Shaken Or Stirred? Discover Brisbane’s Best Cocktail Bars

Are you someone who plays it safe with their regular G&T or espresso martini? Well, play it safe no longer, because we’re here to spice up your life with some of the most clever, unique and downright delicious cocktail experts around town.

From moody rock’n’roll bars to glamorous rooftop destinations, we’ve discovered the best cocktail bars in Brisbane for an unforgettable mixology experience. Whether you’re planning a pre-dinner drink or the cocktails are the main attraction, we’ve scoped Brisbane’s scene for the crowd-favourite cocktails that will tickle your fancy.

For your next date night or group hang with the gang, try one of these fantastic cocktail bars around Brisbane and take your tastebuds on a trip!

Harley Quinn

From the comic-loving crew behind 1st Edition, comes a brand new cocktail bar on the Fortitude Valley scene! Launching mid-May 2024, Harley Quinn will act as a sidekick to 1st Edition, serving a cafe menu by day and cocktails by night.

Matching Harley Quinn’s vibrant aesthetic, you can expect a pink and blue colour scheme and a menu stacked with quirky cocktails.

California Lane, 22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

Before + After

Toddle down a discreet laneway off George Street and you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit amaro and cocktail bar, fit to kick off or complete any evening. Settle into a retro lounge by the bookcase and order a unique cocktail or digestif along with a delectably arranged charcuterie board.

The tightly-knit team are dedicated to good times, great hospitality and curating excellent experiences, so don’t be afraid to ask for a drink recommendation if you’re feeling unsure. Whether it’s a post-work chinwag or a date night out in the river city, make Before + After part of your plan to explore the city’s best cocktail bars.

Laneway Basement, 181 George Street, Brisbane City

1st Edition

This comic book-themed secret bar replaced Beatrix in the cosy space at the end of California Lane, and we’re excited this venue kept its quirky and unique edge. Serving up top shelf, signature cocktails inspired by your favourite comic book heroes, this bar will add a little extra fun to your next Friday night out. Pair your drinks with shareable, Asian-inspired dishes as you wind down after a busy week. Put us down for a Mysterio, please!

356 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Soko Rooftop

With an Amazonian influence, Soko Rooftop is one of the best new cocktail bars in Brisbane, with the bonus of an absolutely incredible view. Featuring a Peruvian and Japanese-inspired menu, it makes for an interesting array of drink options!

If you don’t decide to indulge in saké or wine, scan through the cocktail menu for something scintillating to pique your interest. Soko has over forty pisco sour flavours on offer, delivered with a contemporary twist on tradition, with yuzu and saké flavours featuring prominently. Soko is the perfect backdrop to a date night or a girl's night out, set against the glittering skyline of the Valley, the CBD and beyond.

7 Symes Street, Jubilee Place, Fortitude Valley

Purple Palm

Palm Springs vibes just fifteen minutes from the Brisbane CBD? Yes, please!

This chic, minimalistic venue is one of the best cocktail bars in Brisbane combining old-school glam and modern fittings to create a space so sumptuous yet tranquil, we can’t resist!

The best time of day to visit is as the sun goes down, so you can watch the violet-purple glow slowly illuminate the canopy as the sun melts away. The 10-foot gin wall not only looks spectacular but houses an incredible array of small-batch Australian spirits, including 78 Degrees Distillery, whose delicious tropical gins feature heavily on the cocktail menu as the signature spirit.

6/148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba

Dr. Gimlette

You might stumble across Dr. Gimlette whilst strolling the high-end fashion district in the CBD and it’s always worth a visit if you love trying unique cocktails. Inspired by the best cocktail bars around the world, the team at this incredible Brisbane bar offer table service and top-notch tipples.

Housed in one of Brisbane’s oldest buildings, we know you’ll love the sparkling chandeliers, cosy armchairs, Italian leather booths and the 9 metre-long marble bar as much as we do! We recommend reading through the menu completely, before making your decision. Or, simply ask the friendly staff for a personal recommendation if you can’t decide!

109 Edward Street, Brisbane

Kiki Kiosk

Surrounded by gorgeous greenery, Kiki Kiosk is a surefire winner when it comes to cocktails! The little sister to the ever-popular Southside Restaurant offers cocktails with a modern twist. Operating as a coffee and banh mi hub during the day, in the evening, Kiki transforms into one of the best cocktail bars in Brisbane.

Some of our favourites are the Viet Iced Coffee (a tasty, coconut-y spin on an espresso martini) and the Fong Fuego, for lovers of a spicy marg. It’s the perfect place to kick off your evening before dining at the stunning Southside restaurant for dinner.

63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Cobbler

This one’s for the whisky lovers! Cobbler is somewhat of a hidden gem but is easily one of the best cocktail bars in Brisbane. With an impressive wall of spirits to greet you as you enter, find yourself a cosy nook to tuck into and explore the extensive list of cocktails.

The menu is lengthy, so take your time to pore over the options or ask the staff to recommend something that suits your palate - this is the perfect place to experiment with a new drink or two.

7 Browning Street, West End

Savile Row

When you think about the best cocktail bars in Brisbane, Savile Row is the first bar that comes to mind. Hidden in plain sight behind a bright orange door in Fortitude Valley, this venue offers unique cocktails on an ever-changing menu, so you never get stuck in a rut!

If you have a particular craving or are keen to try something you’ve never had before, Savile Row is the perfect place. With over 1000 bottles on the shelves and expert mixologists on hand, they can whip you up something special in no time.

667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Brisbane Distillery

Where better to sip on expertly crafted cocktails than Brisbane’s very own distillery? Enter via Montague Road and step into an ambient, romantic and beautifully furnished bar that makes for the perfect romantic date night spot.

If you’re not crafting your very own bottle of gin in their workshop, we recommend visiting the adjoining bar for some of the best cocktails in Brisbane. Read through their guide to choosing which of their house-made spirits (gin, rum or vodka) you’d like to sip and what style of cocktail takes your fancy. With more than 24 cocktails on the menu, we don’t think you’ll be getting bored any time soon.

259 Montague Road, West End

Death & Taxes

They say that in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes. There’s one more thing we’re certain of, you’ll find some of the best cocktails in Brisbane within this moody CBD bar. Death & Taxes is tucked into Brisbane’s oldest laneway and has an impressive array of cocktails on their menu. We recommend chatting to the bar staff about what you love to sip on, so they can give you their expert recommendation.

​​36 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City

Maker

Tucked down the Grey Street end of Fish Lane, you’d be forgiven for overlooking this little bar that well and truly makes up for its size with its stunning variety of flavours and incredible presentation.

Whilst it keeps a low profile, Maker is one of the best cocktail bars in Brisbane for a quick catch-up or a long, lingering sip on a slow night. Serving up unique and seasonal cocktails to wet your whistle, we highly recommend you visit this bar the next time you’re wandering down Fish Lane.

9 Fish Lane, South Brisbane

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect night out, why not scroll through our list of the most romantic bars in Brisbane for your next date night? We’ve also got you covered if you stay out a little too late enjoying cocktails and need an incredible breakfast to bring you back to life. Check out our round-up of the best breakfasts in Brisbane that you haven't yet tried.