entertainment precinct, Dullboys Social Co is also home to one of the best-kept cocktail secrets; Barcadia. Within the walls sits the retro-inspired Barcadia with cocktails taking you back to those childhood gaming heroes and perfect mixes such as the Frosé (frozen rosé), Frozen Margarita and $14 Aperol Spritz’ to keep you cool over summer.

The team also offer up a summer ‘cocktail club’ where they host private cocktail classes for groups for $65pp. Tickets include a choice of Caribbean, Margarita, or Classic cocktail workshops where you’ll learn to make three cocktails whilst nibbling on canapes.

Where: 326 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay
To book: click here

Earp Distilling Co.

Head over to this Carrington-based gin distillery & bar and make the most of the warmer months taste testing their cocktail creations.

La Diosa
Complete with Earp Distilling Co. Absinthe Minded, Tequila, Crème De Mure, Citrus, Agave, and Ginger Beer.

Featuring Earp Distilling Co’s award-winning Absinthe Minded, La Diosa is great for those who are curious to try this mysterious spirit in a new way. It’s a fresh and summery cocktail with complexity from the absinthe and tequila, mixed with the spiciness form the ginger beer.  

Where: 41 Darling St, Carrington
To book: click here

Honeysuckle Social

The harbourside venue that reflects everything we love most about Newcastle; laid back coastal lifestyle with a touch of sophistication comes with an extensive beverage menu. Cocktail lovers will feel right at home with all the classics alongside some quirky new flavours.

Sorry not Sorry
Complete with Patron Silver Tequila, Elderflower Liqueur, Agave Nectar, Lemon, Cucumber, and Green Peppers.

Where: 11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
To book: click here

Jam’s Karaoke & Bar

Immerse yourself in an authentic karaoke experience with private, fully-serviced rooms with modern karaoke machines and of course; cocktails!

Staple Yuzu Margarita
Complete with Japanese imported Izumibashi Umeshu (steeped plum) Sake, 100% Agave Tequila, Triple Sec Liqueur, Yuzu Juice, and Fresh Lime.

Where: 8 Union St, Newcastle West
To book: click here

MEET

Photography courtesy of 50/50 Visual

The place to eat, drink, and dine on Darby Street is also the place to enjoy a divinely crafted cocktail this summer!

La Passionita
Complete with Rooster Rojo Tequila, Crème de Cacao, Lime Juice, and house-made Passion Fruit syrup.

Created by former MEET bartender and Goldfish alumni Jake Dunne, this bright and fresh cocktail is a riff on the summer favourite Margarita. Refreshing enough to be sipped on a hot summer’s day, and just the right amount of sweetness that it could work as an after-dinner drink too. This flexible cocktail is your go-to for all those summer occasions.

Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle
To book: click here

Rum Diary Bar

The Rum Diary Bar has been successfully getting locals in to come and check out their insane interiors and relax in their very own cigar lounge. The bar is home to over 200 varieties of rum, hailing from Spanish, French, and English styles as well as the Rum Diary house-spiced rum.

Hakuna Banana
The quintessential Pina Colada but reimagined with small-batch Queensland banana-infused rum.

Bacardi Blanco
Complete with Cargo Cult Banana Spiced Rum, Coconut Mix, Pineapple, and Lime Juice.

Where: 529 Hunter St, Newcastle
To book: click here

The Blind Monk

This go-to watering hole on Beaumont St might be known for the ever-growing craft beer and cider list, but it’s the cocktails that will keep me returning time and time again.

Velvet Sunset
Complete with 78 Degrees Sunset Gin, Aperol, Orgeat, Fresh Lemon, and Plum Bitters.

Where: 76 Beaumont St, Hamilton
To book: click here

The Koutetsu

Photographer: Blake Smith

The dark and sophisticated venue on Hunter St has been bringing its always evolving beverage list to Newcastle since its inception in 2014. Unsurprisingly, Chris and the team behind the bar have seeped out some goodies in the lead-up to their summer menu launch.

Night With You
Complete with Bombay London Dry Gin, Mandarin Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Lavender, Ginger, Egg White, and Soda.

Where: 555 Hunter St, Newcastle West
To book: click here

We suggest you contact these venues individually to check if their cocktail specials are still running.