Scout’s Top Shire Cocktails To Add To Your Bucket List
Where to sip in 2025
Pictured: Next Door, Cronulla
Want to know the BEST places to nab a table when those cocktail cravings hit? We’re not just talking about your classic espresso martini, cosmopolitan or margarita. From a famous Alphabet St. Apple Martini to an overindulgent Salted Caramel Espresso Martini (we’re looking at you Cony’s), we’ve curated a list of the most unique, insta-worthy and quite frankly irresistible Shire cocktails.
The Apple Martini by Alphabet St.
We can’t talk about cocktails in the Shire without first mentioning Alphabet St’s famous Apple Martini. Guests travel from near and far to get their hands on this bad boy and we can understand why. The Alphabet Apple Martini is made from vanilla vodka, fresh apple and lemon (that’s all they’ll disclose anyway). But can we blame them? It's fresh, sour, and, look, simply perfect. If you’re yet to experience its glory, we suggest booking a table. Now.
5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla
Strawberrini and Kiwi Carnival by Cony’s
There are a few must-try cocktails at Cony’s as choosing a favourite simply isn’t an option. The Strawberrini (pictured) is made with vodka, melon liqueur, strawberry puree, and lime. As for the Kiwi Carnival, expect a combination of spiced rum, kiwi fruit, lemon and lime on the rocks. Don’t judge this one by its cover, the flavour is next level! The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, topped with a crunchy, salty, chocolatey, caramelly honeycomb sort of thing is also a crowd favourite, as is the Sour Sunset and incredible Cony’s Margarita. You’ll need to schedule a few visits to try them all.
15 Surf Road, Cronulla
Sicilian Margarita and Shire Standard by Bobby’s Cronulla
Bobby’s beachside setting is reason enough to visit, but their cocktail game seals the deal. The Sicilian Margarita (pictured) blends tequila, limoncello, honey, and lemon for a zesty twist on the classic, while the Shire Standard brings a coastal spin with vodka, lychee, passionfruit liqueur, and lemon. Consider these your go-tos for sundown sipping.
6R The Esplanade, Cronulla
Limoncello Spritz by Fior
Fior has brought plenty to love to the heart of Gymea. With a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine delivered with a friendly Aussie flair, Fior's cocktail menu doesn't disappoint either. Their impressive selection includes Italian classics with a modern twist — and the refreshing Limoncello Spritz is a standout.
756 Kingsway, Gymea
The Marjorie by Next Door
While Next Door showcases some of the Shire’s best views, their dazzling cocktail menu is just as impressive. With exciting newcomers always joining the mix, there’s constantly something new to try — but here are a few menu staples worth mentioning. First up is the Marjorie: think apple martini meets classic margarita. Not your vibe? No worries — The Thomas and The Pav are equally fun (and delicious).
2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla
The Reef by Papa J’s
Papa J’s has one of the most expansive cocktail lists in the Shire, with over 30 confections to choose from. Yes. You read that right. Experimental and fun, they’re constantly adding to the menu. Our current fave is the The Reef featuring vodka one, curacao, passion fruit, lemon and pineapple, served on the rocks topped with fruit-popping pearls. Iconic.
2-6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Lychee Bubble Cocktail by Johnny Hu
From the iconic team behind Alphabet St., we expect nothing less than exceptional cocktails at Johnny Hu. Although their famous Apple Martini makes an appearance on the menu, we suggest trying a Bubble Tea Cocktail on your next visit; they’re like an explosion in your mouth. Our favourite is their The OG made from vodka, pomegranate and of course, lychee popping pearls.
1/138 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Never Be Like You by Highfields
There’s an art to nailing the perfect Lychee cocktail, but Highfields have done it! We present you the Never Be Like You made with Gordon’s pink gin, parfait amour, soho, lychee puree and rose syrup. Pro tip: pay them a visit during Cocktail Happy Hour, from Monday to Saturday, 7:00pm till 10:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm on Sundays.
22-24 MacKay Street, Caringbah
The Caddy Marg by Jensens
Made Reposado Tequila, cointreau, lime, red grapefruit and agave with a salt rim, if you’re a margarita lover like us, The Caddy Marg, is the perfect potion to kick-start a night at Jensens. Another two equally impressive contenders are the Pearls of Wisdom (pictured) and Caprioska; choose from one of four flavours - passionfruit, lychee, watermelon or pineapple.
1/13 Freya Street, Kareela
The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini by Giro Osteria
Some cocktails are just built to steal the spotlight — and this one knows it. Giro Osteria’s Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is smooth, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s everything you love about an espresso martini, with a twist of salted caramel and a fairy floss topper that turns dessert into a moment. Perfectly paired with pasta or to cap off your evening, it’s the kind of drink you’ll find yourself coming back for.
3/1 McDonald Street, Cronulla
Sour Patch Cup by The Prince
The Prince is a cocktail destination if ever we’ve known one. Regularly shifting things up and adding new bevvies to the menu, The Sour Patch Cup just keeps sticking. Expect Sour Patch Kidz, sour monkey, ketel one, blue curacao and sour syrup for one very fun drink. Obsessed? Order a jug!
533-541 Princes Highway
Madama Butterfly by The Pines
The drinks menu at The Pines is certainly impressive with the luxurious Velvet French a standout for many. But if you’re a martini fan like us, try the Madama Butterfly. Made from hoju soju, italicus bergamot liqueur, triple sec, butterfly pea tea, lemon, and faba, it’s fresh and fun.
Unit 1, 8 - 18 Kingsway, Cronulla
We can’t wait for you to work your way through these Shire-based cocktails. Happy sipping! In moderation, of course.