The days are getting longer, our weekends are packed with swims and sunshine, and we’re on the hunt for the best spots to cool down with a well-made drink. Luckily we’re seasoned drinkers here at Archie Rose, so we thought we’d share our tried-and-tested solutions for summer boozing when they are not making Archie Rose cocktails or drinking at the Archie Rose Bar, depending on what you’re looking for…

Brilliant Views

The Glasshouse, Hobart (TAS)

Recommended by: Amanda Jennings, Marketing Project Manager

“I couldn’t leave off a recommendation from my hometown of Hobart. This is a top spot for a tipple before or after a trip on the ferry down to MONA. Set on Brook St Pier, they have a lovely cocktail menu full of local Tassie spirits and it’s a great place to sit and relax after a long day exploring.”

I’ll be drinking: “Belgrove Rye Whisky”

Old Mate’s Place, Sydney (NSW)

Recommended by: Simon Audas, Bar Manager

“There’s something so nostalgic about a simple sausage in a bun with some onions and tomato sauce. When you can get it at a rooftop bar, joined by some of the best blokes in the country serving you ice cold beers and cocktails, you couldn’t ask for more.”

I’ll be drinking: “A daiquiri”

Mumbo Jumbos, Terrigal (NSW)

Recommended by: Nigel Weisbaum, National Ambassador

“This tiki-style beach shack near Terrigal beach is my local. Grab some jerk chicken and rum, and take in the reggae tunes while overlooking the ocean.”

I’ll be drinking: “A Mai Tai or Red Stripe beer”

Fresh Cocktails

Black Pearl, Fitzroy (VIC)

Recommended by: Brendan Cavanagh, Events Coordinator

“The consistent quality of creativity and spectacular service makes the Black Pearl the spot to take both out-of-town friends or your local crew.”

I’ll be drinking: “Lion’s Tail, a Bourbon-based sour cocktail, done with no egg whites.”

The Temperance Society, Summer Hill (NSW)

Recommended by: Niki Tagliapietra, Admin Assistant

“This is the first bar I ever went to in Australia and it’s now my local. Along with individual rooms – which are perfect for date nights – it also has a great little patio.”

I’ll be drinking: “Their frozen drinks – perfect for hot summer days!”

The Story Bar and Evolve Bar, Hobart (Tas)

Recommended by: Amanda Jennings, Marketing Project Manager

“I’m always wearing pink, so I love sinking into the blush pink velvet chairs with a cocktail in hand, at Story Bar in Macq1 Hotel. While you’re there, top it off with a nightcap at the brand new Evolve Bar (which is also in Macq1 Hotel). Dan Gregory’s behind the bar here, so you’re in good hands.”

I’ll be drinking: “Beer Old Fashioned at Story Bar or a Rye Manhattan at Evolve Bar”

Finney Isles, Fortitude Valley (QLD)

Recommended by: Philip Gandevia, Brand Ambassador (QLD, NT & SA)

“This bar is the latest offering from the team behind other Brisbane institutions Cobbler and Savile Row. The cocktail and wine lists are stellar, and you’ll find a rotational, seasonal, Archie Rose Spritz on tap too.”

I’ll be drinking: “The quintessential drink of the Australian summer, the gin spritz!

Strange Company, Fremantle (WA)

Recommended by: Nick Baxter, Ambassador (VIC, TAS & WA)

“The food and drinks selection here are some of the best in WA. This is the type of venue we all dream of owning!”

I’ll be drinking: Cocktails, beer and wine!

Jangling Jacks, Potts Point (NSW)

Recommended by: Amanda Jennings, Marketing Project Manager

“What’s not love about JJs! Well-made cocktails, blues and rock music, moody lighting and lots of lush green decor.”

I’ll be drinking: “I usually just pick the booziest sounding whisk(e)y drink or an Old Fashioned.”

A Spot-on Wine List

Bar Rochford, Canberra (ACT)

Recommended by: Lachie Beange, Ambassador (NSW & ACT)

“This spot masters the art of balance – there are good tunes, great drinks, a show stopping wine list and delicious bar food. Make sure to check out what’s available from the Corovin.”

I’ll be drinking: “Natural wine”

Hains and Co, Adelaide (SA)

Recommended by: Philip Gandevia, Brand Ambassador (QLD, NT & SA)

“This well oiled machine is a much loved spot in Radelaide. There’s a well-curated spirits selection, and the friendly team can conjure up whatever you’re after til the early hours.”

