TRY IT... YOU'LL LIKE IT
1 When you want to tingle your taste buds and add a bit of spice, this range of Wild West Worcester sauces and relishes made in Dargaville might just be what you’re after. Start by slathering the Sweet Pickled Onion Relish ($28 for 320g) on burgers or pimp a humble cheese sarnie. But if you want to step right up the fiery heat scale, the Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce packs the punch of bhut jolokia peppers, so it's hot. Damn hot. If eye ball-bulging, mouth-blazing scorch is your thing, then what are you waiting for? Just don't say we didn't warn you. $28 for 250ml. wildwestworcester.co.nz
2 In beautiful Cowes Bay on Waiheke Island, former pasture land has been developed by Waiheke Distilling Co into a spray-free and bee-friendly garden telling the botanical story of the gin produced, bottled and served on-site. The Spirit of Waiheke is a classic dry gin that comes in a beautiful bottle etched with the signature pōhutukawa tree. The range also includes London Dry and Red Ruby. Spirit of Waiheke 200ml for $40, 500ml for $70 available from the distillery. waihekedistilling.co.nz
3 Scarlet-blossomed pōhutukawa trees lining the coast – what could be more Kiwi than that? Honeymeisters produce a range of pure New Zealand honeys including the gorgeous Pohutukawa Honey that has a silky texture and even a lick of coastal saltiness. $29.99 for 325g. colonystores.com
4 Sprinkle these Hemp Farm Kiwi Hemp Hearts on top of your breakfast or mix them in with your baking for an optimal balance of omega 3, 6 and 9. They’re high in fibre and plant-based protein; but what is truly special is the GLA (gamma linolenic acid) said to reduce inflammation in the body. $19.95 for 200g. hempfarm.co.nz
5 The guys at Collie understand what makes a better cocktail and it's their mission to create exciting ready-to-pour bottled cocktails using local products and supporting local producers (very cute labels, too, guys). So all you need is ice and a glass. Choose from the Banana Bread Old Fashioned, Strawberry Shortbread Negroni and White Chocolate & Whisky. $60 for 500ml. collienz.com
6 These new 100% plant-based Craft Bars boast five types of nuts and seeds in each of the two luscious flavours – roasted hazelnut, sesame seeds and chocolate, and roasted almond, Himalayan salt and vanilla. Each bar is a perfect pocket-sized snack. $9.99 for a pack of 3. osm.nz
7 As the cooler weather approaches we’re partial to sipping a little something to keep our spirits up. Hansen Bros have taken French brandy and blended it with the goodness of New Zealand mānuka to make King’s Huntsman Mead Liqueur, a delicious drop of richness and warmth. $32.99 for 100ml. colonystores.com