Tāmaki Makaurau’s Best Summer Cocktail Hangout Spots

There’s nowhere else we’d rather be for the summer of ’21. Catch us lounging in the sunshine on the beautiful shores of Waiheke Island, strolling through the vineyards past the rolling hills to take a well-deserved break at the one and only Mudbrick. It is a great location to dabble in a splash of premium wine or dedicate a day to elegant cocktails, beautifully handcrafted and expertly created. Experience the exceptional flavours displayed in the Oriental Express; pairing gin, elderflower, Sake, citrus, lychee, green tea and the star of the show, wasabi. The Italian Pornstar Martini showcases Mudbricks limoncello and their Methode Traditionelle, alongside vodka, passionfruit, citrus and a hint of vanilla.

Nothing can compare to the local watering hole on a scorching summer day; Citizen Park is the perfect spot for a casual afternoon session. Park up on a picnic table with an alcoholic slushie in hand; the flavours rotate daily! Order a classic cocktail like the famous espresso martini or, head over to the Clipper Cocktail range and experiment with new and exotic options. Go on holiday with the Blue Hawaiian, which pairs white rum, peach, tangy pineapple and coconut. Or try our personal favourite, the Pineapple Chilli Margarita with a salted rim, made with tequila, lime and a pineapple and green chilli cordial.

Get closer to the sun with a cheeky rooftop cocktail bar; Parasol and Swing serve up harborside views, an array of live music and bespoke cocktails. Soak up rays as you work your way through the cocktail menu, start strong with a Pornstar Spritz, made with vanilla gin, strawberry liquor, passionfruit and citrus. If you’re after a fruity little number, then look no further, the Crimson & Clover Club combines all of our favourite flavours. Earl grey gin, raspberry jam grenadine, Blanco vermouth, a splash of citrus and a fine layer of raspberry dust. Or take a spin on the classic with an Aperol & Strawberry Spritz. Ask your waiter about the ever-changing seasonal cocktail.

Don’t worry about your fineries this summer because you won’t be getting your hands dirty at The Garden Shed. Kick back beneath the blooms or sit streetside in the scorching sun, keep hydrated with a tasty selection of unforgettable cocktails. Margaritas is the way to our heart and the Gardeners Margarita with strawberry-infused reposado tequila hits the spot every time. If you’re after something light and refreshing, choose Lost in Flowers to keep the heat at bay. Artfully created with Tanqueray Gin, elderflower, apple, lime, mint and rhubarb bitters. Their low alcoholic section continues to serve up summer vibes with the Fruity Punch cocktail and Strawberry Patch.

With a vibrant living wall, first of its kind, and a front-row seat to a glittering ocean view, The Conservatory is the place to be this summer. Renowned for their outstanding cocktails and talented mixologists, there is a cocktail fit for every palette. Travel the world with their international selection and make stops in Florence for a classic Negroni, pop into Puerto Rico for a tropical pina colada or take it to the streets of New York with the crowd favourite, long island iced tea. The Conservatory classic range includes incredible summer sensations like the fruity and refreshing mango tango with fresh mango, coconut tequila, mango vodka, and a hint of citrus – this beauty embodies sunshine.