Looking for a fresh sipping spot in Ipswich? Our friends over at Discover Ipswich teamed up with blogger, photographer Ashley Dobson to produce a summertime round-up of some of the best places to go for a cocktail.
The Dovetails Sangria
The cocktail: Dovetails Sangria – Flowers for Lucy moscato, Italian bitter orange, orange, strawberries, lime, mint
The venue: With a relaxed outdoor setting and an elegant interior, Dovetails Restaurant is a unique venue to say the least. Offering a French-inspired menu, you have the option of alfresco dining or you can choose to stay indoors for a more sophisticated dining experience.
My cocktail of choice was the restaurant’s signature Dovetails Sangri. This fruity number had me feeling excited for the summer days ahead.
Fruit punch at the Ipswich Club
The cocktail: Fruit punch cocktail
The venue: One of the oldest organisations in Ipswich, The Ipswich Club is an absolutely beautiful venue. This one should be high up on everyone’s list of things to do. Everything about The Ipswich Club exudes elegance and sophistication. You can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported back in time while walking through the grounds.
Purple jacaranda flowers surround the old house in spring and provide a stunning backdrop for a peaceful afternoon of tapas from noted local chef Fenton Keogh – well known for the much-loved French restaurant he ran in this city for many years – and cocktails. The fruit punch cocktail was almost too pretty to drink, however I drank every last drop and admittedly, went back for another.
Fenton’s at the Ipswich Club is open for cocktails and tapas every Friday from 4pm-10pm.
Charlie’s Passion
The cocktail: Charlie’s Passion – vodka, coconut liquor, grenadine and passionfruit pulp topped with orange juice and garnished with fresh strawberries.
The venue: Another great venue tucked away in the heart of Ipswich is Charlie’s Bar & Kitchen. Described as an ‘adult’s playground’, Charlie’s has a relaxed, modern feel and is the perfect place to enjoy live music and a delicious drink.
When handed the cocktail menu, the ingredients in the Charlie’s Passion immediately had my mouth watering
Sparkling at Two Sisters
The drink: Yellow Brut Cuvee
The venue: Overlooking the Orion Lagoon, Two Sisters Pizza is a great summer hangout. You can watch the kids swim while sipping a glass of chilled sparkling wine or ice-cold beer and feel like you’re on vacation in this tropical setting.
Pumpyard’s Popcorn Pina Colada
The cocktail: Popcorn Pina Colada – coconut rum, pineapple, popcorn.
The venue: This is a must-visit location in Ipswich – Pumpyard Bar & Brewery. The home of 4 Hearts Brewing, it is in the beautiful old cluster of heritage buildings known as 88 Limestone St. Pumpyard is known for its brews made on site – in fact the bar is in the brewing room – and its relaxed vibe.
It’s the perfect spot for a couple of quiet drinks and there is often live music on a Sunday afternoon. You can even bring your dog along when you’re sitting at an outdoor table in the laneway. The brewery has an extensive line up of local beers but in my opinion an equally impressive cocktail menu. The bar tenders insisted I try the Popcorn Pina Colada and I have to say I was not disappointed.
Passionfruit Mojito at the Orion
The drink: mint leaves, sugar, lime juice, club soda, passion fruit, rum
The venue: Whether you are wanting to have a drink and a dance with friends, or are looking for a child-friendly venue where you can enjoy a night out with the family, the Orion Hotel at Springfield can accommodate your needs.
Everyone will be entertained with the outdoor area sporting a DJ deck as well as a large area for the kids to play in.
An impressive cocktail list made it hard to choose, however with the weather heating up I couldn’t look past the summery flavours of the Passionfruit Mojito. I will most definitely be back in the near future.a for the kids to play in.
Also good to know
Ipswich is home to the biggest craft beer bar in the southern hemisphere. At the award-winning Tap’d Bar at the PA Hotel you will find 72 beers and ciders on tap at any one time.
