On the hunt for a new tipple? It’s a great time to get experimenting because Sydney is set to host the World Class Cocktail Festival this September. Over nine boozy days, The Rocks and the CBD will transform into a huge celebration of food, film, culture and of course, cocktails. Better yet, 50 of the world’s best bartenders are also making their way down under. Quay, Bennelong and Shell House are just some hospitality giants that are banding together for the event. There’s food and drink pop-ups, exciting collabs, wild parties and more to look forward to.
World Class Cocktail Festival
Set to take place from September 9 to 18, Sydney will host award-winning bartenders, foodies and cocktail lovers from over 50 countries. The Connaught’s Ago Perrone will be jetting in from London for a magical collab with Tanqueray No. TEN at Bennelong. The best bar, best view and best martini combine for this epic one-night only event. On the other side of the harbour, London bar Lyaness will bring a dazzling whisky lounge to harbourside staple Quay. The event will be hosted by Ryan Chetiyawardana — the name behind London’s celebrated White Lyan and Dandelyan bars. Norwegian bartender Monica Berg will be heading to Shell House’s Clocktower Bar to showcase her exceptional skills.
Highlights
Joining the who’s who of the mixology industry are several Sydney icons. Sydney’s Cantina OK! which sits pretty at number #23 of the world’s best bars will be slinging their famed margaritas joined by a stacked line-up of food trucks. There’s the beloved ’09 Beatbox Kitchen, Ricos Tacos and Melbourne’s Taco Truck Dos. As you sip and eat the night away, some of Sydney’s finest DJs will be spinning tunes for an epic night out. What’s not to love?
The party extends to other Sydney hotspots including Surry Hills, Newtown and the CBD with Earl’s Juke Joint, Maybe Sammy, Double Deuce, The Rover, Frankie’s, Hickson House, Dean & Nancy’s all joining in on the fun along with Melbourne’s Black Pearl. Some of the world’s finest bartenders will battle it out for the crown of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2022. Nick Tesar from Bar Liberty, Melbourne will be representing Australia.
There’s a lot more happening with more secret events expected to pop up. You can get in on the action although tickets are available on a first-come basis so get booking stat. Check out their full program here.