When you picture Margaret River, you’re likely to conjure up images of sunny afternoons spent sipping wine in a picturesque vineyard, waxing lyrical about the serenity and the endless, sprawling views. Or perhaps it’s pints in the sun at one of the region’s craft breweries. But Margaret River’s drinking credentials extend far beyond wine and beer with a slew of cocktail-centric bars serving up mixed libations.

Yonder
If you’re looking for a good time with a good drink in hand, Yonder needs to feature on your next trip to Margaret River. Tucked away off the main drag, Yonder is a self-described dive bar where the music is loud and the service fun, but the cocktails are very serious. Well loved by locals who want to kick on late into the night, expect to find a concise rotating list of cocktails on offer. Try a Paloma Fizz, Spicy Margarita or hit up the chatty bar crew for just about any known classic.

Pearl’s Bar
When Pearl’s Bar opened at the top of Margaret River’s main strip it was to the delight of many. Focusing its energy on the simple things in life, Pearl’s offers up a pared back experience where cocktails sit front and centre but are supported by light snacks and, of course, top banter from behind the bar. Industry veterans sling cocktails with a loaded back bar the crux of a cocktail menu that’s focused on crowd favourites. Margaritas, Mai Tais and Martinis keep the jovial bar crew busy but never so much that a request can’t be satisfied.

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Rhum Burgundy
Rhum Burgundy might be small in size, but its cocktail offering goes a mighty long way. A relative newcomer to the Marg’s drinking and dining scene, the team behind Rhum Burgundy have one key focus: ridiculously good mixed drinks. The list includes modern and reliable classics. A playful gin, white chocolate liqueur and limoncello number or the elegant pineapple sage White Negroni Sour are inventive and intriguing. Asking for your favourite classic garners good results too, with the likes of an Amaretto Sour, Moscow Mule or Julep getting equal attention from energetic bartenders. Settle into one of the plush armchairs or grab a spot at the high tops as the team gracefully plies its trade.

Morries
Established in 2012, Morries is a venue that proves old dogs can learn new tricks. The Morries team bangs out new and exciting cocktails at its top-of-town location. Much loved by locals, the dimly lit bar has a keen focus on polished, classic cocktails of substance. Bold flavours and uncomplicated garnishes are features. Take a coconut fat-washed rum, lime and pomegranate number, served tall and garnished with juicy fresh lychee. Simple but delicious. The bartenders also love to celebrate local spirits and ingredients. Expect your Aviation to feature Giniversity gin, while its spin on the Gold Rush cocktail uses Dugite whisky as the foundation. Long story short? Morries is time-honoured but constantly refreshed.

Margaret River Distilling Co
Margaret River Distilling Co goes one better than just serving up tasty cocktails, it also creates its own spirits. Gin, whisky and vodka are all distilled on site, making their way into an array of cocktails that lean contemporary but fun. A “Ginimary” sees barrel-aged gin, tomato juice and house-made sriracha combine for a spicy, fresh interpretation of the much-loved Bloody Mary. An Old Fashioned is classically styled but boasts a port cask single malt whisky. A big draw for this local distillery is the option to try any of its spirits neat or with a mixer of your choice. Cocktails don’t get any fresher than this.

This article was originally published on March 10, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new menu items.