Here’s my list of favourite Cocktail Bars in Auckland CBD for interesting & delicious cocktails.
Caretaker & Rocketman
Caretaker is a unique underground bar without a menu. Instead, you can describe the drink you’re after. or, the bartender will ask you questions to determine the best drink for you.
If you’re keen for a change of scene after a few drinks, then you can also check out their sister bar above them: Rocketman.
Holey Moley / La Di Darts
Holey Moley is a whole lot of fun. When you visit you’ll find quirky cocktails and an exclusive happy hour menu from 5-7 on Monday -Thursday. You can enjoy a balcony view of the viaduct or take your drinks around the venue while you play a round of pop culture themed minigolf for $20 per person on weekends, depending on how many courses you do.
The venue is also home to La Di Darts, where you can hire a booth to play interactive dart games. Similar to the minigolf, it’s approx. $20 per person for an hour of playtime.
My Recommended Drink: Rub a Dub Tub – It comes in a bathtub!
Parasol & Swing
This has to be one of the most ‘grammable cocktail spots, it has a rooftop-like pavilion with a gorgeous view of the viaduct harbour and cocktails with interesting tastes and glasses.
There are food & drink specials for each day – I enjoyed 2 for 1 tacos and $15 margaritas on a Tuesday!
My Recommended Drink: Coconut Margarita
Curio
Previously Little Culprit, Curio is the new kid on the block with a bizarre and mysterious aesthetic that applies to its drink menu. This bar is great for those who like their drinks on the dry side. If you’re leaning into the mystery, you can try their everchanging concoction: From the Boot.
Recommended Drink: Monkey-Paw
The Churchill
The Churchill sits high above Auckland City as part of the Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a rooftop bar with a great view of the city lights, sky tower and harbour bridge. This bar has a large selection of gins and a range of cocktails themed after aspects of the life of Winston Churchill, whom the bar is named after.
Recommended Drink: The 10.10.10 menu option – You can choose your own gin, garnish & mixer for only $18.
SLY BAR
Out of the Cocktail Bars in Auckland, Sly is one of my personal favourites. Sly is a hidden speakeasy bar on Karangahape Road. You can find the entrance behind a large set of paintings in a room containing a small gothic art gallery.
Auckland Cocktail Syndicate
ACS is a hidden speakeasy themed bar in Ponsonby above the Broken Lantern Restaurant. This one has a fun retro themed entrance and menu. There’s also a room with a pool table and a couple of arcade games.
Recommended Drink: Cotton Candy Express
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