The 15 Best co*cktail Hangouts In Cape Town (2024)

These hotspots will shake and stir you.

Once upon a time, if you wanted a co*cktail, your best bet was the lobby of a five-star hotel. Then, all of a sudden, almost magically, mixologists emerged as the new breed of artisanal experts, drawing in devotees (and new converts) with their creative twists and theatrical concoctions.

Cape Town is rapidly becoming a co*cktail-obsessed city. It may be an extension of our foodie-ness, or due to our love of everything aesthetically gorgeous. Or because we have so many spectacular spots to enjoy them.

Being presented with an expertly poured drink, decorated with all manner of garnishes, is a grown-up thrill that somehow mimics that childhood feeling of a birthday cake with candles. It’s exciting, it’s celebratory and it makes you happy. Herewith, our list of the best. Cheers!

The Gin Bar

Every good gin joint should have a good story. This innercity gem is hidden behind a chocolate shop, housed in a heritage building that used to be a mortuary – which, in a good way, informs the drinks menu and interiors. Take a seat in the Chapel Room or the charming courtyard, and order one of the five “medicinal” remedies (co*cktails) for head, heart, soul, hope or ambition. If you’d rather go for a straight-up G&T, there are over 100 gins to choose from (80 of which are local). Gin not your thing? There’s wine and beer, too, plus the Bubbly Bar – tucked away in a corner, in what used to be the Embalming Room, it showcases the best of local cap classiques, including small lesser-known producers.
Try the dry gin martini that uses interesting local ingredients such as pickled kelp for the garnish; a negroni with kapokbos (wild rosemary); and the co*cktail with Honest chocolate, of course.
Opening times Thursday – Saturday, 3pm – 1am
Monday – Wednesday, 5pm – 1am
Contact 071 241 2277, hello@theginbar.co.zaWhere to find it Behind Honest Chocolate, 64A Wale Street, Cape Town

StrangeLove

The Art of Duplicity

You don’t have to love co*cktails to love this bar – but it helps! And not just your standard martini, but tipples concocted by barkeeps with a love of rare spirits, experimentation and molecular gastronomy. The drinks change often, but they’ve included ingredients such as butter-washed gin, grape air, quail eggs and bacon. Housed in a secret 19th-century warehouse furnished to evoke a moody 1920s speakeasy, access is via a password supplied (along with address clues) when you book online – the adventure starts before you’ve even arrived… Patrons are encouraged to dress the part. The bar often hosts blackjack evenings, vintage-movie nights and jazz-blues bands, and there is a food-pairing menu as eccentric as the liquid one.
Try the house coffee-infused gin or coffee liqueur (owner David Donde also owns Truth Coffee).
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – ’til the last drop
Contact theartofduplicity@170120.co.zaWhere to find it Now, that would be telling.
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The Blue Room

This co*cktail lounge and jazz club is a magnet for a “grown-up” night out that ticks all the boxes: top-notch drinks, fantastic food and great music. Expect sets by some of the country’s best musicians in an atmospheric speakeasy space –think candlelight, mirrors, leather seating and a curvy wooden ceiling. Patrons can settle in early with happy hour co*cktails and small sharing plates, or enjoy a proper dinner (here or upstairs at chef Matt Manning’s Grub & Vine bistro), before disappearing behind the blue curtains to enjoy the show.
Try the Southside on Bree, “a refreshing oasis in a desert”, where crisp, botanical gin is complemented by the sharp, effervescent bite of grapefruit tonic and the aromas of mint and lime.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8pm – 10pm (shows)
Happy hour: 4pm – 6pm
Dinner: 6pm – 8pm
Contact 087 153 5246, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Aperitif

Italian aperitivo culture has a new home at the top of Bree Street. Aperitif is a chic but understated bar from the guys behind Pizza Shed (on the same block of heritage cottages), and the focus is on stylish and relaxed co*cktails and classic aperitivo spritzers and negronis. With its marble-topped tables, leather seats and crystal decanters, it’s a Cape Town incarnation of la dolce vita that spills out onto the wide pavement for stylish summer streetside sipping. There’s also a wine list of small local producers and a snack menu (bruschetta, burrata on ciabatta, charcuterie). And brunch on Sundays – cue the mimosas.
Try the house favourite: a cocoa-nib negroni served with caramelised orange dipped in chocolate. The golden tumeric margarita is also a tempting choice.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 1am
Contact 081 805 5312, info@aperitif.co.za
Where to find it 227 Bree Street, CBD, Cape Town

