Where can a girl get a decent drink around here? Here are 9 new Melbourne (and beyond) bars to taste this Winter.
The Understudy Ski Lodge / Melbourne CBD
Baby, it’s cold outside (as if you didn’t notice). Let’s snuggle at the seasonal Understudy Ski Lodge nestled beneath 1806. This pop-up is a destination for decadent apres-ski styled nightcaps. Cocktails here are intentionally indulgent winter warmers. Rosy cheeks guaranteed. The bar snacks are firmly in comfort food mode: scoff gooey camembert or fondue for two. Now this is the only kind of warm-up I’ll happily do.
Skyline / Geelong
At 10 levels up, Skyline brings sky-high sips to the new Crowne Plaza Geelong hotel. Given the seaside location, the bar snacks can’t help but lean towards something fishy; from oysters three ways, locally-sourced mussels, even fish and chips. The views up here pan across Corio Bay and are hard to beat – particularly come sunset. But the cocktails, named with various cinematic puns, may prove to be enough distraction. Try the ‘Mama Corleone’ bursting with both bourbon and berries.
Dutch Rules / Mitcham
Destination distillery Dutch Rules has transformed. It’s now a fully-fledged bar and kitchen dishing out exceptional cocktail-friendly bites. Young Chef of the Year 2026 Viveik Vinoharan leads the kitchen. The menu features Australian produce with Sri Lankan accents; fitting as the distillery is an ode to owner Danny Perera’s heritage, and an era when the Dutch controlled coastal Ceylon and therefore influenced the spice trade. Those botanicals remain essential to gin-making to this day. Expect oysters bathed in gin. P.S. House cocktails are a flat-rate $20 all the time.
Bar Ferdinand / Melbourne CBD
Getting secret garden vibes from this new city cocktail bar. Aside from fresh tweaks on the classic Martini and Japanese Slipper; each drink is inspired by a different element that you might encounter when strolling through an imaginary garden. That could be literal interpretation – the flavour of a rose, perhaps – or just re-capturing a sensory feeling. Did you know the original Japanese Slipper was invented on site – when the building housed Mietta’s back in the 80’s? That iconic heritage is worth pondering over one of Ferdinand’s fragrant or floral tipples. Photography: Kristoffer Paulsen.
The Florence / Melbourne CBD
I don’t know if fried olives stuffed with parmesan and $10 mini Negronis during happy hour can solve all of my problems. But you can’t blame a girl for trying. Since a first-class jaunt to Tuscany is not on the cards right now, a trip to this Florentine-inspired wine and cocktail bar seems a decent substitute. Say ciao to moody-yet-warm interiors and after midnight pasta.
Rattlers Saloon / Mornington
Americana – the good parts, anyway – is on the menu at this new honkytonk (such a great word) near the shore. A sports bar downstairs plays live ESPN on screen, live country and western and beyond music plays on the weekends, and it’s always time for shooters or navigating their extensive American whisky selection. Cocktails aren’t an afterthought either. Sip a Southern-style spritz or a substantial Oaklahoma Smokeshow. Then soak it up with loaded potato gems, or “tater tots” in yankee parlance, pickle chips and wings.
Bar Kaeru / Melbourne CBD
Here is a safe space to explore sake. Not only from the traditional Japan but also emerging expressions from producers beyond the land of the rising sun. “Kaeru” roughly translates to “to return home” and that’s the vibe the creators want you to experience at their retro futuristic drinking den; a place you’ll yearn to return to again and again. You simply must order a little plate of savoury taka donuts topped with cured roe to go with your tastings. And don’t miss the sublimely-styled sake cocktails.
Little Red’s Bar / Melbourne CBD
If the Goldilocks’ rooftop is just right for you, now go find Little Red’s lost in the urban woods below. In this fairytale-influened space, be tempted by one of their signature storybook cocktail. Perhaps “The Mother’s Warning” a peanut buttery take on espresso martini? Or a blue cheese-laced dirty martini for those who like a stiff drink that shows some teeth. All the better to sip with you, my dear!
The Boat Bar / Queenscliff
How about a winter escape to a bar that you can reach by ferry (and a jaunty stroll)? After 10 years laying dormant, the Queenscliff Hotel has undergone a breathtaking restoration. Along with it comes The Boat Bar which blends heritage with modern style. Let’s do classic dry martinis on a long afternoon here. Take the spiral staircase to peek inside the moody cellar in the depths below – darts and shuffleboard await you.
Know of a new cocktail bar or craft spirits centric venue to add to this list? Email the Editor: sarah@drinkmelbourne.com.au
