Hot 5 bars

399

Perth

While beer and wine offerings are broken down on the blackboard, ordering cocktails is a team effort involving you, your bartender and 399's seriously impressive alphabet of booze: you say what you're feeling, they pitch some ideas at you, repeat until an agreement has been reached. 399 William St,
Perth 6000 (http://399bar.com).

El Publico

Highgate

Not surprisingly, mezcal and tequila are El Publico's Bella Twins with the bar's 60-something bottle selection covering everything from single village Del Magueys to rare bottles of extra anejo tequila. As tradition demands, sipping spirits are served with a piquant house-made sangrita - a sweet 'n' spicy combo of pomegranate, citrus, tomato juice and hot sauce. 511 Beaufort St, Highgate 6003 (0418 187 708 www.elpublico.com.au).

Must Winebar

Highgate

Downstairs at Must Winebar you can easily while away the afternoon and easily skim over the awkward day/night drinking divide. The wine list is part old world, part new and for something a bit special, venture upstairs to the opulent Champagne Lounge - a place where indulgence is not just permitted but forcefully advocated. 519 Beaufort St, Highgate 6003 (08 9328 8255 www.must.com.au).

Defectors

Mount Lawley

This olde worlde den of couches and armchairs is a world away from the shared jugs and boho-charm of its underfoot sibling, the Scotsman. Order a Kentucky Treacle Pie, a highly gluggable concoction of Rittenhouse rye, maple syrup and apple juice, or maybe the floral Sooky La La, essentially a gimlet with St Germain standing in for the lime cordial is more your cup of tea. 639 Beaufort St,Mount Lawley 6050 (08 9328 6200).

Luxe Bar

Highgate

There might be edgier places to further your cocktailian education but edgy isn't really Luxe's thing. Since opening its doors in 2001, this swank lounge has earned a reputation not only for cocktails, but also its clientele of beautiful women in dainty couture. There's fresh squeezed juices, handsomely stocked shelves and other hallmarks of thoughtful bartending to be found here. 446 Beaufort St, Highgate 6003 (08 9228 9680).

Reasons to smile