Ipswich is proud to be home to two beer breweries (4 Hearts Brewing and Ballistic Beer Co), but did you know you can also find a wide variety of delicious cocktails in many restaurants and bars around Ipswich? Enjoy a meal with your cocktail or grab your mates and stop by for a cheeky drink (or two) at any (or all!) of these places.
Bakehouse Steakhouse
Famous for its steak and endless fries, Bakehouse Steakhouse is in an iconic building which started as Haleys Bakery in 1874. Walk in through the pink entrance door, and inside the historic brick building you will find a contemporary and fresh space which suits their extensive cocktail menu to a tee.
You can find classics such as margaritas, mojitos and martinis, as well as bespoke cocktails which feature fortnightly. Bakehouse Spritz? Turkish Delight? Salted Caramel Espresso Martini? Whatever your flavour, you’re sure to find it at the Bakehouse Steakhouse. Cocktail jugs are perfect for summer, and popular mocktails such as Hey Pinky and Pine Passion are also available.
Banshees Bar & Artspace
For live music performances and art exhibitions, you can’t go past Banshees Bar & Artspace. Open Wednesday to Saturday each week and some Sundays, check out their gig guide to see what’s on. Banshees has a fully stocked bar with a range of bar snacks available. Why not go along to one of their regular karaoke or open mic nights while you enjoy a refreshing cocktail? The Platypus Punch is a delicious gin, lime and watermelon punch, perfect for a summer night. Their summer cocktail specials menu also includes the Banshees Bloody Mary, Captain’s Mule and a classic Mojito.
Brothers Leagues Club
Cocktail of the month at Brothers Leagues Club is where its at! Pimms jug? Bliss on the Beach? Noble Sun? These are just some of the recent cocktails of the month. Or try the Australian Tropical Thunder (pictured above).
The recently renovated bar at Brothers Leagues Club sits between Shamrocks restaurant and Finns café and is where you will find much of the clubs daytime and evening entertainment. If live sporting action is more your game, watch all the action in the Sports Bar, then move on over to the lounge after the game to enjoy a cocktail made to order.
Jets Leagues Club
For a mouth-watering selection of cocktails, the newly renovated Jets Leagues Club is the place to be. Their latest cocktail menu includes an Espresso Martini made with real coffee, Passionfruit Margarita, and colourful drinks such as Grasshopper and Fruit Tingle! Jets also has live music on a Friday night, making it a great reason to get together with friends.
Memories of India
While it’s not your typical pub food, Memories of India is in a beautiful heritage building which was once the old corner pub. Their menu consists of a wide range of authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine, so it’s not surprising that they also offer a wide range of cocktails too. There are many classic cocktails with a twist such as Strawberry Daiquiri, Passionfruit Mojito and the Lemon Margarita (pictured).
Prince Alfred Hotel
The Prince Alfred Hotel or ‘The PA’ as it’s more commonly known to locals, is home to the biggest craft beer bar in the southern hemisphere. The bar is called Tap’d and it has over 100 different craft beers and ciders flowing on any given day. The PA Hotel has two restaurants called Char’d and Plantations on site, and with their extensive food options, it’s no wonder they have plenty of cocktails to choose from too! Try luscious cocktails such as Fluffy Unicorn, Love Potion, Mint Mocha Martini or FizzyPop, just to name a few.
The Pumpyard Bar and Restaurant
For relaxed and casual dining complimented by award winning beer brewed on site, you can’t go past The Pumpyard Bar. It’s not just beer that’s great here, why not try an Espresso Martini or a cocktail jug?! Their delicious menu which consists of home smoked meats, pizza and other comfort foods will go perfect with a cocktail. Check the 4 Hearts Brewing Company Facebook page for information about their comedy and live music sessions too.
The Sugarmill Restaurant
Warm up with a drink in the lounge at The Sugarmill Restaurant, located in Woodlands of Marburg’s historical mansion. The mansion was built by Queensland sugar baron Tommy Smith in 1890. Be transported back to a time of elegance and sophistication on Friday and Saturday evenings in the beautiful dining room with beautifully presented food and cocktails. The Sugarmill’s cocktails are perfect for a dinner date or a relaxing evening with friends – enjoy the Sugarmill Old Fashioned, a Gatsby Blue Daiquiri or Mary’s Mojito!
The Cottage
The Cottage Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant set inside a charming heritage Queenslander, serving Modern Australian Cuisine. With delicious food and cocktails such as Lemon Meringue Pie and Southside made with Ink Gin, it’s no wonder they have won the Australian Good Food Guide’s Readers Choice Award for the past six years running!
The Rusty Nail
Le Bond. 007. Lychee Lara. Marlon Brando. These are just a few of the delicious cocktails available at The Rusty Nail, including a namesake whisky-based cocktail. These cocktails are based on the wants and desires of their customers, and they work closely with their suppliers to source local ingredients. The Rusty Nail also has delicious tapas and share plates, and you can catch live music there from local artists on Sunday afternoons.
For more cocktail experiences, check out the restaurants here.
