Wellington is home to some of our favourite cocktail bars in all of New Zealand, the creative and innovative tipples are sure to delight the taste buds.

Here are our top picks for sipping in the capital!

Hawthorn Lounge
cuisinesCocktail Lounge

Calling all cocktail connoisseurs and alcohol enthusiasts to Hawthorn Lounge, this cheeky little speakeasy is a home away from home in the best way. Since 2006, Hawthorn Lounge has treated the people of Wellington to the finer things in life; expertly made cocktails. Indulge yourself with the upper hand cocktail; it is rich, luxurious and unforgettable; made with Cognac, house-blend sweet vermouth, Campari, chocolate bitters and Champagne. Hawthorn Lounge is not only a cocktail bar but an experience, and the sheer amount of knowledge the mixologists contain is mind-boggling; we trust them with our lives and our taste buds.

Hanging Ditch
cuisinesBar

If your goal in life is to try everything delicious, visit Hanging Ditch; this spot is cosy, funky and incredibly creative. Pop by for a mid-week visit to sample a few of your favourite tipples, or settle in for a weekend session and work your way through the beautiful selection of cocktails. With classics and Hanging Ditch originals, you will be spoiled for choice. Head towards the Aperitivos and enjoy the likes of the green beast with Absinthe, lime, sugar, water and cucumber – refreshing with a bite. For those of you with a sweet tooth, the Larry sherbet is a fruity little number sure to delight with vanilla vodka, lemon, passionfruit, pineapple, coconut and sherbet.

Crumpet
cuisinesCocktail Bar

Crumpet is the provider of refined libations for unrefined evenings; its unique system of selecting cocktails is an immersive and personal experience like none other. Refer to the wheel of flavour and style to help assist your bartender in making a drink that will delight your palate. Fruity, nutty, floral, sweet or spicy – take it step by step. Other than the cocktails, Crumpet’s namesake is also on the menu, choose sweet or savoury. The sweet options include beauties like the toffee lychees, white chocolate and passion fruit crumpet. Our favourite savoury is the roasted cauliflower, fennel and streaky bacon.

A hidden gem on the waterfront is just what the doctor ordered; Cuckoo Emporium is a comfortable oasis, the perfect balm to city life. The nostalgic décor, other-worldly cocktails and delectable nibbles are irresistible. Get a group of friends together and work your way through the beautiful cocktail creations. Lounge in the sunshine with The Drifter in hand; this cocktail pairs dry gin with Antico, pineapple juice, lemon juice, demerara sugar and angostura bitters. Cuckoo launched its new cocktail menu in December, and the refreshing and creative list is making waves. You can still get your hands on a range of classics like amaretto sours, French 75’s and clover clubs.

Night Flower Punch House
cuisinesCocktail Bar

The candlelit cocktail bar, known as Night Flower Punch House, is a sophisticated, sensual and luxurious location for intimate evenings out. Elite, exquisite and exclusive, this bar is tucked away in the depths of Wellington. Relinquish control to the professionals and let them call the shots; the expert mixologists will use your preferred flavours to create a suitable drink. Embrace the rich notes of an old fashioned, refreshing mojito or a botanical gin and tonic. For those of you who prefer the delectable combination of fruity and creamy, there is the Sloe gin fizz.

mobile app promotional banner