Three Must-Try Winter Cocktail Experiences in Cape Town

When Cape Town’s winter chill persists, it’s the perfect excuse to swap sundowners for something richer, warmer, and infinitely more indulgent.

From heritage-inspired creations to booze-free showstoppers and chef-level artistry in a glass, these bars are serving up seasonal cocktails worth braving the cold for.

Here’s where to sip your way through winter – one masterpiece at a time.

Bar 1920 | Foraged Flavours & African Heritage in a Glass

The surprising jewel of the Southern Suburbs, Palm House Boutique Hotel’s in-house Bar 1920 presents a cocktail menu that is a sensory journey through Africa’s rich traditions and untamed landscapes.

Chef Gregory Henderson who is known for his use of foraged and seasonal ingredients, worked with Palm House’s F&B Manager Dane Curry to create their Cape Inspired and Diaspora cocktails collection. It’s where storytelling meets mixology, and each sip is rooted in heritage and local botanicals.

• Rooibos Old Fashioned – A smoky, honeyed riff on the classic, this cocktail infuses Cape oak and citrus with the soul of Cederberg rooibos.
• African Wormwood Mojito – A bold fusion of wild mint, lime, and Cape rum, lifted by the bittersweet bite of African wormwood.
• The Rain Queen’s Reverie – An elegant tribute to Queen Modjadji, crafted with Cape Fynbos Gin, wild rose geranium syrup, lemon, and Methode Cap Classique, evoking the first rains after drought.
• Ancient Racemosa Espresso Martini – A wild spin on the classic espresso martini, mixing Cape Coffee liqueur, African Marula Cream, Racemosa wild coffee, and wild almond tincture for earthy indulgence.

Best time to visit: Late afternoon into early evening, when the Palm House gardens glow in the golden hour light, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail ritual.

Upper Union | The Stylish Side of Sober-Curious

Upper Union’s cocktail program has embraced the global sober-curious movement with a creative twist, offering non-alcoholic drinks that are just as complex, layered, and visually striking as their spirited counterparts. With mindful drinking becoming mainstream, the team led by Just Short has introduced a range of flavour-forward mocktails designed to impress both abstainers and adventurous drinkers.

• Coffee Berry – A rich, energising blend of blackberry and espresso for a bold but booze-free kick.
• Union Rosemary – Fresh rosemary and lime lifted by sparkling soda for a crisp, herbal refresher.
• Sweet Nothing – A garden-inspired mix of sugar snap peas, basil, anise, citrus, elderflower, and soda for bright complexity.
• Placebo 75 – A playful non-alcoholic take on the French 75, combining cherry, citrus, and alcohol-free MCC with a twist of orange zest.

By treating non-alcoholic drinks with the same creativity and care as their signature cocktails, Upper Union has positioned itself as a must-visit for those who want a refined night out without the morning-after regret.

Best time to visit: Friday or Saturday night for a vibrant, social atmosphere that makes ordering a mocktail feel every bit as celebratory as champagne.

Marble Cape Town | A Seasonal Masterclass in Cocktail Artistry

Marble Cape Town’s new winter cocktail menu is an artistic expression of flavour, colour, and texture – built around sustainability, local produce, and innovative techniques. Each drink feels like a story in liquid form, with ingredients ranging from mezcal and roasted pineapple to vanilla-infused matcha foam, chai butter, and wood-fired jalapeños.

• The Old Fashioned Le Coc – Cognac meets cola reduction for a sophisticated riff on “brandy and coke,” topped with bubbled sugar crystal and biltong.
• Bloody Delicious – Just like Mary’s, but better. Ketel One vodka, tomato, Worcestershire Sauce, horseradish, lemon Juice, celery Salt… topped with olives and cheeky anchovies.
• Honey Deuce – faking its way to summer with Grey Goose, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, soda and melon balls.
• The Mountain Fire – with roasted jalapeño-infused Casamigos Reposado, topped with Mezcal, Fresh Lime and Orangecello.

With techniques like milk clarification, cream siphon foams, and pastry-chef-designed garnishes, Marble’s winter menu is a feast for both the palate and the eyes – making it an essential stop for cocktail lovers seeking something truly original.

Best time to visit: A chilly winter evening when you can settle in by the bar or a window table and watch the harbour lights shimmer over your glass.