Aster at the InterContinental Sydney takes elevated drinking to new heights. Take the lift up 31 ear-popping levels to the hotel’s highest floor and you’ll be treated to a sweeping 280-degree view the includes Sydney icons The Royal Botanic Garden, Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The bar menu features small snacks, like Cherry blossom macaron duck pâté with rhubarb and shiso, and share plates that cater to those who are peckish or have brought their appetite along. Level 32/117 Macquarie St, Sydney; sydney.intercontinental.com.

Lets state the obvious, sitting 26 floors above Crown Sydney’s Barangaroo waterfront location, you can guarantee the view from here is going to be jaw dropping. Take in the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from a lounge chair on the balcony with a cocktail in hand. The drinks here are extravagant, in the best way. Watch the mixologist stamp the Crown logo into ice, caramelise the top of your cocktail with a blowtorch or freshly smoke a boulevardier. We’ll cheers to that. crownsydney.com.au

One of Sydney’s trendiest hotels has a funky rooftop restaurant and bar to match. The glass walls of Kiln, which sits on the 18th floor, offers views of both Surry Hills and Darlinghurst’s mix of contemporary and historic architecture. There’s also a retractable roof for days when the sun is shining and to also ensure the space can be enjoyed on rainy days too. Cocktails are flavourful and fun, and the wine list is extensive. kilnsydney.com

More al fresco terrace than rooftop, but the Oxford House Pool Bar on level three is sans roof so we’ll let it slide. Open to hotel guests and the public – except for the pool, that’s exclusively for guests – this is the perfect spot for a sundowner. While located on Oxford Street in the heart of Paddington, you’ll feel miles away from the city in this tranquil setting. oxfordhouse.com.au

Say bonjour to this Parisian-inspired hotel in Darlinghurst. The Rooftop offers sweeping views of the east side of the city and serves up delicious elevated bar snacks like Prawn cocktails, Tuna tartare and Porcini and gruyere toastie, just to name a few. Cocktails lean into the classic with a signature Rooftop Negroni and French Ginger Mule on the menu. Santé! strandhotel.com.au

There’s something about sitting by a pool with a cocktail in hand that instantly puts you in holiday mode. If you’re in need of a holiday, but can’t spare more than a couple hours, head up to The Old Clare Hotel Rooftop. Open to the public, enter from the busy streets of Chippendale and head up to discover an urban haven where light bites and refreshing cocktails are served. theoldclarehotel.com.au

A Sydney staple, the Henry Deane at Milsons Point has been serving up sophisticated cocktails and uninterrupted views of the harbour since 2015. Spread over two levels, head up for a long lunch with friends or an after work cocktail. hotelpalisade.com.au

Awarded Hotel Bar of the Year three consecutive years since 2020, Zephyr has well and truly risen above the rest. Perched on Level 12 of the hotel, the cocktail bar boasts waterfront views across Sydney’s Darling Harbour and extensive spirits, liquors and exclusive gins and rums. zephyrbarsydney.com