Cocktails are great. They can help you relax, but can also get the party started. Luckily, Cape Town has a thriving nightlife scene and there are hundreds of excellent watering holes in the city where you can satisfy your thirst. Ranging from classy hotel lounge cocktail bars and sundowner spots to small hideaways, here is our list of the best 8 cocktail bars in Cape Town.
1 Asoka
Image:asoka.za.com
Located on the popular Kloof Street, Asoka is well-known for its Eastern décor and has an indoor olive tree with fairy lights. The owner, Paul Hetreed opened up this cocktail bar back in 2002 and decided to create his own version of classic cocktails by using fresh juices, herbs, and fruits. Asoka also serves tasty snacks and they have a nice selection of tapas available on the menu. Check out their events like Hungry Mondays and Tuesday Jazz.
Must-Try Cocktails: Soul Happiness, 100% Brazilian, and Pornstar Martini
2 Outrage of Modesty
Image:midlife-leap.com
If you are after a unique cocktail bar where ingredients range from lemon pelargonium to fermented red cabbage, you should definitely visit the Outrage of Modesty cocktail bar. This intimate establishment is run by Aki Nishikura and Luke Whearty and features a minimalist interior with both Asian and African influences. Their curated drinks menu is quite extensive and includes a variety of drinks made of spirits that are brewed right here at the bar. Keep in mind that this is a popular bar and reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends.
Must-Try Cocktails: Man vs Pig, Elderflower Gimlett, and Peas & Flowers
3 Tjing-Tjing
Image:privateproperty.co.za
Situated inside a restored two centuries-old building, Tjing-Tjing boasts both indoor and outdoor areas and specializes in unique wines, craft beers, tapas, and of course cocktails. They have an amazing rooftop terrace where you can unwind with a drink and enjoy spectacular views of the Mother City. Indie tunes are usually playing from the speakers.
Must-Try Cocktails: Kasai, Gold Digger, and Old Fashioned
See Also: Top 15 best Cocktail Bars in Cape Town
4 Cape to Cuba
Image:flickr.com
Cape to Cuba is a Cuban-themed restaurant and bar that offers a laid-back vibe and an extensive list of sundowners. Expect to find a nice selection of Cuban classic cocktails on the menu including Cuban Sunrise, Cuba Libre, and Cuban Sunrise. Besides tasty cocktails, guests can enjoy spectacular views of Kalk Bay harbour and the lighthouse. In case someone’s hungry, there are burgers, seafood specialties, and tapas on the menu.
Must-Try Cocktails: Mojito, Cuba Libre, Cuban Sunrise
5 The Gin Bar
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One of the best cocktail bars in Cape Town, the Gin Bar is situated right behind the popular Chocolate Café and boasts a charming interior and a wide range of gin-inspired cocktails. The head bartender, Peter Lebese uses homemade syrups, tinctures, and juices to create fascinating gin cocktails that you can try here at the Gin Bar. Gin tastings for a minimum of 6 people are available Thursday to Saturday, just make sure to make a reservation.
Must-Try Cocktails: Soul and Ambition and Head Heart
6 Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe & Bar
Image:tripadvisor.com
Situated right above the Bilboa restaurant in Cape Town, Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe & Bar has spectacular views of the sandy beach in Camps Bay and features a vast cocktail menu. It’s an ideal place to visit after spending a day on the beach and soaking in the sun. There are DJ performances on the weekends and the waiters are always more than happy to recommend a cocktail that will cater your taste buds.
Must-Try Cocktails: Watermelon Mint G&T, Pina Colada, and Mojito
7 Café Caprice
Image:cafecaprice.co.za
Recommended for the ‘World Class’ mixology award in 2014, Café Caprice offers a café-style menu and features relaxing lounges where you can try some of their delicious artisan hotels. The café is located right across from the lovely Camps Bay Beach and attracts large crowds of both tourists and locals. Well-trained bartenders are here to tell you all about the freshly-made cocktails and the best time to visit Café Caprice is in the afternoon right before the sunset. Besides cocktails, they also have an extensive wine list and beers and ciders.
Must-Try Cocktails: Botanical Gardener, the Beachcomber, and Rockstar Mojito
8 Orphanage Cocktail Emporium
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One of the most popular cocktail bars in Cape Town, Orphanage Cocktail Emporium is a speakeasy-style bar and dining room located on Bree Street that boasts a vintage interior and offers sharing plates and a variety of innovative cocktails. Famous for their happy hour, Orphanage Cocktail Emporium is also a place where some cocktails are made with a seriously unexpected twist. For example, think an infusion of citrus or Vanilla-infused Hendricks Gin.
Must-Try Cocktails: Swim $ Tonic, Mexican Love Child, It’s not you It’s me
Looking for more tips on how to plan the perfect holiday in Cape Town? Our team of travel experts are on hand to help you enjoy the holiday you deserve. Whether you are looking for accommodation options in major destinations such as the City Centre, Waterfront, De Waterkant or anywhere else, or a rewarding tour or even travel tips, we are always on hand to help you get started. Get in touch for more tips on rooftop bars in Cape Town and other fun things to enjoy this summer.