Asoka

Despite so many cool spots vying for attention on the Kloof Street strip, Asoka stands out – as it has for over a decade – for its intoxicating vibe and decadent Asian-flecked food and drinks. At the heart of this vibrant bar-lounge-restaurant is a 150-year-old, fairy-lit olive tree, while glowing candles and lanterns add to the magical atmosphere of possibility… It’s the perfect backdrop for an evening of dining, drinking and dancing, to a soundtrack of house music or live jazz-funk on Tuesdays and Sundays. The long drinks list includes the classics, luxury co*cktails and the fruit-forward Asoka Collection.
Try a Hello Kyoto (peach-infused Jameson with sake and lemon), then move onto the Greenfields (gin, elderflower, apple, cucumber, lemon)…
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6pm – late
Contact 021 422 0909, info@asoka.za.com
Where to find it 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar

Una Más Mezcaleria

For “cócteles” mixed with mezcal (tequila’s underground cousin, which can be made from many different species of agave plant), look no further than this cool little saloon. Dressed in wood panelling, moody lighting and the odd potted cactus, it’s a vibey spot for a drinks gathering. Window seats opening onto the pavement let you people-watch, and you better believe it gets interesting. The authentic Mexican-style tapas to line your tummy are delicious too (tortillas, tacos, empanadas and bowls). The substantial co*cktail menu is all about classics with a twist – you’re bound to have “una más” (“one more”).
Try mixology legend Vlad Klaic’s Mezcaloma: a paloma made with mezcal that’s smoky and spicy (thanks to a dash of jalapeño syrup). His colleague, Steve Murombedzi, has mastered the classic margarita – and they also come in watermelon, papaya and strawberry…
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – late
Contact 076 705 8410, 087 470 0296, hola@unamas.co.za
Where to find it 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
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The Drinkery

Much like the finest speakeasies, you’ll find this one hidden away – on the mezzanine above the Heritage Square courtyard. Picture weathered brick walls, loungey seating and alluring lighting to set the mood. The brainchild of Aidan Mautschke and Günter Boisits – who’ve notched up years on the city’s nightlife scene – the focus is on premium co*cktails (a dozen signature tipples containing the likes of Japanese whisky, absinthe, mezcal, fruit liqueurs and floral gins). There’s also a dedicated martini menu and plenty of contemporary twists on classic co*cktails. A concise winelist for connoisseurs, a bar snack menu, a fittingly jazzy soundtrack and a separate terrace bar ties it all together. Each November a new themed menu is unveiled, with winter additions to fit the season.
Try the standout co*cktail on the current “Heritage Meets Legacy” menu: the Amasi Dream. It’s a translucent milk punch, made with coconut-washed Bombay Sapphire gin, spices (mustard seed and bay leaf), milk (amasi) and grapefruit, which is filtered through a coffee filter overnight.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 4pm – 12am
Contact 079 329 7026, 082 464 4866, info@thedrinkery.co.za
Where to find it Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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The Nines

Dressed to the nines, it’s all about taking it to the next level at Sea Point’s newest rooftop restaurant and lounge (yip, it’s on the ninth floor – a swift elevator whisks you up in no time to make your grand entrance). The co*cktail lounge is plush, with leather couches and designer armchairs; then there’s the huge deck extending out from the restaurant section with ocean and sunset views to die for. Fabulous co*cktails (divided into Vintage, Modern Classics and Masterpieces), a superb food menu and a substantial wine and spirits list complete the picture.
Try any of mixology artist Marshall Siavash’s specialty co*cktails, like the Tingling Lips (a twist on a margarita with jalapeño and dill) or a toasted oat and cherry negroni made with Japanese gin.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 745 6609, reservations@thenines.co.za
Where to find it Station House, 19 Kloof Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
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Hacienda Coastal Mexican

This eatery has turned up the heat on the Bree Street strip with its gaucho-chic interiors (leather booths, mosaic floors, ceramic drinkware) and spice-flecked food and drinks. Inspired by the cuisine of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the menu is made for sharing. It wouldn’t be a Mexican joint, though, without flowing (Patrón) tequila (it reportedly has the largest selection in South Africa), fabulous margaritas and a playlist of cool Latin tracks. Which all comes together for a memorable night out. Those margaritas come in glasses with rims dipped in tajin spice, not salt, and they’re half-price during the daily margarita happy hour. There are similar twists on a mule, old fashioned, paloma, negroni and other classics, using chocolate chilli bitters, mezcal and grapefruit salt.
Try tequila tasting flights (three or five) or a “celebrity” tequila and mezcal tasting to tune up your taste buds.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Happy hour: 4pm – 5.30pm
Contact 021 422 0128, capetown@hacienda.co.za
Where to find it 92 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Vista Bar & Lounge

