Before you enter Bar Peripheral, there are a few things you should know: this place doesn’t make Dirty Martinis or Singapore Slings. There’s no menu, no standing, and no groups bigger than four people. As it states explicitly on its Instagram bio, this 12-seat cocktail bar is “not for everyone”. But that’s what makes it so damn good.

Owner-bartender Vini Wang wants to provide a singular experience – merging, in his words, the craftsmanship of Japan, efficiency of Korea and hospitality style of Australia – starting with the hot towel and warming cup of chicken broth placed before you when you arrive at the 12-metre jarrah bartop.

Illuminated by spotlights, that bar is literally the stage for Wang’s cocktails, made to order based on your preferences. Flick through the 13-chapter book (split into cocktail categories) for inspiration, or offer Wang a few descriptives (sweet, dry, sour, bitter). You’ll be presented with a bespoke drink you’ve almost certainly never tried before – served neat, shaken or poured over pristine hand-cut ice.

All said, if you’re in the mood for a Singapore Sling and a rowdy evening, there are plenty of other places for that around Adelaide. Bar Peripheral is where to go for a peerless drinking experience in one of the city’s smallest capacity bars. We strongly suggest you book ahead for it.