Sin + Tax

Sin + Tax is a small cocktail bar on the corner of Bolton Road and Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank, hidden behind a discreet entrance in the style of a speakeasy. Inside, low lighting and comfortable sofas set the tone for an evening of carefully made drinks. In 2019 it became the only African bar to be included in the extended top 100 of the World's 50 Best Bars list, which put Johannesburg's cocktail scene on the international map.

The bar describes its approach as a first-rate cocktail experience without the pretension. The menu is seasonal and changes through the year, built around inventive combinations and local ingredients. A signature feature is its range of bottled cocktails: ready-to-serve drinks made with local spirits and botanicals that offer South African takes on four classic cocktails. They are a good introduction if you are unsure what to order, and the bartenders are happy to guide you through the list or suggest something based on what you usually drink.

It suits couples, small groups of friends and anyone who appreciates a well-made drink, and it is a good choice for a first or last drink of the evening. It is not a dance bar or a place for big groups, and the room is fairly small, so arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights or be prepared to wait for space.

Sin + Tax is closed from Sunday to Tuesday. It opens from 17:00 until late from Wednesday to Friday, and from 15:00 until late on Saturdays. Cocktails are priced at the upper end of the city's range, reflecting the quality and technique involved. Contact the bar by phone or email for group enquiries.

If you are unsure what to try, start with one of the bottled cocktails, then let the bartenders suggest something from the seasonal menu based on your taste.

Rosebank is a convenient base for an evening out. Marble and other restaurants on the Keyes Art Mile are a few minutes away, and Obscura in Oxford Parks is close by for a second cocktail stop. Most visitors use a ride-hailing app to get to and from the bar, which is the safest and simplest way to travel at night. Never drink and drive.