Cocktails are the ideal way to spice up Friday-night dinner plans, celebrate new jobs, or subtly slip your mixology knowledge into casual conversation with friends. Essentially, they’re a bit more lively than your typical cold beer or wine. For this reason, there is nothing worse than a disappointing blend when you’re looking for an adventure in flavour. 

If you’re feeling thirsty in Ballarat, but in a fun way, this is a breakdown of the best artisan cocktail bars to visit in town. Each spot is locally-owned and run, so book in this weekend to head down, say hey, and try an absolutely exceptional cocktail. 

Renard

Renard is one of those places that brings an entire street to life. Stylish, cool as hell, and somehow entirely un-snobby. It’s impossible to order a disappointing beverage here. 

Everything is made expertly, and the aesthetic of the venue is so damn pleasing it probably wouldn’t matter. 

Gorgeous local art, music played by vinyl only, and a funky projector behind the bar playing a rotation that goes anywhere from Russian arthouse cinema to Soupe Opéra. It’s epic. 

You can experience all of this while drinking something called the Prickly Pornstache, a concoction of passionfruit, kiwi fino, vodka, agave, citrus, and basil oil. Or you can try the Mac Daddy, a combo of vanilla infused vodka, wattleseed & macadamia liqueur, espresso. 

Head here to check out this gem, run by two local brothers. 

Where: 209 Mair St, Ballarat Central

Itinerant Spirits 

Located in The Goods Shed, this spot really does bring the goods. Founded on the premise of exploring - hence, itinerant - these guys distill their own gin, vodka, and occasional whiskey with ingredients sourced from around Western Victoria. 

Essentially, they’re local legends with a keen eye for creativity. 

A couple of vibrant examples on the summer menu are the Navigator, made with Gallivanter Gin, house mango vermouth, banana liqueur, Foret Pastis or the Atoll, made with coconut horchata, Vansetter Vodka, fino sherry, kafir lime, lime. 

Head here to learn more about getting adventurous with local flavour. 

Where: 200 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill

The Crypt 

A literal hole in the wall, The Crypt is a gothic bar that specialises in the craftsmanship behind a delightfully strange beverage. Their spirits collection numbers in the hundreds and is quite the globetrotting experience - think niche, obscure, and entirely adventurous. 

The mother-daughter run establishment loves to experiment, with a particular highlight being the Fortune Teller. Ever had a cocktail that comes with a smoking chest foretelling the future? It’s a riot. Check them out here. 

Where: 14 Camp St, Ballarat Central

MAYA Lounge & Bar 

MAYA is a new kid on the block, run by a local family with decades of experience in hospitality. 

It’s cosy, dynamic, and welcoming at all hours of the day. Walking distance from all the local live music dives, it’s perfect for a late-night pick me up with a touch of quiet sophistication. 

MAYA’s speciality starts with coffee - this is your go-to spot for the ultimate espresso martini. Get to know the family here. 

Where: 307 Mair St, Ballarat Central

Grainery Lane 

Grainery Lane radiates opulence, with a bar imported from the US handcrafted in 1880s Chicago for a New Mexico saloon. 

Grainery Lane’s menu is a gin-lover’s dream, with both signature in-house blends and international flavours on offer. A fun example is Lady Regret: a blend of Grainery Lane London Dry Gin, Chartreuse, Chilli, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Indian Tonic

Where: 35 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central

Kilderkin Distillery 

As the name might suggest, Kilderkin Distillery first and foremost produces their own award-winning gin and whisky, but they incorporate these products into an incredible array of colourful cocktails. 

Mostly featuring their Larrikin range, the most thrilling example is the Veil Between Worlds, a colour-changing wonder made with Samhain Gin, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey syrup. 

Head here to learn more. 

Where: 14A Hill St, Mount Pleasant