Tonic, a buzzing, contemporary bar nestled in a cosy basement just off George Street, is a favourite venue amongst discerning cocktail lovers. The bartenders here are serious mixologists, and experiment by mixing premium spirits, homemade syrups and exotic liqueurs to create the ultimate drink. The result is an ever-changing menu of delightful beverages – classic cocktails are deconstructed and merged, and new ingredients are shaken and stirred to create over 30 unique cocktails to suit all tastes.

We sampled the Dark & Stormy Daiquiri, a tasty combination of two classic rum cocktails. Another rum favourite is the Rhumadan, a four-rum mix topped with silky chocolate-orange foam. The Party at Roses – a rosemary-smoked Margarita – tickled my tastebuds, while my drinking buddy was partial to Monkey’s Got a Gun, a patriotic concoction of fudge-infused whisky, chocolate bitters and Innis & Gunn oak-aged beer.

The drinks on the menu are just suggestions, and the imaginative bartenders also created some new cocktails for us on the spot. I left Tonic that night feeling cheered by the bar’s lively atmosphere, and pleasantly indulged by the many delicious cocktails I sampled – I’ll definitely be back for more.