Picking the right cocktail off a menu can be difficult, especially if you’ve not experienced the bar before. Sometimes it’s best to choose an old faithful cocktail that has never let you down before (we’re thinking cosmopolitan’s, martini’s, etc.) but what if your old faithful cocktail does in turn let you down. It’s disappointing when this happens and you have to sit through an entire cocktail that you’re not loving. We’re here to hopefully help you from having a moment like this in the future in Canberra. Tried and tested, these are the best cocktail bars in Canberra that are a must try!
Molly
Odgers Lane, City
This hidden gem is found behind a wooden door in Odgers Lane in the city. As a 1920’s esque speakeasy, it’s no surprise that Molly is one of the top cocktail bars in Canberra. The venue is tucked away in a quiet laneway but is booming with ambience, live music and of course, great cocktails. The bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to offer suggestions if you’re stuck on what to choose with their 300+ options of spirits. Molly is a dedicated whiskey and jazz bar and the most talked about cocktail on the menu is an ‘old fashioned’. Their old fashioned cocktail is full of flavour with the signature orange peel and a nice touch of a single large ice cube with the Molly branding imprinted.
Tipsy Bull
Lonsdale Street, Braddon
As Canberra’s one and only gin dedicated bar, Tipsy Bull does everything in gin but not just gin. They have a diverse range of 230 gin varieties inside and with new ones joining every week. You can get lost within their extensive range of gins in their menu and many non-gin drinkers have come through and it has changed their thoughts on gin. We recommend the ‘strawberry field’ cocktail with pink gin or if gin isn’t your thing and you’re not drinking alone, give the ‘superfruit sangria’ cocktail (serves 4) a go. Tipsy Bull will satisfy gin drinkers and non-gin drinkers alike with their extensive menu, friendly atmosphere and staff.
Hippo Co.
Garema Place, City
This not so hidden bar, Hippo Co. is another whiskey bar/speakeasy in Canberra city. Perched upstairs in Garema Place, Hippo Co. is full of life and live music with great dark and moody lighting to set the scene. They have been the home for live jazz for over 20 years and have live music on Mondays and Wednesdays each week. On Thursdays and Saturdays, they have weekly whiskey tastings for those lovers of whiskey. Their friendly bartenders will give you suggestions if you need but we recommend you try the ‘penicillin’ cocktail. We can confirm there is no actual penicillin in this drink. This whiskey cocktail is filled with sweet, sour and spice all in one.
Caribou Kingston
Green Square, Kingston Shops
Canberra’s very own slice of Canada can be found in Kingston in Green Square. This quirky pub has a plethora of all things Canadian and that doesn’t stop with their cocktails. This fun and casual pub has a welcoming vibe with friendly staff and drinks that you can’t get anywhere else in Canberra. They actually got top honours in the cocktail competition called “You call that a Quarantini” which saw Canberra bars go head to head on their cocktails to get everyone through quarantine during Covid-19. We would recommend you try their espresso martini as we believe it’s a cut above the rest in terms of taste. Otherwise, we recommend anything that includes their caramaple liqueur (maple liqueur) that you can’t find anywhere else in Canberra.
White Rabbit Cocktail Room
Northbourne Avenue, City
This Alice in Wonderland themed bar provides an experience like no other. From the décor inside and out to the whimsical glassware they use, you will be excited by everything you see. They host ‘Tipsy Tea’ on Saturdays and Sundays which is a twist on the classic high tea. They also have cocktail making classes available on Fridays and Saturdays to show you how to make your favourite cocktails at your own convenience. All of their cocktails are Alice in Wonderland themed and most come with their own little treat on the side to add to the quirkiness. We recommend ‘The Caterpillar’, it’s a pretty, tall cocktail that is served with a side of sour worms for you to snack on with your delicious drink. White Rabbit Cocktail Room is also one of Canberra’s top 5 places for high tea as well.
Well, there you have it. We hope you enjoy some of these cocktail bars and what is on offer. If you are looking for something different, you can also check out our article about the best bars in Canberra to listen to local artists.
Let us know in the comments if you enjoyed our recommendations or if you have any other options you would like to share with us all.