07 Aug 2025

21 Ways to Unlock The Rocks: Your Ultimate Cocktail Trail This August

If winter’s got you feeling flat, we’ve got just the pick-me-up. This August, The Rocks Cocktail Trail invites you to swap the chill for a cocktail shaker and explore 21 venues, each serving up an exclusive $25 cocktail and canapé pairing.
Whether you’re catching up with mates, planning a cute date night, or simply want to try something new, there’s no better way to experience The Rocks than on the Cocktail Trail. From underground speakeasies and sandstone pubs to heritage courtyards and luxe waterfront lounges—this is your invitation to unlock bold flavours and hidden gems, one sip at a time.

Live your Parisian fantasy at Le Foote

Enjoy the art of aperitivo with a gin martini and a tartine of smoked peppers, sheep yoghurt and sauce verte, all in an intimate Parisian-style laneway bar.

Experience precision at Tailor Room

Small but mighty, this 20-seat cocktail bar is big on charm. Sip a classic martini and snack on marinated olives or salted crisps in pure elegance.

Soak up the views at Park Hyatt Sydney

Few cocktails come with a harbour view this iconic. Sip a vibrant Red Ochre cocktail and savour salmon tartare as the Opera House glows nearby.

Discover a classic at Fortune of War Bistro 1828

Step into Sydney’s oldest pub and enjoy the tropical flavours of the Palm Tree Passion cocktail, paired perfectly with a nostalgic favourite—a golden, crispy potato scallop. Heritage with a twist.

Escape into The Garden

Tucked within a leafy open-air oasis, enjoy a tropical Passionfruit cocktail paired with your choice of hand-diced beef tartare or a rich olive and eggplant tapenade on crisp chickpea fritters.

Warm Up with an Irish Twist at 4 Doors Down

Escape the chill with a rich, velvety Irish Coffee paired with a classic Tayto sandwich—crisp Irish potato chips nestled between slices of buttery white bread. It’s a nostalgic flavour combo and the ultimate winter comfort.

Find the underground at The Doss House

Step down into this cosy former gambling den and savour a pistachio-infused twist on the classic whiskey sour. Paired with a decadent pistachio chocolate brownie, it’s a rich, nutty indulgence made for winter nights.

Indulge in modern steakhouse luxury at The Cut Bar & Grill

Go bold with the Midnight Alejandro, a spirit-forward creation that pairs surprisingly well with a mini honey cake—yes, it works.

Discover Tel Aviv flavour at Tayim

Nestled in golden sandstone surrounds, Tayim is serving a refreshing Yuzu Spritz and a baharat-spiced lamb rib that’s as tender as it is flavour-packed.

Enjoy a classic combo at The Orient

In this historic harbourside pub, savour the rich, spirit-forward French Connection cocktail alongside two caramelised onion and goat’s cheese tartlets. A timeless pairing in a beloved local icon.

Go full Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus

Raise a stein (or a Berlin Mule) and enjoy a freshly baked pretzel in this lively German beer hall with Bavarian beats and festive vibes.

Find an elusive Drop Bear at Hickson House

In this bold distillery bar, sip on a Drop Bear Martini—crafted with macadamia oil-washed gin and eucalyptus-infused vermouth—paired with seven-spice roasted macadamias. A wild twist on native Aussie flavour.

Let Saké take you away

At Saké, craftsmanship meets creativity. Choose between a Nikka Whisky or Mount Gay Rum Highball, served with elegant nori crisps topped with tuna or kingfish.

Go native at The Australian Heritage Hotel

Sip on a bold Davidson Plum Negroni and tuck into a Coat of Arms Pizza Pocket—stuffed with kangaroo and emu. It’s a cheeky nod to Aussie flavours in one of Sydney’s most iconic pubs.

Head to the rooftop at The Glenmore

Bask in the open air with sweeping rooftop views, a zesty Vietnamese Pacific oyster, and a refreshing Davidson Plum & Mandarin Gin Fizz. It’s the ultimate sky-high pairing.

Indulge waterside at Luna Lu

With unbeatable harbour views, Luna Lu pairs Asian-inspired elegance with your choice of a Yuzoni or Invito Colada cocktail and a flavour-packed bao—pork belly or eggplant. A stylish stop with a view.

Sip in the sky at Blu Bar on 36

Take in sweeping harbour views as you enjoy a Passion Star Martini paired with a luxurious Wagyu Girolamo bresola canapé, finished with truffle cream on toasted brioche. It’s elegance, elevated.

Step back in time at The Rawson

With a luxe lobster slider and the bold vanilla-and-bourbon notes of the ‘Angel 43’ cocktail, this historic gem is a must-visit.

Taste elegance at The Dining Room

Fine-dining meets cocktail hour with your choice of a Passionfruit or Rosella cocktail, paired with either beef tartare or a luscious olive and eggplant tapenade on chickpea fritters.

Toast to Tex-Mex at El Camino Cantina

Start loud and proud with El Camino’s Pocket Rocket Rita—a frozen Margarita bursting with colour—served with a loaded taco that packs serious flavour.

Warm up by the fire at Frank Mac’s

This charming gin bar is all sandstone and snug vibes. Their Irish Whiskey highball is bold and bright, paired with a BBQ pulled pork slider that’s perfect for winter grazing.
Ready to Unlock The Rocks? With so many incredible venues, flavours and vibes to discover, one visit simply won’t be enough. So plan your route, gather your people and get ready to sip and snack your way through The Rocks like never before.