We’ve trawled Joburg to find the best cocktail spots to keep you cool and quench your thirst. These refreshing cocktail spots offer everything from the classics and the unusual to virgin variants and even jam jars. Cheers!
The 11th Floor
Located in Bedfordview, The 11th Floor is the ideal spot to grab a refreshing cocktail after a long week. But what we really love about 11th Floor is that they offer something called a Cocktail Tree. The majestic cocktail tree serves six cocktails of your choice from their designated menu. Take your pick from their signature cocktails, namely Her Royal Highness, Mango Daiquiri Medley, Musky Lady, Pink Flamingo, Red Hot Rosie, 3 Ladies, and Spice of Life. Or select a few classics, such as Aperol Spritz, Cosmopolitan, Espresso Martini, Gin Martini and Margarita. It’s ideal for a night out with friends!
Obscura
Obscura is not just a bar – it’s an tantalising experience that defies expectations. They invite you and those seeking more than the usual, to visit and discover the hidden gems within their walls. After a long week of deadlines and meetings, stop by to unwind and explore their selection of refreshing and unique cocktails.
Social on Main
My, but we love a good cocktail. And that’s exactly the word that springs to mind when we hear the name Social on Main. This trendy, hip and happening hangout in the heart of Bryanston offers one of the broadest selection of cocktails we’ve seen in a long time! Think refreshing jam jar concoctions, flavourful mojitos, ice-cold G&Ts, and of course, the wide array of craft beers, ciders, red and white wines and some bubbles. There’s something for all tastes – sweet, tart, bitter, crisp, light or strong. Click here to take a look at their full drink menu.
Tiger’s Milk
This Cape Town favourite branched out to our beautiful city a few years ago and has become one of the most popular and coolest places to hangout in the city. Tiger’s Milk offers a happy place for those looking to meet up with their mates or beat the peak-hour traffic with a draught or two. And if you’re looking for a cocktail, their selection is sure to tickle your taste buds. Take your pick from the selection of classics and virgin cocktails they have available or try something a little out of the ordinary. You can find Tiger’s Milk in Bryanston, Cedar Square, Melrose Arch, Bedfordview, Kyalami, Northcliff and Harvest Place in Kempton Park and Appletons.
A Streetbar Named Desire
For cocktails inspired by classic literature, visit A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood. This tapas hot spot has three bars on-site, as well as a two-page long cocktail menu. Taking inspiration from Tennessee Williams’ wicked personality and those of his delicate characters, their mixologists have crafted a variety of tantalising drinks. There’s an interesting selection of cocktails for you to choose from. There’s most definitely something for all takes. Once you have ordered your drinks and have gotten comfortable, sit back and soak up the sensual charisma of the bar.
Sin+Tax
Sin+Tax in Rosebank is the perfect spot for a nightcap. They offer visitors some of the best cocktails you could find in the city and take the mixology to a whole new level! It’s cool, classy, trendy and exudes a 1920s speakeasy vibe. With such an awesome setting comes the incredible and ever-changing menu of artisanal cocktails – TOTALLY worth the experience. If you’re looking for a mixology experience like no other, this is THE place to be. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is inviting, refreshing drink perfect for all tastes. What more do you need for an exciting evening out on the town?
Details: sintaxbar.com | 010 900 2559 | Corner of Bolton and Jan Smuts Roads, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
SIX Cocktail Bar
This stylish and upbeat little bar is a great spot if you’re looking to sip on interesting cocktails during happy hour. SIX Cocktail Bar offers a young and fun vibe, complete with awesome tunes, a choice of over 60 different cocktails and, of course, delicious meals in case you get a little hungry. And if your usual Happy Hour is a little too short for your liking, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Happy Hour at Six Cocktail Bar is from 11:00 – 19:00 every day. Enjoy two cocktails for the price of one! Cheers to that!
Details: SIX Cocktail Bar | 083 623 7950 | sixcocktailbar@gmail.com | Corner 7th Street and 3rd Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
The Ivy Champagne Garden
Looking to get together with your friends for a gossip session over a few delectable cocktails? If you’re in the Bedfordview area, then you need to grab a table at The Ivy Champagne Garden. Take your pick from their impressive selection of creative and delicious cocktails and grab a tasty bite to eat from their Afro-Asian menu filled with sushi, tapas, salads, poké bowls and so much more. As for cocktails, we absolutely love the Rooftop Hawaiian – Havana Club Rum, blue curacao, fresh pineapple and pina colada syrup – divine!
The Blind Tiger
Unwind, relax and indulge a little at the Blind Tiger in Parkview. This café offers delicious California-inspired cuisine as well as a delightful cocktail menu for you to sip and enjoy in their bar area or out in their outdoor terrace. Sip on your choice of classic cocktails and an interesting wine offering. And, you don’t need to worry when load shedding hit! They have a generator humming in the back ensuring the lights stay on.
Marble Restaurant
If you are looking for the perfect mixes, then this is the joint for you. Situated at Keyes Art Mile, Marble Restaurant offers a variety of delicious cocktails. Everything they make is exceptionally amazing, with an added dose of good South African flair. There is great music, flame inspired tapas, the finest wine and spirits. This is a restaurant you most definitely need to visit at least once if you’re in the area.
Details: marble.restaurant | 010 594 5550 | info@marble.restaurant | Trumpet on Keyes, corner Keyes and Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Jo’Anna Melt Bar
Another Melville must-visit, Jo’Anna Melt Bar is a trendy watering hole that offers a variety of specialty crafted cocktails. Our top pick would be the Apricot and Ginger Siesta, which contains silver tequila, apricot extract, fresh lime juice, aromatic bitters and ginger ale. It tastes as good as it sounds! They also host a few fun evenings such as Karaoke Thursdays, Tequila Tuesday where you can enjoy half price tequila all day, and quiz nights.
Details: Jo’Anna Melt Bar | 072 733 5966 | joannameltbar@gmail.com | 7 7th Street Melville, Johannesburg.
Dandelion Cocktail Bar
Go no further than the Dandelion Cocktail Bar for great service, awesome vibes and delicious cocktails. The upmarket venue, which is tucked away in the well-established hills of the wealthy and exclusive residential suburb of Northcliff, has earned amazing Google Reviews, with satisfied patrons beaming about the attentive service, cosy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. Be sure to pay them a visit and try out their cocktails for yourself.
Details: www.thedandelioncocktailbar.com | 063 295 3188 | pizzamaker9@gmail.com | L’Corro Shopping Centre, Northcliff, Randburg, Johannesburg.
Omen Bar
Nestled in the heart of trendy Rosebank, Omen Bar offers guests a lovely hotspot to unwind, relax and delight their sense. Their journey is one of culinary craftsmanship and lively ambiance. Enjoy your visit and indulge in something delicious and refrehsing from their menu. Expect a selection of elegant tapas and expertly crafted cocktails.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
Do you know of any other must-visit cocktail spots? Let us know about them in the comments section below!
