When news broke that Super Whatnot would be closing, Brisbane drinkers were understandably distraught at the loss of one the city’s oiginal (and best) small bars. Luckily, the team behind boundary-pushing cocktail dens Death & Taxes and Dr Gimlette quickly dropped Antico in its place.

Inspired by Italian drinking culture, Antico is designed to make you feel like you’re not in Brisbane. The space is an homage to the hole-in-the-wall bars of Italy and New York, with subtle references to the team’s other venues. The lavish black-marble bar top is a stunner – but the focal point is the glowing backbar of spirits. Slink into a dark green booth or do some people-watching from the balcony bar upstairs.

The menu showcases just eight cocktails – rotating every two weeks – with a “less is more” approach. The Blood and Skye, Antico’s take on a Blood and Sand, is made with blood orange sorbet and raspberry vermouth, while the One Million Dollars is a supercharged Millionaire Cocktail with the addition of fresh passionfruit and peach aperitif.