1. frankie. is a cocktail institution in Geelong and next month will open a brand spanking new bar above its current restaurant. A stand-out on the cocktail menu is the red grapefruit vegan-friendly “Ruby's Secret Passion".
Ruby's Secret Passion
Venue and other photos

2. Non Disclosure Bar opened in January, a stunning Art Deco venue reminiscent of the Gatsby era. It's the 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. Head chef is Jackson Wilde (Tonka, Coda) and liquid chef is Indra Saryani (28 HongKong Street). Their “Stumble Bee” cocktail uses fig leaf and white miso.
Stumble Bee Photos
Venue and other photos

3. Sailors' Rest sits on Geelong's beautiful waterfront and boasts a rooftop bar. Their “Strawberry Chupa Chup” cocktail is as pretty as a rainbow, garnished with a sour strap. The “Sailors' Spritz” is a popular choice.
Strawberry Chupa Chup photo
Sailors' Spritz photo
Venue photos

4. The 18th Amendment Bar is a speakeasy style bar which steps back in time to Chicago's prohibition era. Their “Boardwalk Empress” cocktail is one of the most visually impressive you'll find – served theatrically in a smoking box and incorporating tequila, agave nectar, ginger beer and cucumber. The “Dew Drop” cocktail contrasts the freshness of honeydew with the salinity of olive brine.
Boardwalk Empress photo
Dew Drop photo
Venue photos

5. The Arborist is a beautiful building created around a large Ash tree and a rooftop bar was added last year. They use Australian finger limes in their “Citrus Burst” gin cocktail and a splash of citric acid. The “Pomegranate Sour” is a favourite too – vodka with pomegranate liqueur and vanilla bean shrub. Middle Eastern style food with great vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Citrus Burst Photo
Pomegranate Sour Photo
Venue photos – image credit Amy Evans

6. Edge Geelong is located on Geelong's waterfront with fantastic live music. Their newest cocktail is the “Hot Honey Peach Margarita” which mixes tequila with peach, lime and a hint of hot honey. The “Hanky Panky” combines white chocolate with ruby grapefruit.
Hot Honey Peach Margarita photo
Hanky Panky photo
Venue photos

7. Tempo Kitchen & Bar opened last year and also has prime waterfront position. They use locally-made FarmDog Pandan Gin in their “Pandan Pina Colada” cocktail (or mocktail) together with pineapple, coconut cream and pandan extract. Tempo's “Elderflower Sour” cocktail also uses locally-made Anther Gin.
Pandan Pina Colada Mocktail photo
Elderflower Sour photo
Venue photos

8. 1915 is one of the most historically-significant buildings in Geelong. The restaurant and bar is set in a century-old red-brick boiler house which once powered the region's largest woollen mill. It's been impeccably-restored and features soaring ceilings and exposed beams. With its outdoor courtyard and rooftop bar, it's an atmospheric spot for cocktails including the “White Chocolate Passionfruit Martini” or the “Powerhouse Spritz” which uses rhubarb, passionfruit, elderflower and Anther Geelong Gin – Anther distillery is next door to the restaurant.
White Chocolate Passionfruit Martini photo
Powerhouse Spritz photo
Venue photos

9. Wah Bah is located on Geelong pier and sits out over Corio Bay. Their “Peachy Keen” cocktail mixes the flavours of white peach, apple, lime and vanilla. While the bright blue “Tokyo Moon” leans into the grape notes of pavan liqueur.
Peachy Keen photo
Tokyo Moon photo

10. Piano Bar is the place 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; or try the “Tiny Dancer”.
Venue photos

11. Eureka Hotel Geelong first opened in 1912 and reopened last year after a major redevelopment. 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.
Eureka Watermelon Basil Smash photo

12. 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 whiskey infused with zesty fresh ginger.
Murphys Sour photo

13. Recess Bar and Eats is a gluten-free restaurant with a rooftop bar and drag shows. Their “Forbidden Fruit” cocktail is sweet, smooth and creamy – a concoction of apple, fig, lemon and spiced rum. The “Maestro” cocktail hits the spot between an Aperol Spritz and a Martini.
Forbidden Fruit photo
Maestro photo

-ENDS-