Alira

Jones Bay Wharf is not the obvious choice for waterfront drinking in Sydney. But thanks to Alira, it should be. A safe distance from the tourist traps of Darling Harbour, this little bar is more akin to a drinking hole you would stumble into on the harbour in Lisbon or Barcelona. The small indoor table area flows seamlessly through to the outdoor lounges, and either option comes with water views. Warm orange lighting gives the place a summer glow even in winter. Despite a well thought out, predominately European wine list, cocktails are the way to go at Alira. They’ve got a decent-sized list that navigates the classics – Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Singapore Sling – before venturing onto less well travelled ground with options like a Vanilla and Rum Old Fashioned. The Tommy’s Margarita packs some decent punch, and they put together a bang-up regular Old Fashioned, too. If you’re peckish, you’re in luck. Alira’s share plates are a drinking session’s best friend and could keep you in the game all night – if only Alira didn’t shut at midnight.