This elegant, view-drenched space at the heart of One&Only Cape Town offers a wonderful spot to escape to for a relaxing drink. Plush seating, small marble tables, and a classy live-music soundtrack elevate co*cktail hour. The bartenders expertly mix all the classics (and some unique drinks) with panache, and there’s an all-day food menu curated by Karen Dudley. Standing tall in the centre of the circular bar are four statues – the “Watchers” – created by Stanislav Trzebinski and inspired by a Xhosa legend relating to Table Mountain, which looms large outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Try one (or all four) of the Watchers’ multi-sensory co*cktails. Each evoke a different element: sea, sun, earth and fire, so that patrons can see, taste and smell the story. They were created by ace guest mixologist Bryan Pieterson, SA-born owner of Purl London in the UK.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11.30pm
Contact 021 431 5888, reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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The Athletic Club & Social

Entering this grand old building on Heritage Square stirs up thoughts of a tracking shot that opens a movie, in which the hero is led upstairs and downstairs, through an intriguing labyrinth of spaces, each more sumptuous and “extra” than the last – a whimsical design fantasy of colonial meets modern. There are three glorious bars, each dressed in its own style and offering an à la carte menu to match the drinks. There’s also a speakeasy-like basem*nt called The Trophy Room, where live jazz creates sexy magic; and the Trapezaria, a dining room serving fantastic Greek fare. This is a place with a story – get to know it and you’ll understand its name.
Try the Paper Plane, a refreshing combination of amaro herbal liqueur and lemon juice. The bar team loves serving up nostalgia with the classics!
Opening times Monday, 4pm – 11pm
Tuesday, 12pm – 11pm; Wednesday, 12pm – midnight
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact 084 087 5566, info@theathletic.co.za
Where to find it 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
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Rita’s co*cktail Club

Think margaritas… Arrive parched and thirsty at this oasis of a tequila bar, and you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a 50s film set. You’ll spy the odd cactus, but also moss green and dusky pink walls, mid-century modern furniture and gold detailing. The curvy bar takes centre stage, where the sound of co*cktails being shaken is part of the rhythm of the night. The interior is spacious –hinting at a dancefloor takeover later (DJs on Thursday to Saturday nights). Outside are two festive rooftop terraces with an additional bar counter and a wonderful view of the mountain. Besides the signature co*cktail and premium tequilas, the drinks menu has diverse and creative choices – and there are delicious tacos to match. The margaritas are half-price from 5pm – 7pm, and there’s a “Two for One” tacos special every Tuesday.
Try a very modern margarita that features clarified citrus and lime-flavoured air; one with watermelon and a basil-salt rim, or chilli and mango. The caipirita riffs on caipirinhas and there’s also a fun vodka-infused “granadilla lolly to make you jolly”.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4.30pm – 2am
Friday – Sunday, 3pm – 2am
Contact 021 300 6695, info@ritasco*cktailclub.co.za
Where to find it Above Hudsons, 22 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Chinchilla

This cool and contemporary rooftop bar on the Camps Bay strip, with its killer views of the beach and ocean a stone’s throw away, is the ideal place to while away the hours sipping on co*cktails – there are nine signature co*cktails alongside the classics. Greenery, natural decor (wood, rattan, cane, basketry) and pops of colour make it feel like a bohemian tropical-beach shack – just more well-heeled. A menu of sushi, “bar bites”, platters and café classics (seafood, steaks, burgers) means that you can stay fuelled up. Resident DJs spin cool tunes and laidback beats for the extended summer sundowner session.
Try a Purple Haze (vodka, coconut, litchi and pear) to toast the sunset; a pineapple-and-sage margarita; or litchi and basil G&T.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 4pm – 10pm
Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 286 5075, managers@chinchillarooftop.co.za
Where to find it The Promenade, 201 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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Good to know

If you’d like to pair co*cktails with an extraordinary tasting menu (or just indulge in yet more wonderful drinks), head to Nocturne in Plein Street, Stellenbosch – the sister bar-restaurant of Dusk. Options on the current menu include the Ugly Bourbon (brioche butter-fat washed whisky and botanical liqueur), Nom Nom (tequila based with kiwi, artemisia shrub and agave) and a S’More Cereal (with rice krispy-infused vodka, strawberry oleo and marshmallow).
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 5pm –late; Friday – Sunday, from 3pm
Contact 021 023 4745, reservations@nocturneexperience.co.za
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Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

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