SOMEWHERE SPECIAL TO DRINK FOR 5 OCCASIONS

1

A SUNSET VIEW

Rooftop bars may be commonplace in the Viaduct, but Parasol & Swing has earned its reputation for a killer harbourside cocktail. Match the sunset with the Crimson and Clover Club, a fruity twist on the gin sour with Earl Grey gin and raspberry jam grenadine presented in a glass dipped in pink raspberry dust. 7/204 Quay St. 021 996 657, parasolandswing.co.nz

2

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

At Bedford Soda & Liquor, cocktails are fun. Try the West Side Story for wow factor – the chocolate-coffee-rum concoction is served beneath a cloud of maple smoke. Ponsonby Central, 136-146 Ponsonby Road. (09) 378 7362, bedfordsodaliquor.co.nz

3

POST-DINNER TIPPLE Let the mixologists at SO/ Hotel's HI-SO Bar serve dessert with the Sweet Hereafter, a vanilla vodka-based cocktail with crème de noisette, fresh passionfruit pulp topped with a cloud of housemade lemon meringue. Cnr Customs and Gore Streets. (09) 379 1860.

4

CURE FOR A COLD

Indulge in the urban legend that alcohol can cure all at the Blue Breeze Inn. The Ginger Honi almost tastes like mum's medicinal tea with honey, housemade ginger beer and the ingredient that will (probably not) stop that cold in its tracks – rum. 146 Ponsonby Road. (09) 360 0303, thebluebreezeinn.co.nz

5

CITY VIEWS BEFORE A SHOW At The Churchill rooftop bar, gin-lovers can craft their own cocktail from a list of gins, mixers and botanicals. Perched at the top of Queen Street, this bar rivals the views of the Sky Tower and makes a great start for a night on the town. Level 20, 396 Queen Street. (09) 393 8242, thechurchillauckland.co.nz