Who needs coffee when you have sunshine and cocktails? Radisson collection has put together a guide to help you find the best spots in the country to sip and chill. The festive season may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to stop! Laptop in one hand, cocktail in the other. The perfect blend of work and play!
By Tshegofatso Tube
Sip into summer at the perfect wine bar! Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good glass, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best spots to unwind and indulge. Cheers to a refreshing summer!
Leverage the digital age
In the age of visual discovery, Instagram and Facebook are your passports to the world’s most captivating bars. Feast your eyes on stunning cocktail creations, stylish interiors, and electric atmospheres. Hashtags like #winebar, #cocktailbar, #summerdrinks, and local city tags are your treasure map to hidden gems.
But don’t just take our word for it! Dive into review platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, and TripAdvisor to uncover the secrets of the best bars. Pay attention to recent reviews, and look for mentions of exceptional drinks, top-notch service, and ambiance that will make you feel like a VIP.
If you want the inside scoop, then it’s best to follow wine and food bloggers on social media or subscribe to their newsletters for expert recommendations and behind-the-scenes peeks into the world’s most exciting bars.
Ask a friend
Ask a friend to ask a friend to ask a friend! You can never go wrong with asking people that you already know about their favourite restaurants and bars. Let’s leave shyness in 2024 and approach bartenders and hotel concierges for their advice and recommendations.You never know what treasures you may stumble upon if you just learn to ask.
Curate the perfect atmosphere
Unwind in style, surrounded by luxurious calm.If this is what you love ,the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town has got you covered. From the beautiful interiors to the breathtaking views, the hotel is with no doubt the best place to unwind and reset.
While you’re there, be sure to indulge in the Raspberry Bliss, crafted with care by Radisson Collection’s talented mixologist, Melvin. This festive cocktail is the perfect way to toast to the upcoming season, with its vibrant flavours and seasonal charm.
Your summer sip spot
Take your cocktail experience to the next level at a chic wine bar with modern décor, comfortable seating, and a creative menu featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors.
Modern Tailors: The Ambassador in Pretoria is a cocktail lover’s haven, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and exotic drinks menu. Enjoy elaborate cocktails like the Sapphire Collins, crafted with Bombay Sapphire gin, pineapple syrup, and mint, or the Modern Tailors Mule, a refreshing blend of gin, tequila, mango, and ginger beer. Take a break between rounds with an alcohol-free Sharbat palette cleanser, featuring rose syrup, chia seeds, and lemon juice. Soak up the intimate ambiance, complete with low-lit lamps and cozy corners.
Embrace the adventure
Embark on a cocktail adventure! Don’t be shy to ask the bartender for tailored recommendations that match your taste. In Johannesburg, Sin+Tax in Rosebank is a must-visit. This edgy yet sophisticated gem boasts a low-lit, intimate atmosphere, perfect for sipping on a classic Old Fashioned, crafted to perfection.
Feeling fancy? Let the expert bartenders weave their magic with a bespoke cocktail, tailored to your desires. Their excellence recently earned them the coveted title of Best Bar Team at the 2024 Angostura Bar and Beverage Awards.
Elevate your drink choice
For an unforgettable evening, gather your closest friends at Mr Pants in Blairgowrie. This intimate gem, proudly dubbed South Africa’s smallest wine bar, offers a unique experience. While cocktails aren’t on the menu, you’ll discover an impressive selection of small-batch, boutique wines and rare vintages available by the bottle or glass. Savour exceptional wines in warm, convivial company.
Other amazing places to visit across South Africa:
Cape Town
Cape Town’s nightlife scene is abuzz with exciting spots. Head to Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront for award-winning brandies and expertly crafted cocktails. For a touch of elegance, The Willaston atop the Zeitz MOCAA art museum offers dazzling city views. Alternatively, Tjing Tjing’s Rooftop Bar serves up Japanese-inspired cocktails in a unique 200-year-old attic space. Or, unwind at Gigi Rooftop Bar, a tropical oasis with lush greenery, sunset drinks, and poolside fun.
Johannesburg
The Ivy Champagne Garden is a charming rooftop bar in Bedfordview with stunning views of the city skyline and an extensive cocktail menu.
Feel like a VIP at Marble Restaurant’s luxurious, elegant, exclusive bar…and they make the best White Russians in town.
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Lucky Shaker in Umhlanga offers creative and innovative cocktails in a stylish setting.
The Sandbar in Umdloti’s perfect balance of beach chic and gorgeous ocean views sets the scene for a summer of refreshing cocktails.
The Chairman in Durban’s CBD – a historic building houses this jazzy cigar lounge and bar with a creative cocktail menu.
This ultimate guide to South Africa’s top cocktail spots is your passport to a year of indulgence and delight. Remember, a balanced life is the key to happiness.Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a new spot to unwind, this guide has got you covered.
To learn more about the Radisson Collection Hotel visit https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-collection-cape-town-waterfront