Scout’s Top Shire Cocktails To Add To Your Bucket List
Where to sip in 2024
Image: Next Door
Want to know the BEST places to nab a table when those cocktail cravings hit? We’re not just talking about your classic espresso martini, cosmopolitan or margarita. From a famous Alphabet St. Apple Martini to an overindulgent Salted Caramel Espresso Martini (we’re looking at you Cony’s), we’ve curated a list of the most unique, insta-worthy and quite frankly irresistible Shire cocktails.
The Apple Martini by Alphabet St.
We can’t talk about cocktails in The Shire without first mentioning Alphabet St’s famous Apple Martini. Guests travel from near and far to get their hands on this bad boy and we can understand why. The Alphabet Apple Martini is made from vanilla vodka, fresh apple and lemon (that’s all they’ll disclose anyway). But can we blame them? It's fresh, sour, and, look, simply perfect. If you’re yet to experience its glory, we suggest booking a table. Now. For an after-dinner treat, don’t miss the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, topped with the most divine fairy floss.
5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla
Strawberrini and Kiwi Carnaval by Cony’s
There are a few must-try cocktails at Cony’s as choosing a favourite simply isn’t an option. The Strawberrini (pictured) is made with vodka, melon liqueur, strawberry puree, and lime. As for the Kiwi Carnival, expect a combination of spiced rum, kiwi fruit, lemon and lime on the rocks. Don’t judge this one by its cover, the flavour is next level! The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, topped with a crunchy, salty, chocolatey, caramelly honeycomb sort of thing is also a crowd favourite, as is the Sour Sunset and incredible Cony’s Margarita. You’ll need to schedule a few visits to try them all.
15 Surf Road, Cronulla
Limoncello Spritz by Fior
Fior has brought plenty to love since opening its doors recently in the heart of Gymea. With a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine, delivered with a friendly Aussie flair, Fior's cocktail menu doesn't disappoint either. Their impressive selection includes Italian classics with a modern twist. The refreshing Limoncello Spritz is our personal favourite.
756 Kingsway, Gymea
Hattie Spritz by Next Door
While Next Door showcases some of the Shire’s best views, their dazzling cocktail menu remains equally impressive. With exciting newcomers always joining the mix, we’ve got a few favorites to share. First up is the Hattie Spritz, a fun blend of apple, sour monkey, elderflower, prosecco, soda, and popping pearls. Then there’s their twist on a margarita, the Marjorie – think apple martini meets classic margarita. Not your vibe? No worries, The Thomas and The Pav are also crowd-pleasers.
2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla
The Reef by Papa J’s
Papa J’s has one of the most expansive cocktail lists in the Shire, with over 40 confections to choose from. Yes. You read that right. Experimental and fun, they’re constantly adding to the menu. Our current fave is the The Reef featuring vodka one, curacao, passion fruit, lemon and pineapple, served on the rocks topped with fruit-popping pearls. Iconic.
2-6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Lychee Bubble Cocktail by Johnny Hu
From the iconic team behind Alphabet St., we expect nothing less than exceptional cocktails at Johnny Hu. Although their famous Apple Martini makes an appearance on the menu, we suggest trying a Bubble Tea Cocktail on your next visit; they’re like an explosion in your mouth. Our favourite is their The OG made from vodka, pomegranate and of course, lychee popping pearls.
1/138 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Never Be Like You by Highfields
There’s an art to nailing the perfect Lychee cocktail, but Highfields have done it! We present you the Never Be Like You made with Gordon’s pink gin, parfait amour, soho, lychee puree and rose syrup. Pro tip: pay them a visit during Cocktail Happy Hour, from Monday to Saturday, 7:00pm till 10:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Sundays.
22-24 MacKay Street, Caringbah
The Caddy Marg by Jensens
Made Reposado Tequila, cointreau, lime, red grapefruit and agave with a smoked black salt rim, if you’re a margarita lover like us, The Caddy Marg, is the perfect potion to kick-start a night at Jensens. Another two equally impressive contenders are the Pearls of Wisdom (pictured) and Caprioska; choose from one of four flavours - passionfruit, lychee, watermelon or pineapple.
1/13 Freya Street, Kareela
Juicy Watermelon Sour by CC Babcoq
As it sounds, this cocktail by CC Babcoq is juicy, sour and refreshing. Loved by many, the Juicy Watermelon Sour is made up of fresh watermelon, Altos tequila, Aperol, lemon and whites. Thank us later. The Everyone Loves Strawberries is another crowd favourite!
66-70 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Golden Gaytime Cocktail by 3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down is known for their deliciously indulgent cocktail combinations. Their famous Golden Gaytime Cocktail is no exception. The GG Cocktail is made with Baileys, Tia Maria, butterscotch schnapps, cream and caramel. The perfect mix of creamy and crunchy places this cocktail high on our list when we want to indulge.
11/72-80 Allison Crescent, Menai
Sour Patch Cup by The Prince
The Prince is a cocktail destination if ever we’ve known one. Regularly shifting things up and adding new bevvies to the menu, The Sour Patch Cup just keeps sticking. Expect Sour Patch Kidz, sour monkey, ketel one, blue curacao and sour syrup for one very fun drink. Obsessed? Order a jug!
533-541 Princes Highway
Madama Butterfly by The Pines
The drinks menu at The Pines is certainly impressive with the luxurious Velvet French a standout for many. But if you’re a martini fan like us, try the Madama Butterfly. Made from hoju soju, italicus bergamot liqueur, triple sec, butterfly pea tea, lemon, and faba, it’s fresh and fun.
Unit 1, 8 - 18 Kingsway, Cronulla
We can’t wait for you to work your way through these Shire-based cocktails. Happy sipping! In moderation, of course.
