Tuesday, 14 February 1.49am
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Hip-Pocket Cocktails


Inflation, interest, the rising cost of living; the lesson of frugality is haunting Sydneysiders. If it's not those Financial Review ads that have taken over the bus stops, it's the Commonwealth Bank guy on the news with the excitable eyebrows. But fear not, we've hunted down some of the city's favourite cocktail destinations that won't burn a hole in your bank account.

The following establishments can pride themselves on providing an important community service. Any place that can deliver a cosmopolitan for $10 sure has my best interests at heart. It's hedonism that won't hurt your hip pocket, and might even leave you with enough left over to top up your superannuation (though let's be honest, who actually does that?).

1
 
Sly Fox
Enmore
Their cocktails start from $6 every night of the week and, despite Paula Abdul's constant presence on the video juke box, we keep coming back to sample old favourites like the Red Corvette and the Toblerone.

2
 
Different Drummer
Glebe
Nestled in the heart of Glebe and with many cosy, dark corners to skulk in, this is the place to go when you've called in 'sick', yet have a hankering for a civilised drink. Their two-for-one cocktails will make the office feel a world away - just remember to pack your Groucho Marx glasses.

3
 
The Clock Hotel
Surry Hills
If voyeurism's your thing, settle in on the upstairs verandah with a Polynesian Mule (ginseng vodka, kaffir lime leaves and ginger liqueur) and watch Surry Hills' eclectic demographic traipse by. If you get there between 6pm and 7pm for the cheap cocktails and tapas, it'll give you something to do and you'll look less like a stalker.

4
 
Kuletos Bar
Newtown
A collective sigh of relief was heard from Newtown locals upon the re-opening of this favoured haunt on King Street. It may have had a facelift but, unlike Jane Fonda, it now looks more inviting then ever. With a cocktail happy hour every night of the week (6pm-7.30pm), you can be assured you'll have to fight your way to the bar just like old times.

5
 
Martin Place Bar
Sydney
Head down after work for their Finlandia vodka specials on a Tuesday when the reality of the working week has well and truly set in. After a couple of moderately priced French martinis the commute home is sure to be a little more bearable.