5 bars that are the toast of Cape Town

1. CUBAN LOUNGE: RUM TUM TUM

Rum is on the comeback trail. Once the
grog of choice at seedy dockyard joints,
the versatile liquor has seen an upswing in popularity among the mixologists of the world.

Cuban lounge bar Rum Tum Tum on Bree has more than 40 types of local and international rum brands, an innovative cocktail menu and, for those after a boozy '80s throwback, there's even piña colada on tap.

Don't miss: The Litchi Samba made with coconut milk, elderflower, lemon, fresh litchis and garnished with a banana leaf.

Visit: 136 Bree Street. See  facebook.com/rumtumtumbar/

2. WHISKY AND BLUES: HANKS OLDE IRISH

If whisky is your poison, head to Hanks for your dram of choice.

Owner managed by hospitality guru Johnny Papadakis (who also owns Love Thy Neighbour next door and the recently opened Hanks in Stellenbosch), the dimly lit bar offers a blue-chip selection of Irish, Scottish and Japanese whiskies as well as a range of good South African wines and craft beers and is a drawcard for the bourbon cognoscenti.

There is live music once a week, featuring top jazz musos and emerging blues talent.

Don't miss: The live music - jazz on Tuesdays in Cape Town and a band on Wednesdays in Stellies.

Visit: 110 Bree Street Cape Town and 90 Dorp Street Stellenbosch. See hanks.co.za

3. SOPHISTICATED SIPS: BETWEEN US

Newly opened in a heritage building on upper Bree with a focus on boutique South African wineries, artisanal gin and local craft beers.

Don't miss: The Bloedlemoen G&T, a house riff with wild rosemary and lemongrass and anything from the shared plates menu.

Visit: 176 Bree Street. See betweenus.capetown

4. ROOFTOP: RED ROOF

Order from the Drinks Van and sweep your eyes over the superb surroundings as you sip a spritz from the comfort of a poolside chaise. The vista encompasses the harbour, the V&A Waterfront, Zeitz MOCAA and Table Mountain.

Don't miss: The Aper-RED Spritz with Pongracz, Aperol, soda and passionfruit.

Visit: Silo 6, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront. See radissonred.com/capetown

5. JAPANESE: DING DONG

A 10-seat hole-in-the-wall, it's a no-frills Japanese-style bar serving simply mixed cocktails, Asian beer, local wine and saki. The cold food concept is in play with flavourful dishes like swordfish sashimi, tuna tamako and oysters.

Don't miss: The Ni cocktail - Musgrave pink gin, smashed raspberries, basil, lime and vanilla syrup, with chilled edamame and warm miso butter on the side.

Visit: Corner Jarvis and Napier streets, De Waterkant. See @dingdong_capetown  on Instagram.