5 Places in Newcastle For Cocktails

The Honeysuckle Hotel is situated right on the Harbour; ideal for sitting back and sipping on a refreshing cocktail on a balmy evening. It provides 12 different delicious concoctions to choose from, plus three extra ‘mocktails’ for the group member unlucky enough to be the designated driver. A mocktail will set you back $7, whilst the cocktails range in price from $15-$17, depending on their extravagance. A cocktail that is perfect to sip on whilst you while away an afternoon in the sunshine is Peachy Keen: ‘A cheeky mix of vodka, peach schnapps, fresh lime, & apple juice served short’. Or, if you have more of a sweet tooth, the Honey Bun is sure to delight your tastebuds; ‘An indulgent mix of Frangelico & Baileys infused with honey, shaken, served in a margarita glass lined with chocolate sauce’. Delicious!

Silo is just a stroll down from the Honeysuckle Hotel, situated right near the water for some more amazing views of the harbour, right out to the Lighthouse. Silo boasts an extensive cocktail menu, with prices ranging from $11-$19, however if you get in there a touch earlier for a very happy hour between 4-6pm, you can enjoy their cocktail of the day for just $8- perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon! For those of you who enjoy your classic cocktail, Silo provides Caipiroscas, Martinis, Margaritas and, my personal favourite, Mojitos, as well as other well known and loved favourites. However, if you’re feeling a touch more daring, why not try one (or more) of the other 21 delicious cocktails? If the long list baffles you, I personally suggest Perfect Strangers; ‘fresh ginger and green apple muddled then shaken with green apple liqueur and Green Fairy Absinth. Served long over ice with ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and a few drops of pomegranate syrup’… how can you go wrong?!

Longworth House is a hidden gem in the middle of Newcastle; established in 1892, it was reopened in September 2009. With enormous rooms and exquisite detailing, Longworth house is the perfect venue for weddings and functions as well as a classic wine and tapas bar (providing taste-tingling cocktails too, of course). Despite being such a gorgeous, historic venue, Longworth House’s cocktails are a steal; prices are a standard $14 with one mere exception at $16. I personally recommend the Negroni; ‘Campari, Rosso Vermouth and Gin, served over ice with an orange twist’, to be sipped leisurely, of course.

The Hotel Delany is a short distance from Longworth House and located right in the middle of Darby Street which is renowned for its great food and atmosphere. The Delany is buzzing with an exciting nightlife on the weekends, so why not pop in for a sneaky cocktail? Their cocktails will set you back a standard $15 each, or $17 for a Martini depending on the base spirit of choice. Providing 10 classic options, you can’t go wrong with any of them! If you’re a fan of tequila, you’ll be glad to know that they make a mean Margarita; ‘Don Julio tequila, Cointreau & a tiny drizzle of Agave Nectar, shaken with freshly squeezed lime juice & served in a salted agave nectar rimmed glass.’ If tequila isn’t quite your thing, and perhaps you’re more friendly towards gin, then the Tom Collins is for you; Tanqueray No. TEN Gin shaken with sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Served tall over crushed ice’. Perfect for a warm night out on the town.

The Beach Hotel is a well known venue to enjoy a yummy meal and a drink or two whilst overlooking Newcastle’s amazing coastline. The Beach Hotel boasts some of the cheapest cocktails on offer, with prices ranging from $9-$14, though the majority of their 14 various cocktails are around the extremely reasonable $10 mark. On offer are specialities such as the classic Kir Royal and Cosmopolitan as well as a range of sweet and refreshing concoctions which are sure to delight the tastebuds. As well as this extensive list, the Beach Hotel also offers a special $10 cocktail which changes every few weeks. Currently on special is the Angry Hulk: Midori, Blue Curacao, lemonade and pineapple juice served tall over ice. Why not enjoy it whilst playing trivia on a Wednesday night or on the front balcony overlooking the surf on a Saturday afternoon?