A special occasion or a special night is incomplete if you do not toast it with a perfect cocktail. And when it comes to the Mother City there is an abundance of talent when it comes mixology and creating beautiful concoctions.
Choosing the right cocktail and bar could also be tricky or even daunting at times, avoid falling back into force of habit by settling for your everyday Mojito at your local watering hole.
Cape Town is famous for its hidden and well-known lane way and rooftop bars. The profusion of unique quintessentially Capetonian places to grab a drink adds to Cape Town’s reputation as the best and coolest city on Earth as voted by Telegraph Travel Awards survey for 2018, making this the sixth year in a row that the Mother City has claimed the top spot.
Here’s a quick list of the most innovative cocktails and bars in Cape Town, whether you drink for style or to keep company, these cocktail drinks promise to lighten up your mood. From The Local, Old Fashioned to The Highball, just sip on the one you like.
The Yard, V&A is a hybrid concept space comprising an upscale Indian Mediterranean fusion restaurant, bar, coffee shop deli and lifestyle space. Situated directly opposite the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and in the heart of one of Cape Town’s most vibrant areas, the Waterfront’s Silo District, The Yard is named for the surrounding dockyards and located within view of the picturesque tugboat moorings and the waters of Cape Town harbour.
Top cocktails:
OLD FASHIONED
Woodford, Chambord, maple, bitters
THE ORCHARD COLLINS
Wixworth, chambord, lemon, gomme, soda
HIGHBALL
Monkey Shoulder, Disaronno, bitter, ginger ale, lime
Stella @ Cullinan Hotel located on the ground floor of Southern Sun, Stella Café & Bar offers fresh, al fresco dining around the magnificent pool. Whether you’re in the mood for tapas delicacies such as Cape Malay Bobotie Springrolls or something a little more substantial like traditional Lamb Cutlets, there’s something for you on the menu.
Top cocktails:
MERRY OLD FASHIONED
Woodford, Chambord, maple, bitters
ESPRESSO MARTINI
Belvedere Mango Passion, Tia Maria, mint, espresso
THE LOCAL
Wixworth, elderflower, red wine, tonic
VESPERANNO
Disaronno, passionfruit, lime, sparkling wine
Beluga is nestled in The Foundry, a century old art-deco setting that resembles a trendy New York style loft. The venue includes a bewitching bar, captivating courtyard, desirable dining area and an exclusive wine attic.
Top cocktails:
DISARONNO SOURS
Disaronno, gomme, lemon
STRAWBERRY THYME COLLINS
Wixworth, strawberries, thyme, gomme, lemon, soda
Harbour Bridge Hotel has a glass-styled restaurant offering picturesque views of the Canal and its surrounds. Guests are invited to indulge in contemporary cuisine, consisting of a variety of delectable dishes that are classic and simple, yet pleasing to even the most discerning diner.
Top cocktails:
STRAWBERRY COLLINS
Wixworth, strawberry, thyme, gomme, lemon, soda
MINT JULEP
Jack Daniel’s, Chambord, mint, gomme
GODFATHER
Jack Single Barrel from the barrel, Disaronno, bitters
Skotnes is the culinary arm of the Norval Foundation. Named after legendary South African artist and teacher Cecil Skotnes, the restaurant is naturally at home in the world of art. Overlooking the foundation’s serene wetland and Sculpture Garden, the Skotnes seamlessly integrates nature and architecture. The menu pays homage to classical South African cuisine, while updating its flavours and distilling its ingredients to their simplest possible presentation.
Top cocktails:
GIN COLLINS
Wixworth Gin, thyme, gomme, lemon, soda
THE HIGHBALL
Monkey Shouder, Disaronno, lime, ginger ale, bitters
MARGARITA HIGHBALL
el Jimador, Chambord, lime, lemonade
Ruby’s is the newest addition to the Pepperclub Hotel. Behind the striped awning and leafy greens, you’ll find the perfect setting for a quick bite to eat with a menu filled with easy-going favourites.
Top cocktails:
STRAWBERRY THYME COLLINS
Wixworth, strawberry, thyme, lemon, gomme, soda
WHISKEY HIGHBALL
Monkey Shoulder, Disaronno, ginger ale, lime, bitters
Paparazzi is the perfect cocktail bar to unwind, where classic and contemporary cocktails are shaken or stirred to satisfy both guests and locals, who find the Pepper Club’s bar a stylish place to socialise.
Top cocktails:
BARREL AGED GODFATHER
Jack, Disaronno, bitters
GIMLET
Wixworth, lime, gomme
BARREL AGED MARTINEZ
Wixworth, spirit of rooibos, rosso, orange bitters
NEGRONI
Wixworth, aperol, rosso
ROYAL MARGARITA
Herradura, Disaronno, passionfruit, rosemary, lime, MCC