I’ll be drinking: “Everything!”

Bar Liberty, Fitzroy (Vic)

Recommended by: Nick Baxter, Ambassador (Vic, Tas & WA)

“This high-quality, casual wine bar/restaurant hybrid is the place you’ll pop in for one drink and stay for hours. Great food, sensational wine list and chilled out vibe. Drinkwell (a pop-up bar out the back) is also worth a look during the warmer months.

I’ll be drinking: Wine

Hidden Hotspots

Coffee Beats Drinks, Jindabyne (NSW)

Recommended by: Lachie Beange, Ambassador (NSW & ACT)

“The team here have truly outdone themselves to create a great regional bar in NSW’s alpine territory.”

I’ll be drinking: “Neat whisky”

Reviver, Gosford (NSW)

Recommended by: Nigel Weisbaum, National Ambassador

“Gosford (on the Central Coast) is not a town where you would expect to find a classic cocktail bar… But housed in a beautiful art deco sandstone hearse garage, the Reviver team are doing great things.”

I’ll be drinking: “Corpse Reviver #2 or Last Word”

Bulletin Place, Sydney (NSW)

Recommended by: Kat Hughan, Bartender

“These guys have seasonal stock, aimed at sustainability and flexibility so there are always curious new concoctions. Plus it’s so close to the harbour and ferries, making it the perfect post-beach destination.”

I’ll be drinking: “Anything and everything! The menu rotates daily depending on what produce is available.”

Raku, Canberra (ACT)

Recommended by: Lachie Beange, Ambassador (NSW & ACT)

“Slink in here for some seriously fresh sashimi (prepared right in front of you) to match your serious sake.”

I’ll be drinking: “Sake”

The Spooning Goats, Sydney (NSW)

Recommended by: Michael Perelini, Bartender

“This CBD small bar is filled with Star Wars memorabilia and even some arcade games! The beer taps focus on Aussie indie breweries, and the team treat you like you’re a long lost friend.”

I’ll be drinking: “Archie Rose’s Hopped Rye (Batch Brew Co and Archie collab) boilermaker”

The Baxter Inn, Sydney (NSW)

Recommended by: Simon Audas, Bar Manager

“This Boston Mafia inspired speakeasy, hidden down an alleyway on Clarence Street in Sydney’s CBD isn’t easy to find. Part of the reason is because there is no clear entrance with two other bars in the alleyway. If you find yourself going up a set of stairs rather than going down you’re in the wrong place!”

I’ll be drinking: “Anything in their whisky room!”

Bad Frankie, Fitzroy (VIC)

Recommended by: Dave Withers, Master Distiller

“An absolutely stonking good collection of Australian spirits, some with historical significance, others I have never heard of and more that are so obscure you would struggle to find them anywhere else in Australia.”

I’ll be drinking: “Anything obscure”

Excellent Beers

The Local Taphouse, Darlinghurst (NSW)

Recommended by: Will Edwards, Founder

“This used to be one of my locals. The tap list is huge and constantly changing, and it’s pretty easy to spend a sunny afternoon working your way through the list on the rooftop.”

I’ll be drinking: “All the beers!”

The Gresham, Brisbane (QLD)

Recommended by: Philip Gandevia, Brand Ambassador (QLD, NT & SA)

“It’s hard to pass up the historic charm of this highly awarded venue. They do really interesting collaborations with breweries too.”

I’ll be drinking: “A beer and a shot”

Hive Bar, Erskineville (NSW)

Recommended by: Harriet Leigh, Head of Hospitality

“On a hot Sunday afternoon there isn’t a better place to drink a Boilermaker. They have a fierce collection of vinyl, killer local beers and a back bar to die for. It helps that the owners work behind the bar and are legends to boot. Plus, it’s 92 steps from my house.”

I’ll be drinking: Local beers and spirits

Hats and Tatts, South Melbourne (VIC)

Recommended by: Nick Baxter, Ambassador (VIC,TAS & WA)

“The beer garden, pool table, huge back bar, rotating beer taps and staff make this bar awesome, and so much more than a frat bar.”

I’ll be drinking: “A beer and a shot”

Image credits: Broadsheet, The Glass House, The Temperance Society, Finney Isles, Jangling Jacks, Bar Rochford, Bar Liberty, Bulletin Place, On The Grid