With the balmy summer ahead of us, there are going to be plenty days spent stretched out on the beach, hoping to soak away our pale wintery layers. After a day spent in the sun and sand, there is no better way to end it off than by nursing a refreshing cocktail at a trendy cocktail bar along the picturesque coast. Here are a few of the best spots to enjoy a sundowner in Cape Town:
The Bungalow, Clifton
The Bungalow, previously known as La Med, is perched on the edge of the ocean in Clifton and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic. Here you can enjoy Fresh Fruit Daiquiris, Caiprinhas, and Cosmopolitans amongst some of Cape Town’s elite sprawled on the lavish couch deck, or with your feet dangling in the nano-pool. Although it is an upmarket and popular restaurant, it has a relaxed and laidback atmosphere, where beachgoers stroll in wearing slipslops, bikinis, and board shorts.
Tobago’s Bar and Terrace, V&A Waterfront
Voted the “best seaside bar” by ‘House and Garden’ magazine, the Radisson Blue Waterfront Hotel’s Tobago Bar and Terrace is the place to be for sizzling sundowners. As the sun sets, you can lounge on the expansive terrace beside the swimming pool, or dine indoors where floor to ceiling windows portray the sparkling Atlantic Ocean just as well. In the sun’s last golden rays, sip on Passionate Mojitos, Watermelon Cosmopolitans, or Sweet Melon Margarita’s.
The Grand Café and Beach, Granger Bay
The Grand Café, is a beachside bar, located next to the V&A Waterfront in a beautifully restored warehouse. It boasts its own private beach just a few steps away from the glittering ocean, with marvellous views of Robben Island. Laze about on the deck or grab a table by the water’s edge. The café boasts a tropical cocktail menu offering both the ‘tried and tested’ cocktails as well as some exotic creations. Try the “Back Porch Lemonade”- a mix of vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, ginger syrup, and ginger ale, or enjoy a “Sex on the Grand”. For other refreshers, there is beer on tap, champagne, and an extensive wine list to keep even the pickiest of people happy.
Blue Peter, Blouberg
The Lower Deck Bistro, situated in the front of the Blue Peter Hotel in Blouberg, offers a spectacular spot for satiable sundowners. Make sure to get here early if you’d like a spot at one of the picnic tables. When its busy, you’ll find people spilling over onto the stairs and milling about on the green lawn with cocktails, surrounded by friends, family and pets. As the sun sets, enjoy a sweet Strawberry Daiquiri or a refreshing Mojito as you marvel over views of Table Mountain and the glistening ocean. There are eight local beers on tap if you prefer something less sweet and live music on Friday evenings. The vibe is really relaxed and informal – great for strolling over after a lazy day on the beach.
Maestro’s on the Beach, Milnerton
Maestros’ is an Italian-inspired restaurant located on the dunes of Milnerton Beach. Pick a spot on the terrace overlooking the West Coast and Table Mountain, and enjoy delicious cocktails such as Pina Coladas, Caipirinhas, Long Island Ice teas, and Tequila Sunrises. There’s a wide selection of red and white wines, but if you’re more picky about what you drink, feel free to bring along your own and pay a small corkage fee. For those who have sadly been allocated ‘designated driver’, there are non-alcoholic versions such as the “Nojito” or “Safe Sex on the Beach” which are just as delicious, without the kick.
Cape to Cuba, Kalk Bay
Beside the sparkling waters of False Bay, Cape to Cuba is a Cuban themed restaurant and bar in the vibey village of Kalk Bay. Drink in the Caribbean-style atmosphere, with swaying palm trees and soft sand. Pick a spot at one of the huts and enjoy an array of Cuban cocktails such as the “Cuba Libre” – dark rum, lime and coke, or a “Cuban Sunrise” – Bacardi, tequila, triple sec, orange juice, and grenadine. They also sell refreshing Mojitos and currently hold the record as the bar that has sold the most of them in Cape Town. For a more formal environment, sit in the restaurant which has spectacular sea views. There is a half price special on cocktails between 5pm and 7pm, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Where are your favourite spots to enjoy cocktails in Cape Town?
Main Image by Pink Sherbert Photography (Flickr)
