Cocktails. The origins of the name might be murky and highly contested with explanations ranging from docked horses to French egg cups, but there’s one thing we can all agree on – they’re damn tasty. For all those cocktail connoisseurs out there with curious minds and adventurous spirits we’ve pulled together a short list of five of the coolest cocktails currently on offer in Brisbane for your quaffing pleasure. Read on and get ready to start sipping …
The Gresham’s Sunnyboy: Stepping into The Gresham is like stepping back in time through Queensland’s history. The heritage-listed bar is steeped in character and old-world charm all the way through to the last page of its extensive cocktail menu, cooked up by some of the best bartenders in the industry. One standout is The Sunnyboy, a sweet and tangy number with coconut and butter-infused Ketel One vodka, put together with pineapple, passionfruit and vanilla flavours. Served straight up with a sugar and coconut rim, this fruity fellow pairs perfectly with a balmy Brisbane day.
Maker’s Bourbon cocktail: Hidden away in Fish Lane, Maker is an intimate hole-in-the wall that packs a whole lot of atmosphere into a minimal floor plan. Decked out with moody minimalism, its bar shakes and stirs an ever-changing seasonal menu of cocktails utilising local and native ingredients in addition to its own house-made liqueurs. Bar manager Boyle Lam recommends a bourbon-based cocktail that draws inspiration from classic dessert flavours, particularly the combination of chocolate and raspberry. The star of the sip is homemade raspberry jam blended with liqueur and Pedro Ximénez sherry. The addition of dark chocolate and bourbon bring an irresistible richness to this bold yet layered flavour experience.
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Milquetoast’s Caspar Milquetoast: This laneway wine bar is all about fine wine and innovative cocktails. Venue manager and bar guru Aidan Perkins (formerly of Exhibition, Hôntô and Agnes) dispenses creative concoctions that champion seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques ranging from fermentations to house-made tinctures and sodas. For Caspar Milquetoast, Aidan set himself a challenge – this was to be the perfect Milquetoast cocktail. It also had to contain milk, toast and fermented fruit. After main trials and tests his final recipe includes Four Pillars rare dry gin, lacto-fermented apple, sparkling wine, vanilla and milk-toast soda. Anything but bland, this delicious drink must be tasted to be believed.
Bar Miette’s Miette’s margarita frappé: Founded by Melbourne hospo-superstars Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann, Bar Miette is an European-inspired terrace bar sitting above its sibling venue, Supernormal. During the day it slings coffee alongside a killer breakfast and lunch offering. But by night, you can settle back under the stars and take in its idyllic views of the Story Bridge with a cocktail in hand. The intimate curved bar dispenses a creatively curated list of cocktails including the Miette margarita frappé. This refreshing respite comprises Don Julio blanco tequila, orange blossom and a scoop of house-made citrus gelato – blended together until the drink is gloriously fluffy and delightfully drinkable.
Flying Colours’ Australiana sour: The platonic ideal of a welcoming neighbourhood hangout, West End’s Flying Colours is a multifaceted warehouse hub all about good times, good music and good drinks. Its tight list of spirited seasonal cocktails include fresh flavours in original and offbeat combinations like the Basil Martini and Apricot & Rosella Collins. A must try is the Australiana Sour – Australia Whisky paired with pear, plum, lemon and a splash of red wine. Punchy and satisfying, it’s the perfect sip to savour over the course of a good chill sesh.