23 cocktails to try in Geelong

Geelong’s liquid chefs are shaking and stirring cocktails into works of art that are almost too pretty to drink.

These cocktails are nothing short of creative and exotic, think white miso, fig leaf, gochujang, Rhubi, hot honey, sour strap, pandan, vanilla bean shrub, elderflower, finger limes and aquafaba.

frankie. Bar and Eatery

frankie. is a cocktail institution in Geelong and will soon open a brand spanking new above the current restaurant. A stand-out on the cocktail menu is the rest grapefruit vegan-friendly ‘Ruby’s Secret Passion’.

Non Disclosure Bar

A stunning art deco venue reminiscent of the Gatsby era. It’s newest venue from the team behind The 18th Amendment Bar and Manhattan Bar – all within the Little Malop Street precinct. Caviar and oysters are served alongside clever cocktails such as ‘Gochugood’ which blends pepperberry gin, gochujang and honey syrup – this spicy/umami syrup is unique. Their ‘Stumble Bee’ cocktail is a must-try, using fig leaf and white miso.

Sailors’ Rest

Sitting on Geelong’s beautiful waterfront, Sailor’s Rest boasts a rooftop bar like no other. The ‘Strawberry Chupa Chup’ cocktail is as pretty as a rainbow, garnished with a sour strap. The ‘Sailors’ Spritz’ is also a popular choice.

The 18th Amendment Bar

A speakeasy style bar which steps back in time to Chicago’s prohibition era. The ‘Boardwalk Empress’ cocktail is one of the most visually impressive you’ll find – served in a smoky box incorporating tequila, agave nectar, ginger beer and cucumber. The ‘Dew Drop’ cocktail contracts the freshness of honeydew with the salinity of olive brine.

The Arborist

A beautiful building created around a large Ash tree. Using Australian finger limes, gin and a splash of citric acid creates the mouth watering ‘Citrus Burst’. The ‘Pomegranate Sour’ is a fan favourite, comprising of vodka, pomegranate liqueur and vanilla bean shrub. Enjoy cocktails alongside the Middle Eastern style menu.

Edge Geelong

Edge is located on Geelong’s waterfont, frequently offering live music. Their newest cocktail is the ‘Hot Honey Peach Margarita’ – mixing tequila with peach, lime, and a sweet hint of hot honey. For something sweeter, the ‘Hanky Panky’ combines white chocolate with ruby grapefruit.

Tempo Kitchen & Bar

This prime location establishment opened in 2023 has a focus on local. Using locally-made FarmDog Pandan Gin, pineapple, coconut cream and pandan extract creates the ‘Pandan Pina Colada’, offered as a cocktail and mocktail. The ‘Elderflower Sour’ cocktail features locally-made Anther Gin.

1915

Situated in one of the most historically-significant building in Geelong, 1915. The restaurant and bar is set in a century-old red-brick boiler house which once powered the region’s largest woollen mill. With its outdoor courtyard and rooftop bar, it’s an atmospheric spot for cocktails including the ‘White Chocolate Passionfruit Martini’ or the ‘Powerhouse Spritz’, using rhubarb, passionfruit, elderflower and Anther Geelong Gin – made in the distillery next door.

Wah Bah

Located on Cunnigham Pier and sitting out over Corio Bay is Wah Bah. Enjoy ‘Peachy Keen’ cocktail, mixing white peach, apple, lime and vanilla. While the bright blue ‘Tokyo Moon’ leans into the grape notes of pavan liqueur.

Piano Bar

Head to Piano Bar for a fun night out – request a song, order a cocktail and have a dance. The ‘Cherry Pie’ mixes sour cherry gin, Baileys, butterscotch and Frangelico, if cherry’s not your thing, ‘Tiny Dancer’ might be more up your alley.

Eureka Hotel Geelong

First opened in 1912 and reopened last year after a major development. It holds one of the oldest liquor licences in the region and is a big live music venue. The ‘Eureka Watermelon Basil Smash’ cocktail is a refreshing mix of vodka, watermelon, lime and basil.

Murphys

Catch great views from the rooftop bar in Geelong West and listen to live music with a ‘Murphys Sour’ in hand – a smooth blend of Irish Jameson whisky, infused with zesty fresh ginger.

Recess Bar and Eats

A gluten-free restaurant with a rooftop bar and drag shows. Their ‘Forbidden Fruit’ cocktail is sweet, smooth an creamy – a concoction of apply, fig, lemon and spiced rum. The ‘Maestro’ cocktail hits the spot between an Aperol Spritz and Martini.