From cocktail bars with ocean views to neighbourhood favourites, here are 19 of the best places to go for a cocktail in the Shire.

The Sutherland Shire was declared the second most liveable metropolitan area in Australia. We’ll drink to that! From Cony’s in Cronulla, to Hazel in Gymea, the cocktail craze in the Sutherland Shire has taken hold. While this is by no means the definitive list, here are 19 of the best places to toast in 2025.

Yuzu Voodoo @ Papa J’s Cronulla

Their near-endless, adventurous cocktail list is a conversation starter in itself at this 1950’s inspired bar.  Enjoy the small plate menu, and sip on amazing cocktails while you rock out to the best Soul, Funk & Rock ‘n’ Roll from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. PAPA Js

Negronis @ Cony’s Cronulla

The dazzling neon-lit sign at Cony’s Cronulla signals a changing of the guard at Grind Espresso, the cult café that morphs into a sophisticated bar by night. With Chilean-born Constanza Henriquez at the helm, you can expect a vibe that is Andean-Australian: kick back on a vintage chair with a Negroni in one hand and empanada in the other.  instagram.com/conys.cronulla

Chilli coco margarita @ Johnny Hu Chinese Restaurant

This stylish restaurant/bar is the best place to start a cocktail crawl that will become a swagger by the time you wind up at sister venues Giro Osteria (for a salted caramel espresso martini) and Alphabet St in Cronulla. Johnny Hu — Natale Group (natalegrouprestaurants.com)

Union Margarita @ Union Place Jannali

Intrepid boozehounds know all about Union Place in Jannali, which has been open for just over a year.  The modern cocktail revival is going strong here and we recommend you order the Union Margarita. If you visit the Union Place on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, cancel your plans for the rest of the afternoon. The hotel is located opposite the train station in Jannali which means nobody has to be designated driver. unionplacehotel.com.au

Meet me at Wanda @ Benny’s Cronulla

Nestled by Gunnamatta Bay, Benny’s in Cronulla offers a delightful mix of Australian and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood, hearty steaks, and classic fish and chips. Sip on a Benny’s specialty cocktail – Meet Me at Wanda. A refreshing mix of rum, triple sec, butterfly pea, strawberry, lemon, whites & mandarin soda. Perfect for sipping while soaking in the stunning waterfront views. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed, family-friendly dining experience. bennyscronulla.com.au

Espresso Martini @ Queen Margherita of Savoy

Regulars at Queen Margherita of Savoy might say they go there for the pizza, with its charred puffy crust and pure tomato-flavour. But apart from maintaining fidelity to the Neopolitan-style pizzas being pulled from the oven, those in the know always finish with an espresso martini or two, which nudges the experience into the stratosphere. qmos.com.au

Sunday Session Cocktail @ Next Door Cronulla

An offshoot of the popular Sealevel restaurant, Next Door Cronulla bubbles along with a happy din with a predominantly youthful crowd that includes handsome couples and young women wearing strappy sandals to show off toes that have had a recent shellacking. In summer, the signature Sunday Session is the go. nextdoorcronulla.com.au

Smoked Jalapeno Margarita @ Low & Lofty’s

After pausing to look at the artwork and murals, and vibing on the pinball machine, stay for the classic Caribbean-inspired dishes and drinks that are the untucked versions of old favourites. The smoked jalapeno margarita will have you dreaming of St Bart’s. Floating above Cronulla mall, the bar is like a lofty rum shack with no sand. Lowandloftys.com

Clover Club @ Hazel Kitchen and Bar

Hazel Kitchen and Bar at Hazelhurst Arts Centre offers a delightful dining experience with fresh, seasonal dishes. Their standout Clover Club cocktail, made with house-made raspberry liqueur and egg white, is a must-try. The picturesque setting and vibrant atmosphere make it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Highly recommended for a memorable visit! hazelgymea.com

Velvet French @ The Pines

The Pines draws inspiration from The Hamptons, celebrating the stunning local coastline with an open-air inspired dining room. Perched above the iconic North Cronulla beach, it offers breathtaking views that pay homage to the Norfolk Pine trees lining the vista. Begin your experience with a signature cocktail like the Velvet French! thepinescronulla.com.au/

