The drama & decadence of cocktail nights at fable on Bree

Cocktails that fog, change colour, and come with handcuffs

Last updated: Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Handcuffs, Fanta foam cocktails, and fire dancers? That’s just a weeknight at fable. It’s the cocktail bar that turns food into drinks (think cocktail ingredients like fudge, rocket and sorbet), and the type of place where anything can happen. You could begin your evening with free starters and a welcome drink – they’ve got a great date night special – or end your night with smashburgers and DJs.

Almost everything is made in-house, even the edible garnish, like the fudge “cheese” on the playful pygmy mice. Image: fable

ELABORATE, INTERACTIVE COCKTAILS

You might’ve seen fable’s most popular cocktail on Instagram. It’s Inverroche gin, litchi, and citrus, and it changes colour after it’s stirred with an edible glitter paintbrush.

Another popular pick, the one with the handcuffs, is topped with Fanta Grape foam and comes with handcuffs. And if you order the lady in white, it arrives smoking. 

The presentations are just as theatrical as the stories behind each cocktail. They’re inspired by local fables, like the tokoloshe and grootslang (part elephant, part serpent monster from Zulu mythology). 

The elaborate presentations are one of the most entertaining parts of a visit to fable. Image: fable

And it’s not just the presentation that's elaborate. The craft is too. Almost every single ingredient – from syrups and juices to lollipops, boba and meringues – is made in-house, with processes that take hours or even days. 

Like the lady in white, which is made with a strawberry hibiscus sorbet and cucumber cordial. The liquid parts are then placed into a carbonation bottle and injected with CO2 to make it really fizzy.

See more cocktail insights from Josh Sarembock, owner of fable. 

Every single element is meticulously-crafted, down to the garnish. Image: fable

CHOOSE YOUR PRICE POINT

While the signatures, which are crafted with premium ingredients, cost at the high end of the menu, the classic menu with affordable cocktails shouldn’t be overlooked. Some of the classics are tiered, with three prices per cocktail and higher prices for more premium liquor, meaning you choose how much to spend. 

The classics include an espresso martini, pornstar martini, and paloma, and less well-knowns like a paper plane (whiskey, Aperol, amaro nonino and lime) and el diablo (tequila, crème de cassis, lime and ginger soda). 

The wall art inside corresponds to the signature cocktails. Image: fable

FANTASTIC HAPPY HOUR & FIRST THURSDAYS

If you visit during the happy hour, the cocktails also become more accessible, with discounts like up to 33% off of some of their best sellers. The food is discounted too (think a smashburger with two patties and popcorn chicken). See all the happy hour deals and other specials at fable on Bree. 

Sundays are extra special, as happy hour runs all day. And if you’re looking for a roaring party, First Thursday is when fable comes alive with pulsating amapiano, old school hip hop, and techno from DJs (they’ve had some big names like DJ Cosher). Make sure to stay long enough for the fire dancer. She appears from 10.30pm. 

The happy hour runs all day on Sundays. Image: fable

FOR INCREDIBLE PARTIES & FUNCTIONS

If you think the First Thursday parties sound fantastic, imagine having your birthday celebrations or year-end at fable. You can book a table, the VIP room (up to 15 people), or even the whole venue (this includes a DJ and venue exclusivity). 

There’s no venue hire fee; you’ll just have to pay a minimum spend, which starts from R30 000 and varies depending on the size, date and time of the party. 

Anything you want, they can organise. Rolling platters of food, a bubble machine, cream soda smoke… And if your function is big enough, or if you’ve booked the venue, you can even request a custom menu or cuisine. 

Have your party outside in summer, or bring it upstairs in winter. Image: fable

VISIT FABLE 

fable is open: Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm until late; Friday to Sunday, 4:30pm until late. Open on public holidays too
Find it: Corner Bree Street and Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre
Book: 066 009 7786 or info@fablecocktailbar.capetown
See more: fable website or @fablecpt on Instagram

By Julia Rowley

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MORE COCKTAILS & NIGHTLIFE 

These are some of the best places to grab a cocktail. 

In the mood for dancing? Try these nightclubs in Cape Town.

You can go Friday night bar-hopping in one building on Harrington Street.

Find more things to do in our weekend guide.  

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