Where to sip on the best cocktails in Johannesburg

Very few places in Johannesburg can match Six Cocktail Bar when it comes to the best cocktail refreshment. Sixes, as it is known to regulars, is so popular that the cocktail lounge even extended its facility a few years ago to accommodate more cocktail lovers.

Patrons at this place cannot get enough of Six’s signature shape-shifting Voodoo Vodka, whose contrasting fruit liqueurs change flavour as you sip, the subtle Absent Without Leave, which combines herbal absinthe with fruity flavours, and the bestselling Excitabull, which features a dash of Stroh rum, vodka, Red Bull and other flavours.

Happy hour at Six looks like a daily 2-for-1 cocktail special from opening until 7:00 pm, so you have ample time to check out their unapologetic flavours. If you’re with a friend, you can even swap your drinks with each other. The entertainment is a cocktail in its own right, with offerings that include salsa nights, comedy specials, game nights and themed events.

SILK sits at the old News Cafe, which they have revamped to give the new establishment its own look and feel. The cocktail lounge features an R&B section and an Amapiano section, so you don’t have to be subjected to a genre that doesn’t resonate with you.

Their creative play on cocktail names features the Spicy Mango Margarita, Devoted Diva and Love n Murder. Their budget-friendly specials include selected cocktails for around R49.95 for extended hours, and you can also find classics like the Long Island Iced Tea and Mojito.

The bar’s fruity and refreshing signature mixes also come in non-alcoholic versions.

Alto234 is the absolute lap of luxury, known for being the highest urban bar in Africa. Located on the 57th-floor rooftop of The Leonardo in Sandton, this cocktail bar gives you a high-end experience while you enjoy a 360-degree view of the City of Gold.

Their spirit and fruit combinations have a playful take on names, such as the very South African Ish, Sorry Bhoza, which refreshes you with rum mixed with pineapple and lemon juices and a hint of bitters. Tequila lovers will enjoy their Don Summer, which combines Don Julio with orange, thyme and dry lemon, but if cognac is your thing, then you might want to try the self-explanatory Hennessy VS Sours.

Their mocktail offerings include the apple, lemon, soda and cucumber-infused Green House Effect, the Lemon Berry Seltzer, which leads with raspberry flavours, and the Tropical Sunrise, whose fruity flavours are elevated by honey syrup and lemonade.

Budapest is located in Orlando East, and the venue is a modern spot where wooden accents meet lush greens and neon features. It’s only open from Thursday to Sunday, but you’ll have a blast because the venue regularly hosts live music, DJs and trivia nights.

You have a choice between gin or tequila for your Budapest Paloma, which is infused with grapefruit, vanilla, celery and other flavours. The Red Silhouette features vodka, red curaçao, simple syrup and lime. They also serve non-alcoholic versions of their fruity and citrus-based mixes.

Proud Mary prides itself on its mid-century-inspired decor that blends vintage with contemporary tones. Located at the heart of Rosebank, the venue boasts a main dining area and a central bar, as well as an outside terrace which is great for this time of year.

Their Proud Mary takes Chenin Blanc to extra heights with Bombay Sapphire gin and fruity infusions, while their Cosmopolitan plays around with cranberry flavours. If you’re looking for a classic with even more character, try the Siesta Paloma, which features fresh lime juice and grapefruit. If you can’t stand the Jozi heat, take it all the way to Paris and lose yourself in gin, Ardbeg 10, elderflower syrup and lemon infusions.

If you’re looking for alcohol-free refreshment, you can sip on the litchi and lime flavours of their Botanica, or try the Waterberry, which takes a tropical play on watermelon and berries.

LUMO’s Afrocentric, nature-inspired decor brings earthy tones, marble tables and modern accents together, weaving in natural greens to give it aesthetic appeal.

You can chill under the African Sunset, which infuses double silver tequila and Drambuie with syrups and Mzansi’s gemere (ginger beer), or discover the Treasures of Dubai, hidden in double Olmeca Reposado tequila, vanilla ice cream and fruity infusions. If you want a great start to your week, you can sip on Sunday Bottomless Mimosas until 4:00 pm.

You can also grab the non-alcoholic menu featuring the Déjà Vu with berries, syrup and lemonade, the Santorini with strawberry purée, basil, lemon juice and soda, and Sweet Love with watermelon, mint, lemon juice and soda.

This Benoni venue’s regular live music offerings are one of the reasons why it's such a popular spot. Tsunami Beach Bar is also known for its well-priced cocktails, so you don’t have to cry about breaking the bank while you sip.

Their beach-style menu features classics like Strawberry Daiquiris, Piña Coladas, Mai Tais and Sangria. They also play around with creamy creations such as their Cotton Candy Colada, which combines Malibu and coconut syrup with cream and other ingredients.

You can also get virgin versions of their cocktails.

If you’re looking for some after-work vibes, Sin+Tax opens from 5:00 pm from Wednesdays to Fridays, with Saturdays giving you two more hours from 3:00 pm. You can enjoy your colourful drink of choice while jiving to DJ sets and pop-up events at this Rosebank lounge.

Their internationally acclaimed cocktails are a variation of local botanicals, house-made infusions and seasonal South African ingredients. What you get on the menu depends entirely on the time of year, but classic cocktails like the Negroni are always available on their Black Book menu. Their Bottled Classics, like the Cape Old Fashioned, which infuses brandy with wild blossom honey and bitters, or the Leaf Litter, which is a gin and local botanicals combination, can even be taken home.

This open-air craft bar is located at the Glenvista Country Club in the south of Johannesburg, giving you an enchanting view of the golf course. Green Craft boasts a scenic setting featuring a covered wooden deck and outdoor terrace, where you can enjoy entertainment offerings like quiz nights, karaoke nights and a Thursday Ladies' Night.

Don's Daiquiri is a play on the popular daiquiri that elevates the berry drink with Don Papa rum and vanilla. Their Clover Club features raspberry gin, Butlers Strawberry liqueur, lemonade and lime, but if you prefer classics like the Cosmopolitan, Mojito or Margarita Jugs to share, they’ve got you covered.

Designated drivers are also welcome to sip on the non-alcoholic versions of the Strawberry Daiquiri, Piña Colada, Cosmopolitan and Margarita.