Best Cocktail Party Venues Sydney for Hire

Sydneysiders love a fancy tipple by the seaside, so cocktail parties are a big must on the yearly social calendar. Try sky-high cocktails at a rooftop bar, champagne at sunset, delicate morsels in a spectacular warehouse space or drinks with a view of the harbour.

Throwing a cocktail party in Sydney NSW? At VenueNow, we have a curated selection of beautiful venues for you to choose from. So whether you’re entertaining friends or business associates, planning a product launch or a class reunion, we’ve got the perfect Sydney cocktail party venue for you. Here’s our handy guide to help you get started.

Best places to throw a cocktail party

Your cocktail party venue will depend on the size of your guest list and the style of the event. Once you have those two things locked down, it’s time to start looking for unique cocktail party venues in Sydney. Here are some venue types to consider:

Restaurants - Great for both social and corporate events, restaurants are the easiest venue to use for a cocktail-style event. Catering will be taken care of, there will be minimal need for decorations and the in-house staff will know the drill, so you’ll have less to think about.

Lounges and Cocktail Bar Venues - Suitable for birthdays, retirement parties and bridal showers, this cosy event space provides the perfect atmosphere for mingling and chatting.

Warehouses and art galleries - Blank canvas spaces have a modern aesthetic that makes them suitable for both casual and formal events. Adaptable warehouses and art galleries are the most flexible venue type, though you may need to bring in an outside catering company and rentals for your event.

Hotels - A hotel function space is the perfect choice for throwing a cocktail party in Sydney. Hotels often have dedicated event spaces and professional staff who are experienced in hosting events of all sizes. With a hotel function space, you can expect top-notch service, elegant decor, and a wide range of amenities to enhance your cocktail party experience.

Gardens - Lush gardens and gorgeous landscaping make an enchanting and picturesque backdrop for hens nights, baby showers, engagement parties and other social gatherings. Whilst it’ll be a roving reception, don’t forget to provide seating for older guests and high-top tables for folks to rest their drinks on.

What are popular events for cocktail parties?

Throwing a cocktail party is a fantastic way to celebrate. They’re not as expensive as a dinner party, the planning is less complicated and they’re perfect for guests who can only spare an hour or two for your event. A cocktail reception is ideal for these types of gatherings:

Weddings

Instead of a formal multi-course dinner, consider hosting a cocktail reception with free-flowing drinks and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres. It’s an elegant, unique and wallet-friendly alternative to the traditional seated wedding reception. Get the dance floor ready at one of the top cocktail party venues in Sydney. Imagine sipping on signature cocktails and sampling delicious bite-sized appetizers as you celebrate your special day.

Office Christmas parties

Cocktail parties are popular for office events because they’re less costly than sit-down dinners, are easier to plan and last for a shorter period of time. Having a cocktail-style get-together instead of a seated gathering also allows companies to expand the guest list, giving attendees more opportunities to mingle and network. You can choose from indoor or outdoor spaces for your office Christmas party, depending on the size and style of your company. Indoor venues provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for team bonding and celebrating the holiday season. On the other hand, outdoor spaces offer a more relaxed and casual vibe, allowing employees to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Sydney weather.

Bridal showers

Both bridal showers and cocktail parties are all about the drinks and the nonstop chatter. And both can be held in practically any event space. Gardens, hotel function rooms, boats and wineries — the list goes on!

Product launches

This type of function is usually limited to a couple of hours, with the presentation or live demo being the focal point. Guests will expect alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as appetisers, but you can also set up a cocktail buffet depending on the time of the event and the budget. 

What are some of the best bars in Sydney NSW for cocktails?

It’s not a cocktail party without, well, cocktails. From hip rooftop establishments to mysterious underground speakeasies, here are our favourite Sydney cocktail party venues with the best bars.

The Lobo - Descend into this subterranean rum bar and find a Caribbean paradise in the Sydney C. With its Cuban charm, jangly tunes and selection of 250 rums, this is one of our top spots for both casual after-work drinks and cocktail receptions.

The Rook - Nestled above the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD, this cooler-than-cool gin bar serves up gourmet fare and bespoke liquors. Famous for its lobster rolls and scenic city views, this Sydney watering hole is a great spot for both social and corporate cocktail parties.

Tapavino - In the mood for Spanish wine and tapas? Head over to this Spanish bar and restaurant on Pitt Street for brilliant tapas, exceptional cocktails and a warm and welcoming vibe. The ground floor is for walk-ins whilst upstairs is one of the best Sydney cocktail party venues you can find.

