Goodbye Dry July

For those who were brave enough to endure July without alcohol, the end is near. Kiss goodbye to virgin Mojitos and sipping lemonade while the squad takes shots. Take the achievement as an opportunity for drinks on the town. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of grade A bars where you can quench your thirst.

Honeysuckle

Watch the city lights sparkling off of Newcastle’s harbour while you stroll along Honeysuckle Drive for some sweet nectar. Start your adventure at Moneypenny and order from their innovative cocktail list. You’ll find their menu scribbled on parchment behind the bar, constantly updated with refreshing flavours. If that doesn’t seal the deal, they dish up a killer cob loaf, oozing cheese and crispy bacon. You won’t have to stumble far for the next round; Silo Lounge, The Dockyards and Honeysuckle Hotel are just a hop, skip and jump away.

CBD

Don’t let the track works scare you off, Newcastle CBD’s bar scene is still thriving. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or craft beer buff, you can break that dry spell in the city’s centre. Ditch the classic Cosmopolitan and brave The Basement’s, The Flying Tiger’s and The Falcon’s adventurous cocktail list. Step back in time to the roaring 1920’s with Bar Petite’s and The Williams Bar’s Gatsby inspired décor. Add some enigmatic vibes to your night at speakeasy bar, Coal and Cedar or the post-modern Koutetsu. You’ll lose yourself down the rabbit hole when you let their experienced bar staff take charge. Feast on moorish cheese paired with full-bodied wines at  Reserve Wine Bar or hot wings and craft beer at The Grain Store.

Hamilton

Whether you’re craving a VB or top shelf spirits, you can satisfy the beast in Hamilton. Head to The Greenroof or Sydney Junction Hotel for classic pub vibes, tunes and spacious beer gardens. At The Beaumont, you can sip classics like Martinis and Amaretto sours without breaking the bank. They serve $10 cocktails 5pm to 8pm Thursday to Saturday and 12pm to 2:30pm on Sundays. Explore whisky from around the world at The Blind Monk. From Ireland to Japan, Canada to our own backyard, the Monks boast the largest range in the Hunter Valley.

Cooks Hill

Darby Street might be known for its abundant variations of avocado on toast, but when the sun sets it’s the perfect destination for a bar crawl. Start the night at new kid on the block, Quill and Compass. The nautical inspired bar specialises in a bloody good, Bloody Mary. Catch some live music and a cheeky schooner at The Delany. Pop into 5 Sawyers for a pick me up. Their creative take on the Espresso Martini will recharge your batteries and tantalise your tastebuds. Hop across the road to The Hop Factory who boast an extensive list of local and imported craft beers. Finish your night with a boogie at Finnegan’s. By this point, it might be safe to stick to water

If you went dry this July, pat yourself on the back. It might be a simple sacrifice, but you’ve helped provide comfort and care to those affected by cancer. Say thanks to your sponsors by shouting them a round and reward your self-restraint with a drink that will hit the spot.