Pearls of Wisdom @ Jensens at Kareela

Cross suburbs to Kareela for a Pearls of Wisdom, a concoction containing passionfruit, pineapple and cranberry served with ‘popping pearls’ and galvanised with vodka. Yes, it packs a powerful punch and it is also reflective of the changing of the seasons. It will transport you, with one sip, to a sunny summer’s day. jensensrestaurant.com.au/

Cocktails and Whiskey @ The Blind Bear

The Blind Bear has been a cornerstone of Cronulla’s nightlife since 2013. The bar exudes the charm of an American-style whiskey saloon, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and bespoke antique wooden furnishings that create a unique rustic ambiance. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a meticulously craftxed cocktail and explore a selection of over 100 whiskeys from around the globe. To find this hidden gem, look for the big steel door. The atmosphere inside is dark and moody, perfect for a cozy escape. theblindbear.com

Watermelon sour @ CC Babcoq

If you’re new to the Sutherland Shire and are trying to figure out how to live like a local head to CC Babcoq.  The eatery seems to be bathed in permanent luminous sunshine by day. As night falls, the uniform changes, delivering waves of sophisticated diners from different social stratas. The drink of choice in summer is the watermelon sour.  ccbabcoq.co

A line-up of spritzes @ Salt Meats Cheese

You don’t have to be bronzed, coiffed and in your 20s to dine here, but it helps. You will be offered a dazzling array of cocktails at this airy restaurant and the suave waiters will be right on hand to guide you through their favourites. Try the wild berry spritz, the cucumber spritz, Aperol spritz, and elderflower spritz. Saltmeatscheese.com/cronulla

Ah Honey @ Croydon Lane Wine + Tapas Bar

Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar is one of Cronulla’s original small wine bars. The pocket-sized hard-to-find hangout is tucked away in a corner of Cronulla Plaza and remains all the rage with those who have moved on from sweating it out under a strobe. Enjoy the must try Ah Honey – Apple liquor, Midori, white rum, honeydew, apple juice and lemon juice. croydonlane.com

Twist and Dunk @ The Prince

The Prince hits its stride in party season. The biggest question confronting diners is where to sit as it’s a veritable wonderland of spaces defined and designed for all occasions. The next question is which of their amazing cocktails to try first – you really can’t go wrong! One standout option is The Twist & Dunk: a delicious mix of vodka, Baileys, butterscotch schnapps, condensed milk, chocolate, vanilla, and Oreos. It’s heaven in cocktail form. theprincehotel.com.au/

Cloud 9 @ Highfield

With its range of plush seating, well-heeled clientele, and distant views of Sydney CBD, Highfield is a local standout. The multi-tiered space includes a spacious bistro and a lush, appealing indoor-outdoor area that gives you a big blast of fresh air and an expansive outlook. Shout your friends a Cloud 9 – a delicious blend of gin, Blue Curacao, lemon, simple syrup, and egg whites – during happy hour (7-10 pm Monday-Saturday; 3-6 pm on Sunday). highfieldcaringbah.com.au/

Raspberry Jammin’ @ Northie’s 

It’s worth thumbing through the drinks list at Northie’s as it brims with choice.  The space is huge and a paradise for young professionals and tradies looking for love or at the very least a cold one. We recommend sitting in the cosy plant-filled terrace and ordering a few Raspberry Jammins, which, after a day well spent sunning yourself on the beach across the road should match both your colour and mood.  northies.com.au/

Apple Martini @ Alphabet Street

Alphabet Street in Cronulla is where your taste buds go to party. This vibrant Asian fusion restaurant is known for its signature Apple Martini, a unique cocktail that perfectly complements their flavourful dishes. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors! Alphabet St.

Written by Carla Grossetti, an award-winning local journalist. Follow her food and travel adventures at @food.travel.stories on Instagram. To read more of Carla’s stories, visit www.carlagrossetti.com. 

Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal speaking people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land of Sutherland Shire.