Raise a glass to World Paloma Day

Tokyo comes to town at ANTHM, a polished cocktail bar that has quickly built a loyal following in the inner city. The sense of theatre comes from owner, artist and mixologist Tetsuo Hasegawa, but for this creator, it’s never smoke and mirrors without substance. Rather, the focus is on perfect balance in every drink, beautifully presented and served in eye-catching stemware. The mood is just as memorable, with vinyl on the decks and an after-dark energy that makes this a better space for late-night drinks than sundowner sips. On the menu, Hasegawa brings his own spin to the ‘Classics’, but for a real taste of his creativity, try one of the signatures: the smoky notes of the ‘Foggy Forest’ make it a perfect pick for wintry nights. 

63 Loop Street, Cape Town

Having featured several times in the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars lists, Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen is all about celebrating the flavours and culinary heritage of the Cape, with owner Kurt Schlechter and his team of talented mixologists creating an ever-changing array of cocktails. Expect reinvented classics and offbeat signatures on a menu with a sense of whimsy, but also a serious approach to waste and sustainability. Cause Effect also celebrates the region’s award-winning brandies, with guided tastings of vintage spirits.

Shop 280, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

If ever there was a bellwether for when Cape Town’s East City became cool, it might just be when the shutters rolled up on Tommy’s Chop Shop. What began as a few friends drinking whisky in the garage behind Just Like Papa has become one of Cape Town’s most likeable neighbourhood bars. If you love The House of Machines, you’ll also be a fan of the motorbike energy – there’s a car hanging upside down from the ceiling here! – and a drinks list that leans heavily into bourbons, whiskeys and well-made cocktails with an edge to keep them interesting, but nothing too precious. It’s casual, characterful and best enjoyed by people who don’t mind a late night.

50 Canterbury Street, District Six

Loud. Lively. And just a little bit grungy. That’s why locals love Talking to Strangers, a bar with plenty of character and a cocktail menu that will keep you there until the wee hours. Talking to Strangers is the brainchild of Alessandro Galassi (who handles the playlist and aesthetic) and Nicholas Crouse, who looks after the mixology. And what a menu that is, with classics, mocktails and a fine range of seasonal and one-week-only creations. As much as the drinks are a draw, so are the food. It’s hands-on, no-fuss fare, with the likes of chicken strips, prawn toast and short-rib tacos among the standouts. Saturdays are best, with DJs spinning vinyl.

61 Loop Street, Cape Town

This slick bar promises cocktails with a story, and it doesn’t disappoint. Each carefully curated concoction at Fable tells the tale of a local legend, from ill-fated lovers to ghostly ships haunting the seas off Cape Point. If that’s altogether too complicated, there’s an extensive collection of classic pours, craft brews and local wines. Regular DJ sets add to the promise of a lively night out, with flavour-packed food and bold drinks to match.

Corner Bree & Wale Streets, Cape Town

‘All strays are welcome’, says Unclaimed cheerfully, and you’ll be more than happy to wander into this neighbourhood bar on Kloof Street. On a strip known for its bustle, Unclaimed is delightfully low-key. The wine list is thoughtful without being intimidating, while the cocktail list has enough personality to stand out. The signature is the spicy guava margarita, but white sangria and an aromatic Garibaldi give the bar a more playful edge. Keep an eye on their socials for regular live music and DJ sets, too.

55 Kloof Street, Gardens

Wander the streets of Milan, Italy, and you’ll soon find that the early-evening aperitivo is widely regarded as a human right. At the very least, it’s a mark of a civilised city. And it’s that tradition that Aperitif brings to the top end of Bree Street, with a welcome dose of European drinking culture, built on stretching golden hour into the evening.  

You won’t find much mixology wizardry here, but rather a focus on classic cocktails, spritzes and low-ABV serves. It’s chic without being too stiff, and the perfect spot for an after-work drink or a first date. Their Caco Nib Negroni is a standout in the selection of signature drinks, but the classic martini also won’t disappoint. And if that date goes well, you can order another round and extend it to dinner, with a menu of small snacks and hearty sandos.

 227 Bree Street, Cape Town

The Drinkery is a gem of a watering hole is hidden away upstairs in Heritage Square, a modern speakeasy shaking up a menu of innovative house cocktails and the classics done properly. That’s thanks to a bespoke collection of boutique brands behind the bar, from small-batch Caribbean rums to single-barrel single malts. Get there early to grab a terrace table overlooking the sheltered courtyard.

Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

Ask a local for the best negroni in Cape Town and chances are they’ll point you towards The House of Machines, a diminutive bar in the city centre. In office hours it’s a popular spot for remote workers, but come evening THOM shakes itself off to become a lovably noisy rabble-rouser of a cocktail joint. Don’t expect umbrellas, foams and frivolity here: at THOM they’re more into craft beer and barrel-aged spirits poured properly. With live music most nights and barkeeps unafraid to speak their mind, it’s a bar with plenty of attitude. Just the way the locals like it.

84 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

At the far end of the Sea Point strip, the sleek lines and chic interiors of The Cole have made this new boutique hotel one of the most sought-after sleeps in Cape Town. But even if you’re not staying the night, it’s worth stopping by for a seat at Script on the ground floor. 

In a seriously stylish space – spilling out onto a small terrace – the menu concept taps into ‘drinks as stories’, from taking a walk through the ‘Whispering Orchard’ (jasmine-infused vodka, umeshu plum wine) to inhaling the ‘Perfume of Departure’ (Havana Club, chocolate bitters, lemon balm mist). The aim is to inspire emotion above and beyond sipping a sundowner. Across the board, expect flavour-led creations over hotel-bar classics: think yuzu margaritas, passionfruit mezcal palomas, pear old fashioneds, and other cocktails designed around mood, aroma and texture. Bar snacks are elevated here too, with a new food menu pitched at elegant snacking and to inspire you to head upstairs for dinner at Figo.

The Cole, 1 Church Road, Sea Point