Valentine’s Day is traditionally full of hearts, cheesy plush toys and pink desserts. This year, step it up by treating that someone special to a sophisticated night out, starting with any — or all — of these six deliciously romantic cocktails from some of our favourite bars across Auckland.
First-date nostalgia
The movies are always a good go-to first date option. But the deliciously creative Popcorntini at Harbourside (Belvedere vodka, vanilla Galliano and house popcorn syrup, $19) switches the act of trying to shovel popcorn in your mouth for seductive sips, and changes the movie screen for a stunning harbour view.
— First Floor, The Ferry Building, 99 Quay St
Chocolates make everything better
Love chocolate? Feel the same way about gin? Try the decadent Chocolate Collins at The Gin Room (Hayman's gin, white cacao, lemon and soda) or add a splash of the good stuff with a French 75 (Bombay Sapphire gin, champagne, lemon and sugar).
— First Floor, 12 Vulcan Lane, Queen's Ferry Hotel Building
Summer lovin'
With a winning view of the harbour and a bowling alley to boot, Dr Rudi's Rooftop Bar is a fun destination best enjoyed while sipping on a Lychee Cup — a combo of Pimm's, Cointreau, lychee puree, orange bitters and fresh lime, topped up with lemonade and fresh mint.
— Second Floor, 204 Quay St, Viaduct
Fly by the seat of your pants
Not normally a cocktail drinker? Leave it in the hands of the experts at Caretaker, where you tell the staff what kind of flavours you like, and they'll whip you up a delicious concoction from one of their thousands of recipes.
— Roukai Lane, Britomart
Bringing a little heat
Things are about to get hot. A Chilli Mango Smash from Everybody's will warm-up your evening nicely, with chilli-infused vodka, mango and lime. Also recommended is a Sapphire Rose — Bombay Sapphire gin, house-made rose syrup and soda.
— First Floor, 7 Fort Lane
A sneaky sweet nightcap
Slip into the low-lit Housebar at Hotel De Brett for a sneaky indulgent treat to share with your beau. The Salted Caramel Martini — made with 42 below vodka and salted caramel liqueur — is the ultimate after-dinner delight.
— 2 High St, Auckland Central
