By Charyn Pfeuffer
Never fear: cocktail culture is alive and well in Melbourne and imbibing has never been better. Speak-easy style hideaways are blossoming, transforming impossibly small spaces into intimate watering holes. Smart development of outdoor spaces has expanded and literally elevated the places in which drinking habits can be indulged. A transition back to vintage cocktails, such as the Bellini, Side Car and Negroni thrives.
Bar goers are becoming more cocktail chic demanding quality spirits, fresh squeezed juices and local ingredients whenever possible. And following in the footsteps of the recent artisanal food revolution, the fine art of mixology is finally getting the props it deserves and consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about taste.
Finding many of Melbourne's bars may require the sleuthing skills of Nancy Drew, but creep down a few laneways, wander into a few hole-in-the-walls and make friends with the locals.
Here are five places to tap your inner lush:
SEAMSTRESS
Looks: Tucked amongst the temptations of whole roasted Peking ducks hanging in windows and adult toy shops, this one-time garment joint screams sweatshop meets speakeasy meets funky Soho loft.
Scene: Young, beautiful and well-heeled bar-goers flock to the top floor cocktail bar of this four-story establishment, where Asian influences are apparent on its modern Cantonese menu.
Drink: Expect obscure spirits and exotic ingredients in your cocktails - like aloe vera and ginger wine - plus a killer wine list.
Go if: You want a fiercely hip, yet unpretentious cocktail scene.
CABINET BAR & BALCONY
Looks: Tucked in Rainbow Alley, the vibe is part cafeteria thanks to large blackboards filled with daily menu items, part Parisian bistro due to astutely placed gold accents.
Scene: Polite journos, politicos and business heavyweights all convene for post-work swill at this off-the-beaten-path laneway bar.
Drink: Go local. They pour nearby Yarra Valley selections as their house wine.
Go if: You don't want to blow the bank - twice daily happy hour and reasonably priced regular drinks makes this retro-chic eatery a must for cost-conscious social butterflies.
RED HUMMINGBIRD
Looks: Unlike most Melbourne bars, this one is easy to find, marked by a red birdcage strung above the entrance. Find a dark-red hued Moroccan lounge on the first floor, as well as a de rigueur rooftop garden bar with lush greenery, Balinese-inspired silk cushions and great skyline views.
Scene: One of city's best kept secrets, this cozy booze boîte is perfect for an intimate spit-swapping session.
Drink: Try the Tart n' Tale - Hendricks Gin muddled with fresh ginger, cucumber and citrus zest finished with a quince rinse.
Go if: You want a low-key, attitude-free night on the town in a conversation-conducive environment.
MADAME BRUSSELS
Looks: Named for one of Melbourne's most famous madams, this self-proclaimed "rather fancy terrace and public house" is kitted with AstroTurf, kitchy lawn furniture and fanciful faux trellises and hedges.
Scene: Girly girls and well-mannered boys ogling the country-club couture outfitted wait staff.
Drink: Rooftop views like this don't come cheap and cocktails can be pricey. Instead order Pimms by the jug, which easily serves eight thirsty people.
Go if: You have a sense of humor. This oh-so fabulous bar is something straight out of Alice in Wonderland with the illustrious Miss Pearls holding court.
NEW GOLD MOUNTAIN
Looks: On the cusp of Chinatown and set over two levels, this cozy bar feels a lot like a clandestine brothel cum Shanghai opium den.
Scene: Couples sucking face in secluded alcoves alongside large groups of party people getting locked and loaded to the backdrop of a killer DJ.
Drink: NGM is best-known for its sours, but it's Cocktail No. 6 that makes me swoon. Tequila, Cointreau, honey, apricot and ginger beer make up the potent libation.
Go if: You want to be treated like a V.I.P. Buy a bottle (mixers included) and NGM will store it indefinitely for future visits. If seating isn't immediately available, they will ring your cell phone when it's ready.
