Coming to Sydney between September 9-18, the World Class Cocktail Festival is a celebration of some of the world’s most enduring spirit brands, alongside an assembly of international bartending talent.

Australia’s homegrown cocktail community is set to shine from iconic locations like Quay and Bennelong, where culinary considerations will also be at play, to some of the best-known purveyors of good times in and around the city.

The likes of Maybe Sammy, Kittyhawk, Shell House, Fortunate Son and more will be flying the flag for Aussie bar culture. Here’s our pick of events to watch.

Don Julio Food Truck Fiesta

What do you pair with Don Julio fuelled margaritas? Try a line-up of Sydney’s finest DJs, as well as food truck talent from Sydney, Melbourne and the United States. Legendary LA chef and OG food truck king Roy Choi has just joined the 2022 program, teaming up with Aussie street food pioneer Raph Rashid to create a limited edition Kogi x Taco Truck menu, alongside a bunch of ice cold El Loco margaritas. There will also be burgers from Beatbox Kitchen established in Brunswick (Melbourne) back in 2009, Sydney’s own Ricos Tacos, and Melbourne compadres Taco Truck Dos.
15, 16, 17 September, Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks

Aperitivo Hour at Continental Newtown

First stop on the Newtown Night Out, is one of Sydney’s true trendsetters. Mar-tinny anyone? The Continental crew will be joined by Sebastian Brack of premium German aperitif maker Belsazar, who will be on hand extolling the virtue of a Belsazar Spritz.
14 September, Continental Deli, 210 Australia St, Newtown 

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Supper Club

A special partnership between world-renowned chef Peter Gilmore and revered Johnnie Walker Blue Label. An experience to savour at Quay‘s newest whisky lounge, a not to be missed highlight of the festival, with light plates specially designed by Gilmore and cocktails curated by London-based Ryan Chetiyawardana of Lyaness (this year awarded the accolade of Best Bar in the World.)
14, 15, 16 September, Quay, Upper-Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks

Bundaberg Blend Your Own Rum

The ‘Blend Your Own’ experience is coming to the Harbour View Hotel and it’s a chance not to be missed for rum lovers. Previously only available at the iconic Queensland-based distillery, you’ll get first-hand instruction from the masters, and get hands on creating your own unique rum blends to take away.
13, 14, 15 September, Harbour View Hotel, 18 Lower Fort Street, The Rocks 

Related drinks news: Bundy has launched a butterscotch and macadamia rum for your next camping trip

An Evening with Ago at Bennelong

A one night only gig, this event mixes those unbeatable harbour views with a four-hour “guided culinary journey” from Peter Gilmore and Ago Perrone. Heading up The Connaught Bar in London since it opened in 2008, Perrone is one of the world’s most awarded bartenders, and will be celebrating the attributes of Tanqueray No. TEN on this special night.
16 September, Bennelong, Bennelong Point, Sydney 

Black Pearl’s 20th Birthday Bash

Australia’s most awarded bar, Black Pearl in Melbourne is celebrating two decades of liquid success with a greatest hits menu. A bar that has inspired many in the Australian cocktail scene. The team at Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown will help serve up the hits, paired snacks, and there’s tunes courtesy of Shantan Wantan Ichiban. Get in early as it’s walk in only from 5pm.
14 September, Earl’s Juke Joint, 407 King St, Newtown 

The World Class Cocktail Festival will be held in Sydney from September 9-18. Event details and ticket information can be found at www.worldclasscocktailfestival.com.

Related drinks news: Praise the RTD gods, Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin now comes in a can