Credit: Maybe Sammy

Sydney’s historical The Rocks has long been known for its era-style buildings and cobblestone pathways but in more recent the years, the once-convict village has become a known tourist trap – that is until Sydney’s newest cocktail bar rolled into town.

Forming a new pillar off the city’s famous Italian restaurant Maybe Frank, Maybe Sammy is the ’50s Vegas-style establishment reviving the harbour-side scene. Newly-launched in January 2019, the cocktail bar characterised by its emerald green and light timber finishings has burst into international recognition during the 13th annual Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, which were held in New Orleans last Saturday.

Credit: Maybe Sammy

Named as the Best New International Cocktail Bar, the award recognises “a recently opened International cocktail bar that has made an immediate impact on cocktail culture and set new high standards for the industry”.

Co-owned by trio Stefano Catino, Vince Lombardo and Andrea Gualdi, Lombardo told The Shout, “I couldn’t be any more proud of our team,” he said. “The concept and execution of Maybe Sammy has taken a lot of hard work but it’s all been worth it. We knew we were creating something truly unique and we’re thrilled our peers, the industry and our customers appreciate it. It’s the icing on the cake to receive an internationally recognised award such as this.”

Signature cocktails include the ‘Thunderbird’ – a concoction including Aperol, Americano Cocchi, Becherovka, jasmine kombucha and grape rocks – as well as ‘The Flamingo Capri’ – a mixture of Barsol pisco, Aquavit, rhubarb, citrus and bitters. And as with anything new in the Australian city, Sydney-siders tend to become fanatics and quickly, so make a booking via their website ASAP.