The Aster

The Intercontinental Sydney reopened its rooftop bar in 2022 after a $120 million refurb. And, for the first time in the hotel’s history, its rooftop bar is open to the public, not just hotel guests. Aster Bar sits on level 32 of the hotel, and has 270-degree views of Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Garden. (A separate rooftop lounge is available exclusively for hotel guests.)

Cocktails take inspiration from those served at the world’s best hotel bars, with a nod to astrology and the hotel’s history. (The original building was constructed in 1851 and housed the NSW treasury.) Opening highlights were the Higher Ground (tequila, grapefruit, bitter aperitivo, tonic water, three different spiced salts) and a refashioned Old Fashioned (Diplomatico rum, bourbon, stone fruit, firewater tincture).

There are bar snacks too, informed by Australian flavours and local produce. Think hasselback potatoes with seaweed, sour cream and caviar; cheesy churros; and prawn cocktail buns.