Santa Monica: With a distinct laid–back vibe that embodies breezy Californian sensibilities, Santa Monica is a no brainer when it comes to finding the best cocktail – especially one that is perfectly refreshing. Sidle up to the bar and order Rose Avenue, with Tanqueray gin, rose syrup, pink grapefruit and watermelon or if you are keen on something with a different kind of kick, the Pacific Park is another gin-based recipe that also boasts Paraiso, Domaine Canton ginger, fresh chilli and kaffir lime. Finally, the Broad-Stage is another refreshing libation that is concocted using Ciroc vodka, Paraiso, strawberries, lime juice and rhubarb bitters.

The Kitty: Treasury Casino’s home of mixology is undoubtedly one of Brisbane’s best spots for a cocktail. The Kitty whips up everything from sours and fizzes to punches and creamy sips. The Strawberry Starfish is a sweet blend of Absolut vodka, coconut, pineapple juice and strawberries shaken together and topped with strawberry foam. Also recommended is the Jalisco Express Martini – a tequila variation of the martini using Herradura Reposado and Patron XO.

Comuna Cantina: Latin-inspired street food is some of the freshest cuisines available during the warmer months, and patrons can pair their arepas, tacos and Mexican tortas with some equally zesty cocktails. Alongside the classic frozen margaritas, Comuna Cantina also offers the like of the J Lo, which fuses gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, pomegranate liqueur and pomegranate seeds, and the cracking In Love with the Coco cocktail – a chilli coconut mojito with coconut liqueur, fresh chilli and a bit of spicy rum (upon request) for a stronger zing.

Jade Buddha Bar & Kitchen: One of Brisbane’s best riverside locales is not only a great place to catch some cool river breezes, it’s also a great place to kick back in comfort with a cocktail in hand. The Blushing Geisha comes highly recommended, and is made with muddled strawberries, lime, vodka, strawberry liqueur, Malibu, Frangelico, apple juice and is topped with soda or lemonade.

Bar Pacino: In addition to unbeatable views and some of the most impressive charcuterie boards in town, Bar Pacino is also a dynamo cocktail destination. If you’ve got a thirst, quench it with a Figa, featuring lychee syrup, gin, lime, cucumber, mint and St Germaine elderflower liqueur or the Valencia, which is a vanilla passionfruit twist on a mojito with white rum, mint and a cherry on top. If that isn’t enough to satisfy your tastebuds, Bar Pacino also whips up jugs of peach and strawberry sangria with a rosé base and some specialty Nutella shots infused with spiced rum and vodka.

Sazerac: Although hot air rises, we also suggest ascending approximately thirty floors above the city bustle to Sazerac – a stellar rooftop locale that prides itself on its cocktail offering. In addition to the Sazerac signature cocktail, we suggest patrons also sample the Kiwi, which sees Absolut vanilla, Midori and Joseph Cartron Crème de Triple Sec mixed with kiwi fruit and lime. If sweet thangs are more your thang, opt for the Caramel Popcorn Martini, which infuses Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum with salted caramel popcorn syrup cream and a few kernels of caramel popcorn.

The Survey Co.: Tucked away on Burnett Lane is The Survey Co, a chic and modern bar and eatery that offers a concise selection of cocktails to choose from. The uniquely named Anyone For Tennis is a great option for springtime sipping, featuring Aperol, tequila, Cointreau and fresh grapefruit juice. If this doesn’t wet your whistle, try The Normandy Martini, which mixes calvados, Chambord and fresh pressed apple juice into a tasty concoction.

Sixteen Antlers: We can’t get enough of refined rooftop bars, especially when they are of the calibre of Brisbane’s newest elevated locale Sixteen Antlers. In addition to a stellar tapas range, Sixteen Antlers have some colourful concoctions such as the PG – 16, which mixes Chambord, peach schnapps, Makers Mark, Tanqueray, Mount Gay, lemon and grapefruit, or the Pink Peppercorn, made with Absolut, peach schnapps, apple juice, cranberry juice, pink peppercorns, chilli and lime.

Socialites Bar: Not only is The New Inchcolm Hotel & Suites a fantastic place to stay when visiting Brisbane (or indulging in a cheeky staycation) but the Socialites Bar is a sublime spot to grab a expertly made drink. Order the bar’s signature – The Socialite – and enjoy the mixture of spiced rum, pear liqueur and ginger liqueur, or ask the expert mixologists to craft something to suit your tastes. November will also see Socialites Bar launch the Chandon S – a champagne cocktail that blends Chandon with hand-crafted orange bitters and will surely be the perfect sundowner over summer.

Mr & Mrs G Riverbar: One of Eagle Street’s most popular riverside destinations changes its cocktail offering every season, which means our timing couldn’t be any better. The shared cocktails are a real treat, with enough red and white sangria to float a boat and plenty of original cocktails to choose from. The spring cocktail menu includes the Sun is Shining, a refreshing number featuring Bombay Sapphire gin, Cointreau, mandarin juice, lemon juice, thyme syrup and Peychaud’s bitters, as well the Red Pearl, which boasts Flor De Cana rum, Massenez grenadine syrup, fresh strawberries, lime juice and a top up of Fortitude Pacer pale ale.

Has reading this made you thirsty? Take a look at all of the food and drink-centric goodness in Brisbane City’s new eating and drinking guide, Dish.