SUPERIOR SIPPING
Auckland’s ubiquitous cocktail bar scene has never really gone away, it’s just evolved.
Following trends in cities around the world where cocktail culture remains particularly strong – Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York (there are many more) – there has been somewhat of a renaissance in Auckland. Driving this revival, in part, is that consumers are generally drinking less, but better, and the classic cocktail as a pre-dinner beverage has become ingrained in this movement. Growth in locally produced spirits – especially gin, rum and whiskey – as well as flavours from locally foraged herbs and spices to make a range of bitters has enhanced the flavours and the range of cocktails on offer.
Auckland has many fine bars that offer excellent versions of classic cocktails as well as new twists on old favourites. Clipper on Ponsonby Road is one of the best. Opened in 2019, Clipper has quite the following and you’ll taste why when you order their Flat White Martini made with Belvedere vodka, Mr Black coffee liqueur and in-house whey and raw sugar syrup.
Speakeasy-style Deadshot, also in Ponsonby, is a fantastic cocktail venue and worth the wait for a table – it’s that good. Staff like to learn a little about you first, your likes and dislikes of flavours in cocktails, then return with a drink made just for you. The drinks are mostly modern twists on old classics – try their version of a dirty martini and you’ll soon discover what I mean. I also strongly recommend trying the Higher Learning cocktail at The Parasol & Swing Company in the Viaduct. It’s a blend of cognac, rye, kawakawa vermouth, coconut and sesame caramel brittle.