Vivid Sydney Cocktail Trail

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Open leg route
7.9KM / 4.9MI

Lights, cameras and limited edition ‘VIVID’ cocktails in some of Sydney’s best bars.

When I realised 2018 marked the 10th anniversary of Sydney’s bright winter star – Vivid Sydney festival – I knew it would mean big things.
I mean, Sydney already pulls out all the stops; special Vivid cruises, restaurant offers – and the streets more ‘lit’ than any Gen Z kid could ever possibly explain.
Now, some of Sydney’s best bars are also doing their bit to get into the spirit of Vivid, and what it means for us is a carefully curated cocktail trail that appeals to a wide variety of palates. Spanning Darling Harbour to Circular Quay, the trail links together the bars that have taken it to the next level; creating a limited edition cocktail specifically for the Vivid program.
Here’s how to have the most successful night experiencing everything Vivid Sydney has to offer; your itinerary (as I lived it) awaits…
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1
5pm: Check in to the Novotel, Darling Harbour100 Murray Street

A starting drink.

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100, Murray Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2009
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The smell of fresh paint alerts me to the fact that ongoing renovations are happening* – and the clean, modern format of the rooms is satisfying as I look out the window and see the beginning of the 6pm show lighting up Darling Harbour.
(*The Novotel has just spent $15 million updating its hotel rooms, which are being completed level-by-level. All rooms should be completed by the end of 2018.)
2
5.30pm: Take an Uber to Silvester’s at the Marriott

A superb dinner.

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Image via Silvester’s
Pitt Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via car from 5.30pm: Take an Uber to Silvester’s at the Marriott3KM / 2MI ~ Approximately 6 minutes
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The celebrated five-star restaurant is running a special Vivid Dinner, Dessert and Wine offer, where for $50 per person you can enjoy either an entrée, main and glass of wine, or a main, dessert and glass of wine.
The chef carefully selects options to choose from daily, but if you can get your hands on the scallops with miso cauliflower and squid ink crisp – I highly recommend you go for it!
3
7pm: Head next door to Three Bottle Man

Kick off the the highly anticipated Vivid cocktail trail.

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Pitt Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via foot from 7pm: Head next door to Three Bottle Man126m / 413ft ~ Approximately 2 minutes
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It only takes us a few steps from dinner to reach our first destination, seeing as it is part of the Marriott. Hidden away on Bulletin Place, you’d be forgiven for missing this quaint bar front.
Its signature Vivid cocktail is called ‘Stars in their Eyes’ and is unlike anything I’d ever tasted. Made with salted caramel and banana Starward whisky, apple juice and a dash of chocolate bitters, it’s about as far from the taste of ‘whisky’ as you can imagine.
I could down around five more – but somehow manage to exercise restraint.
4
7.45pm: Head around the corner to Customs House Bar

Change it up.

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New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via foot from 7.45pm: Head around the corner to Customs House Bar78m / 256ft ~ Approximately a minute
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Known for having an incredible array of craft beers on tap, I am surprised to learn that the bar is also well versed in what it takes to create a standout cocktail.
The ‘Vivid dreams’ concoction is made with Tito’s handmade vodka, vanilla Galliano, Bianco Vermouth and Absinthe. It packs a punch – that’s for sure, but also manages to reflect the unique, whimsical nature of Sydney’s celebrated winter showcase.
5
8.30pm: Take a walk around Circular Quay

Go for a stroll.

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New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via foot from 8.30pm: Take a walk around Circular Quay483m / 1585ft ~ Approximately 6 minutes
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With a fresh dollop of liquid warmth in our bellies, we walk by Customs House and witness a projection show starring May Gibbs’ beloved Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
Dazzled by passing punters wearing light-up flower crowns, we edge our way towards the MCA, taking in the magic of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as we stroll.
We stop by the light installations near the MCA and watch gleeful children attempt to hug the huge "Wobbelees" installations.
We then make our way up towards the 1000 origami cranes on George Street, all lit up and hung from the ceiling. It’s impossible not to photograph them and get a little lost in the lights.
6
9.30pm: Head to Grain Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel

Diversify your drink.

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George Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via foot from 9.30pm: Head to Grain Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel449m / 1473ft ~ Approximately 5 minutes
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Its signature Vivid cocktail is called ‘Craft the Elements’ and is made with Starward Solera whisky, Luxardo maraschino, Dom Benedictine, chocolate bitters, black walnut bitters and orange bitters.
Ah, here’s that warm and fuzzy feeling again.
7
10.30pm: Hop on board the train at Circular Quay

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Cahill Expressway, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via foot from 10.30pm: Hop on board the train at Circular Quay349m / 1145ft ~ Approximately 4 minutes
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8
10.40pm: Ride the two stops to Town Hall

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George Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via train from 10.40pm: Ride the two stops to Town Hall2KM / 1MI
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9
10.45pm: Walk to Zephyr Sky Bar at the Hyatt Regency161 Sussex Street

Finish on a high.

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161, Sussex Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
Arrive via foot from 10.45pm: Walk to Zephyr Sky Bar at the Hyatt Regency694m / 2277ft ~ Approximately 8 minutes
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When you exit the lift at level 12, a few extra steps takes you to one of the most stunning rooftop bars the city has to offer. With sprawling views of Darling Harbour, you’re treated to the ultimate light show from above.
We nestle in near the heater and order the aptly-named ‘Vivid cocktail.’ A little different to what we’ve already had tonight, this dark-coloured concoction is made with Adelaide Hills Distillery 78˚ lavender infused gin, spiced blueberry syrup, butterfly pea, lemon and a dash of falernum. It’s also as big as my head, so be sure to dedicate some time to get through it!
NB: it’s delicious, so you’ll have absolutely no problem.
10
11.30pm: Head back through Darling Harbour to the Novotel

Enjoy a nightcap before tucking in somewhere luxurious.

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Murray Street, New South Wales, Australia, 2009
Arrive via foot from 11.30pm: Head back through Darling Harbour to the Novotel1KM / 3917ft ~ Approximately 14 minutes
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The mulled wine served at signature restaurant, The Ternary, is just what is needed to warm up my insides after the fresh walk home and send me into a peaceful, totally satisfying slumber.

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