Cocktails in the sun
It wouldn’t be summer without sampling a refreshing, new and inventive cocktail on a warm afternoon, so Neat Places has scoured the city for the newest concoctions to invigorate your happy hour.
Lan Kwai Fong
Sister Kong
Named after the infamous Hong Kong clubbing area, this lime green mix is an oriental summer party in a glass. Comprising gin, lemon juice, lemongrass and Thai basil – a sprinkle of sugar ensures a crisp, sweet taste.
Served in a crystal-style rock glass, Lan Kwai Fong is liquid refreshment personified – perfect to perk up your lunch or reinvigorate your evening. Just like the indoor-outdoor flow of its namesake, Lan Kwai Fong is perfect enjoyed at Sister Kong’s outdoor seating or in the indoor restaurant and bar.
Renaissance City
Poplar Social Club
Garnished with edible flowers and dehydrated mandarin, and served on its own silver tray, this millennial pink drink is an Instagrammer’s dream.
Inspired by the Christchurch rebuild, it is a modern take on classic ingredients. Created by pro bartender Charles Gillett, the recipe has earned him a spot at the Beefeater cocktail championship in London in February. With a Beefeater 24 base, the gin is softened with the addition of grapefruit, orgeat (almond syrup), rosemary, egg whites and bitters. Its colour comes from a touch of violet liqueur, and its sweetness is balanced with the tang of gin and grapefruit – not to mention the mandarin and egg white, which give it a fluffy, crunchy texture.
Tropius
Red Light District
Simple and boozy, this mix of Rutte Genever, Amaro Montenegro and pineapple syrup, is bittersweet and super refreshing.
Garnished with a generous chunk of fresh pineapple, Tropius is a far cry from syrupy, sweet summer cocktail cliches. Fruity flavours are balanced by the botanical malted gin and bitters, while still delivering the refreshing sweetness synonymous with summer drinks.
Extra-Espresso Martini
Universo Brasserie and Bar
A new take on the ever-popular Espresso Martini, Universo delivers a boozy, strong-flavoured sting with this potion.
Still strong on the espresso, and guaranteed to perk up your afternoon or evening energy levels, the addition of a stout reduction adds an aromatic shot of flavour.
This variation is perfect for those favouring strong tastes, needing a pick-me-up, or looking to get things going.
36 Chamber
Red Light District
Not dissimilar to the cult Kung Fu film it shares a name with, this masterpiece packs a strong kick. The 36 Chamber combines Sacred Spring dry gin from Takaka, with homemade grenadine, Remy Martin brandy, lime juice and yellow chartreuse.
Extremely popular in the opium den-themed bar on Victoria St, this is another boozy option for cocktail connoisseurs out there. Again, careful attention has been paid to balance out the drink’s aromatic ingredients, creating a refined beverage ideal for a late summer’s evening.
Summer’s Radiance
Poplar Social Club Tropical yet tangy, this lemony libation is very moreish. Featuring prosecco, Summer’s Radiance is well suited for a toast on a warm afternoon.
While it also comprises mango vodka, lime juice and guava syrup – there is nothing sickly or sweet about this mix.
Garnished with orange rind and served in a champagne flute, the simple cocktail is easy and delightful to drink.
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