There's nothing better than a fabulous cocktail, and Sussex has plenty of places to indulge in them. Whether you're meeting up with friends, going on a date or just need a delicious drink, these are the best places to go...
The best cocktail bars in Brighton
Bohemia, Brighton
Soak in the warm, opulent surroundings fit for a king or queen at this grand cafe and late lounge. Choose from tall drinks like The Beatles-inspired Strawberry Fields and short drinks like the Blue Dragon. For a taste of classic Brighton, go for the rock and rhubarb, which will make your tongue tingle with gin pear liqueur and strawberry blossom foam. If you simply can't decide, you can even take a roll of the dice instead, with each spirit and base having its own number. bohemiabrighton.co.uk
The Grand, Brighton
The Grand is one of the city’s most iconic buildings and its newly designed and refurbished Victoria Terrace, Lounge and Bar offers beautiful sea views. There is a healthy roster of classics, from Cosmopolitan to Martini, taking in the Mojito and Mai Tai. Keep an eye out for bartender specials such as Flamingo Bay or Brighton Fizz. If you’re visiting for a bite to eat, the dessert cocktails are a must. grandbrighton.co.uk
Gung-Ho Bar, Brighton
Like to know you're doing your bit for the planet? This bright and colourful cocktail bar is super sustainable, using seasonal British produce and intelligent flavourings to create flavours you'll struggle to find elsewhere. The menu has revised disco drinks like rum runner and basil grande, as well as avant garde creations that rotate with the seasons. Those laying off the booze but still wanting an indulgent drink can partake in the botanical soft drinks instead, which have hedonistic and beneficial effects. gunghobar.com
The Twisted Lemon, Brighton
Tucked away in the heart of Brighton is The Twisted Lemon serving a huge selection of cocktails, including its own quirky inventions. Due to its location, it’s the perfect spot for drinks after work or a catch up with friends in an unpretentious and unassuming environment. With its two floors of seating space and garden and patio area, the Twisted Lemon is buzzing all year round. facebook.com/twistedlemonbrighton
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The best cocktail bars in Horsham
Mungo's Bar, Horsham
With more than 60 cocktails on offer ranging from the Ungrateful Dead to the Monkey Brain, this bar just off East Street could keep you occupied for quite some time. Mungo’s is a lively venue with happy hour taking place on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – there’s live music every first Thursday of the month. They cater well for groups with their cocktail masterclass too. mungosbar.com
The M Bar, Horsham
This fresh, chic bar serves full-bodied cocktails packed with rich flavours and finished off with pretty presentation. Refreshing ones include shin sin cucumber martinis and lychee coolers, while sweeter tooths will enjoy Pink Panthers with marshmallows and cream dream martinis. While you're sipping away, nibble on Asian fusion delights such as boom boom cauliflower wings, sweet and sour spare ribs and tempura buns. thembar.co.uk
The best cocktail bars in Worthing
Rocking Horse, Worthing
Rocking Horse has become hugely popular in its two-year history. The menu includes a good selection of drinks ranging from the genteel Royal Rosebud to the somewhat coarser Kick in the Butt. The bartenders mix a cocktail as though they were born to it. If you need to soak up the booze, Rocking Horse offers a few bar bites as well as a five-cheese cheeseboard served with onion chutney and crackers. rockinghorseworthing.co.uk
The Whisk(e)y Rooms, Worthing
While this bar has a hugely extensive whiskey menu (if you couldn't tell by the name), it also has cheeky cocktails with clever flavours. Choose from the likes of grapefruit based Heming-Our-Way, sweet PBJT and pina colada twist The Implication. Meanwhile, concealed upstairs is the speakeasy bar, which is hidden craftily in true 1920s style, which has its own special menu containing banana manhattans, Mary Pickfords and fittingly prohibition punch. thewhiskeyrooms.co.uk
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The best cocktail bars in Midhurst
The Olive & Vine, Midhurst
The bar area at The Olive & Vine offers an elegant setting in which to relax and enjoy a glass of something decadent. With a range of 15 cocktails on offer, as well as long drinks and mocktails, the selection is ample. For anyone who wants to make a full night of it, there is a light bites menu, offering small plates and platters, as well as a fuller main course menu. oliveandvine.co.uk
The Swan Inn, Midhurst
This 15th century coaching inn has been revamped into a cosy, modern pub that makes for a warm and inviting place to dine and drink. Their a la carte menu is filled with classic burgers and steaks, and its cocktail menu is also filled with favourites. Martinis, long island iced teas, boston sours all feature, as well as manhattans and brambles. You could also go for something a bit different too, such as apple cobblers and lemon meringues. swanmidhurst.com
