Sin + Tax

Tucked down a dark alley beside Coalition pizza, Sin + Tax is Johannesburg’s secret cocktail hideout offering an unpretentious yet refined drinking experience. Step through the nondescript metal door—no password, but be discreet—and enter a dim, low-lit room with a blue-tiled bar and plush leather seating. A small courtyard garden opens out the back, perfect for warm Jozi evenings. Under the guidance of renowned mixologist Julian Short, the bar serves seasonal, garden-to-glass cocktails that surprise with their originality—think turmeric gin French 75, fennel-spiced concoctions, oysters in cauldrons—yet always honour classic forms. Critics rave about their sizable and elegant drinks: “The first drink you have… is likely to be water”—a classy touch. Since launching in Rosebank in 2015, Sin + Tax has appeared on The World’s 50 Best Bars extended list (No. 94 in 2022, re-entering at No. 81 in 2024) and stands as Africa’s lone representative in 2019 at No. 88. Serving Tues–Sat (5 pm–late) and Sat from 3 pm, it offers an intimate, inclusive yet exclusive-feeling ambiance. Cocktails average around R95 (~US$7), reliable for premium quality without the inflated cocktail tax. With guarded parking, courtyard seating, and staff dedicated to flavourful storytelling, Sin + Tax balances edgy speakeasy allure with warm hospitality. Ideal for after-work drinks, date nights, or those craving discovery in Joburg’s vibrant cocktail scene.