Boutique cocktail trail with Joel Konza

Eat and Drink

Makers and Creators

Boutique cocktail trail with Joel Konza

Eat and Drink

Makers and Creators

The Central Coast is brimming with a blend of state-of-the-art bars and classy cocktail venues. Whether you prefer a classic old fashioned, a fruity margarita or an elegant martini, world renowned and local bartender Joel gives his top 10 establishments to visit on the Coast and the cocktails you must try while you're there!

Photo opportunity: Snap a foodie shot of each stunning cocktail that is served!

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The Itinerary

Joel Konza's cocktail and bar recommendations

Meet the bartender

Joel Konza

Bartending has taken local Coastie, Joel Konza all over the world! Recently winning the 2022 Asian Pacific Bartender of the Year competition in Singapore, he is set to compete at this year's IBA World Final and in the Diageo World Class, arguably the most publicised comp in bartending. When he is not jet setting and competing, Joel is Group Beverage Manager of two of the Central Coast’s trendiest bars, Mumbo Jumbos and Drifters Wharf!

Mexicoast Cantina

Spicy and zesty

The first venue Joel recommends is the vibrant Mexicoast Cantina that has recently relocated from Terrigal over to Toukley. It's a fun venue with great food too!

His favourite drink is a tequila base with homemade pineapple shrub and a touch of spice through it called the 'Pina Picante'.

Johnny Tapas

Tantalising tastes

Set right by the beach at Norah Head with the sounds of the waves gently lapping on the sand is Joel's favourite tapas bar on the Coast.

His cocktail of choice is a heart-warming cocktail called the Max Miller made with vodka and chocolate liquor.

Mumbo Jumbo's

Roof top chills

Imagine you're seating on the roof top, looking over Terrigal beach, onto the water and eating a meat board. The cocktail that Joel suggests is the 'Sugar Daddy'. A super fun cocktail made with vodka, passionfruit and lemon served with some sprinkles on the top.

Rhonda's Bar

Breezy cocktails

When in Terrigal, Joel admits there is nothing better than enjoying a freshly made Italian pizza and sipping on a super fresh cocktail called 'The Downeaster'. It's a mix of sloe gin, pineapple, passionfruit and lime.

Pocket Bar

Can't beat a classic

Joel recommends Terrigal's Pocket Bar for its Negroni! He says they have definitely got the negroni right here in this little trendy Sydney type bar and always go for a classic here!

Drifter's Wharf

Cocktails with a view

While eating fresh seafood sitting on the water overlooking Brisbane Water at Gosford, Joel suggests a nice spicy margarita type cocktail made with tequila, pineapple and jalapeno called the 'El Capitano'.

Shady Palms

Winning cocktails

Joel's favourite cocktail at Shady Palms in Kincumber is the one he won the Asian Pacific Bartender of the Year with! It's called the 'Better Bitter Sour' and is a gin, campari and lychee based cocktail with some egg white through it to make it nice and fluffy!

Bar Toto

Old time feels

'Jerry’s Coco Rumba' is Joel's favourite cocktail at Bar Toto in Ettalong which is a coconut tequila based cocktail with house made triple sec. It's creamy and coconutty and great for sipping on while sitting in the old theatre. Lucky Bee has just moved into that little plaza. The plaza is a great little spot to visit.

Six String Brewing

For the beer lovers

Not strictly a cocktail, but Joel says you won't be able to pass on the Pale Ale or Moobi Valley burgers with tasting paddles allowing you to try all their beers. This great spot in Erina Heights is perfect for a Sunday afternoon session.