Our Top 5 Cocktails in Cape Town and Where to Enjoy Them
Classic cocktails are classic cocktails for a reason – the flavour combinations work exceptionally well together. And, even though most ingredients in a classic cocktail remain the same, certain venues put their own spin on a classic that sets it apart from the rest. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite cocktails in Cape Town and we really recommend trying them all.
Negroni, House of Machines
House of Machines has earned themselves a reputation for making the best Negroni in town and we honestly couldn’t agree more. The usual ingredients – gin, vermouth, Campari and a slice of orange, served over a chunk of ice – are to be expected. But THOM has a special trick (involving smoke) up their sleeve, taking the presentation, flavour and experience to another level. We won’t give away too much. The bar space is small inside, with seating that spills out onto the sidewalk. Still, it’s definitely one of the most vibe-y sidewalks in the City.
Location: 84 Shortmarket street, CBD
Hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 02:00 | Saturday, 09:00 – 02:00
The Blush, Gigi Rooftop
The name all but gives it away: The Blush. It’s sweet, it has a tangy zest to it and, if you’re the type of person who likes pink drinks, it definitely hits the spot. It’s a delicious mix of gin, elderflower, citrus and cranberry juice. The Gigi Rooftop bar is located on the sixth floor of the Gorgeous George hotel and we’d be blind not to mention the beautiful décor. The space is filled with foliage and natural light, offering views of the city rooftops, which are even more beautiful if you time your visit to catch the sunset.
Location: 118 St. George’s Mall, Level 6 Rooftop, Gorgeous George
Contact: 021 612 0999
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 – late
Porn Star Martini, Asoka
Asoka doesn’t know how to make a bad cocktail, but there’s a reason their Porn Star Martini is their signature. Splashes of vanilla vodka shaken with homemade passion fruit purée (other places that serve this cocktail often use passion fruit cordial), granadilla liqueur, lemon, cloudy apple juice and a serving of bubbly on the side. Some have a sip of the cocktail and then a sip of the bubbly, but we prefer to pour it all into the cocktail for an extra fizz. Furthermore the venue is beautiful and, if you time it right, you can enjoy some live Jazz or a DJ.
Location: 68 Kloof Street
Contact: 021 422 0909
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 17:30 – 02:00 | Sunday, 17:30 – 00:00
That Pink One, Secret Gin Bar
That Pink One is a cocktail that has been on their menu for a while now and for good reason: It’s deliciously refreshing, with the dehydrated grapefruit giving slight notes of candied fruit. The cocktail is complemented with fresh cardamom pods – expect a light spice – which really makes the classic dry gin come alive. Finally, the rose tonic gives it its pink hue, as well as a sweet finish. Located through the entrance of Honest Chocolate, the Secret Gin Bar is in a tiny courtyard that can get quite busy. This is, however something that has never bothered us. With over 80 local gins in their bar, you’ll have to try at least one other cocktail as well. They really know what they’re doing.
Location: 64a Wale Street, CBD (Enter through Honest Chocolate)
Contact: 071 241 2277
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 17:00 – 01:00 | Thursday – Saturday, 15:00 – 01:00
The Lost & Found, Savora
The Lost & Found is one of our favourites because it spoke to the entire experience. Located on the iconic Camps Bay strip, Savora allows guests to experience the best of Summer, overlooking the stunning Camps Bay ocean views. The Lost & Found is a tropical, fruity cocktail that bursts with flavour. It includes white rum, fresh pineapple, coconut water, fresh passion fruit and vanilla and orange foam.
Location: 75 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Contact: 021 200 5944
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 – 01:00