Top neighbourhoods for cocktail party venues in Sydney

Whether you’re looking for a glamorous waterfront location for an awards night or a rooftop bar for your best mate’s birthday, we’ve got an abundance of cocktail venues in Sydney to choose from. Check out these Sydney NSW neighbourhoods for your next cocktail event:

Sydney Harbour

Not only is this area dotted with gorgeous waterfront cocktail locations with panoramic views, but it’s also the place to go for unforgettable water boat venues! Whether you’re looking for large or small event spaces, you’re sure to find a bar, restaurant, function room or hotel ballroom on Sydney Harbour that will suit your needs.

Newtown

Known for its bohemian vibe and diversity of venue types, Newtown is teeming with one-of-a-kind cocktail reception spots for an event that will really stand out.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour, located in the heart of Sydney, is another popular neighbourhood for cocktail party venues. With its stunning waterfront location, Darling Harbour offers a variety of venues that are perfect for hosting a memorable cocktail party.

North Sydney

If you’re planning a corporate event and want to get out of the CBD, bustling North Sydney is a great alternative. This area is filled with chic restaurants and interesting pubs you won’t find anywhere else.

Surry Hills

Trendy Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most popular nightlife destinations, so it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some of the best bars for cocktails. With its eclectic mix of small bars, pubs and restaurants, you’re sure to find a venue that suits your event style and budget at Surry Hills.

Sydney CBD

The Sydney CBD is unsurprisingly one of the most popular areas for cocktail parties, with a huge range of function spaces to choose from. From bars and nightclubs to restaurants, hotels and function venues, you’re spoilt for choice in the city centre.

Western Sydney

But if you're looking to explore cocktail party venues in a different part of Sydney, why not consider Western Sydney? This region offers a diverse range of venues that are perfect for hosting your next cocktail event. In Western Sydney, you'll find a mix of modern and cosmopolitan areas, as well as more rustic and laid-back locations. There are numerous venues scattered throughout this part of the city that can cater to different budgets and event sizes.

Potts Point

If you want to venture away from the city centre and experience a different vibe, Potts Point is a fantastic option. Located just east of the CBD, Potts Point is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood that offers a range of venues for your cocktail party. One of the highlights of Potts Point is its selection of rooftop bars, offering stunning views of the city skyline. These venues provide a sophisticated and glamorous atmosphere, perfect for hosting a stylish cocktail event. Whether you're looking for a chic and modern rooftop bar or a more intimate and cozy setting, there are plenty of options to choose from in Potts Point.

Ideas for cocktail party planning

A cocktail party can be as simple or elaborate, large or small, as you want it to be. Here are a couple of things to consider when choosing venues for your next cocktail-style gathering in Sydney.

Mood - Are you going for a casual vibe or something more formal? Your desired ambience will dictate the type of event space you book, the decorations, the entertainment, the dress code and the program (or lack thereof).

Food - Are you serving a selection of finger foods or are you setting up a self-serve buffet? Is there a minimum spend? Cocktail-style events don’t require a full meal but do make sure that there’s enough food for guests to graze on for the duration of the party. Hosting your event at a restaurant or hotel will save you the trouble of looking for external catering services.

Drinks - This is undoubtedly the most important element of any cocktail party. Does your event space have a private bar with an innovative cocktail list? You can pre-arrange a bar tab to make ordering drinks easier for your guests or go for a beverage package to control when the drink service ends. Make sure that there are non-alcoholic drinks available for your non-drinking guests.

Venue setup - Will there be some sort of presentation at your Sydney event? If yes, book a cocktail party venue with a stage or platform so that everyone can see what’s going on. And whilst cocktail parties last only a couple of hours, do provide seating and spaces for guests to perch their drinks and appetisers on. Also, ask yourself: Do you need multiple spaces for different activities or are you just looking for one large room that can accommodate all your guests? Sydney has an impressive selection of versatile spaces that would suit your needs.

Looking for the perfect cocktail party venues in Sydney NSW?

Let us help you find the perfect venue for your next cocktail party. We have a wide selection of restaurants, bars, hotels and function spaces that are ideal for all kinds of events, big or small. Whether you're looking for formal venues with elegant settings or trendy bars with a lively atmosphere, you'll find it all in Sydney. Get in touch with us today and we’ll get started on finding the perfect space for your next event in Sydney. Start planning your unforgettable experience now!