Sitting 32 levels above Sydney Harbour, the sophisticated and luxurious Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney is a spot for enjoying creative and eye-catching cocktails with the backdrop of some of the city’s most iconic views. Named after its closeness to the stars, Aster’s inside and outdoor wrap-around terrace play host to late afternoon and evening drinkers looking for top quality cocktails in a much sought-after location. Low seating, a beautiful marble bar and an eye-catchingly lit back bar make an immediate impression on arrival.

Its signature menu follows the same theme, with eight cocktails that follow the journey of the cosmos, from the Big Bang, through to Conception, Transition and Creation, and fitting garnishes or flourishes that take the drinks offering to another level. There are also four classic cocktails on offer, as well as whisky flights and a staggering 100 wine labels that showcase the vastness of the Australian wine scene.

Its most popular cocktail is EARTH, which features tequila, capsicum and matcha, topped with an edible cloud. Non-alcoholic highlights include the Space Bubbles with Australian brand Lyre’s, and Free Passage which spotlights native lemon myrtle and strawberry gum.

Subtlety isn’t what the team are aiming for here, with edible air, helium, and nitrogen all adding a wow-factor to cocktail aesthetics, and there is no question about the technique needed to execute serves. Centrifuge machines, a Hoshizaki freezer, cold pressers, vacuum sealing, a fermentation room, dehydrator and smoking gun are all implemented, and homemade ingredients are also utilised, like mead berry wine. Custom-made ice is suited to every type of glass and dilution calculations are taken very seriously too.

The team also takes incredible care over any unnecessary wastage. From using entire fruits for cocktails, syrups and garnishes, to dehydrating peels, pre-batching, eliminating single-use plastic, sourcing from sustainable farmers, working with Eco Spirits, using bottle crushers, and training their staff on recycling and waste sorting – no stone is left unturned when it comes to doing their part for the planet. Aster is also passionate about working with local causes, food banks, shelters and charities like OzHarvest – which delivers delicious, nutritious food to charities across Australia that feed those in need.

Staff are well looked after, with positive pre-shift briefings to share good reviews and boost confidence. Regular team gatherings, inclusive meetings, internal mentorship programmes and competitions, and team challenges all foster a sense of camaraderie that is felt by the guests throughout the evening on the floor. Live weekend DJs make this a supercool spot for tourists or locals looking to impress visitors from out of town.