Chef Andrew McConnel’s Apollo Inn is just 50 meters from his renowned bar and restaurant, Gimlet. Housed in one of Melbourne’s first public houses it has just 30 seats. There are four martinis on the menu, plus house cocktails which are expertly crafted, so you know the bartenders are more than just a pretty face.

Loved and lauded by cocktail aficionados, owner Michael Madrusan’s The Everleigh is one of Melbourne’s most glamorous drinking joints. Recognised by the 50 World’s Best, they are serious about their cocktails and serve a long list of classics as well as twists. Sidle up to the bar and order a carafe of Martini for two, with a side of eye candy.

A New Orleans-inspired smokehouse, cocktail bar and absinthe den in Collingwood is the place to come to listen to jazz and blues as you sip on American craft beers or something stronger from a very long list of American whiskeys and New Orleans cocktails made by some of the finest talent in the industry.

Owned by Alex Boon and Pez Collier of Eau De Vie fame, Pearl Diver is serious about cocktails and oysters (did someone say aphrodisiac?). Sample a ‘flight’ of oysters served with the monthly special martini which, if the season is right, might run to the Spring Martini - Grey Goose Vodka paired with Cocci Americano, cucumber, and orange bitters.

Above Board is an intimate award-winning cocktail bar with only 16 seats, no standing permitted, and no groups, open seven days a week - this is serious drinking territory. The bar sits in the centre of the room and the highly sought-after seats (read the ones with the best view of the talent behind the bar) line the edges as the bartenders turn out artisanal drinks that’ll keep you coming back for more.