Nestled on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch has long been known for its British heritage, picturesque landscapes, and innovative art scene. But in recent years, this Southern gem has been drawing a new crowd – cocktail connoisseurs. Move over London and New York, Christchurch is slowly but surely carving out a niche for itself in the global cocktail scene, where traditional elements meet inventive mixology to create delicious narratives in a glass. This article delves into Christchurch’s burgeoning cocktail scene, from the classic to the innovative, offering an intoxicating glimpse of what the city has to offer.
Start your tasting journey at The Last Word, a quaint and cosy Whiskey and Cocktail lounge located in the historic New Regent Street. Their cocktail list is extensive, with something for everyone. They specialize in classic cocktails, done to perfection but it’s their creative adaptations that really impress. With concoctions like ‘Whiskey & Rye’, a blend cocktail bar christchurch of American whiskey, rye, bitters and absinthe or ‘The Rhubarb Flip’, which combines rhubarb liqueur, gin, citrus, egg, and bitters, they truly offer a unique drinking experience.
Venture a bit off the beaten path, and you’ll find O.G.B. This bar, housed in the city’s old Post Office building, is a treasure trove of old-world charm and eccentric cocktails. Their mixologists have a knack for stirring up whimsical creations. The ‘Dragon’s Breath’ for example, is a fiery mix of chili-infused vodka, ginger, lemongrass, lime and agave that will leave your palate tingling.
The green-walled oasis that is the Vesuvio Jazz & Tapas Bar offers a modern twist on classic drinks. They pride themselves on their internationally inspired tapas and cocktails that reflect their love for music and culture. One such unique offering is their ‘Jack the Ripper’, a Jack Daniels-based cocktail skilfully paired with smoked cola syrup, a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
Named after a classic cocktail, The Dirty Land has quickly become a favourite among locals. This chic, eclectic bar offers a cocktail menu stretching far beyond its namesake drink. The ‘Smoked Buttered Rum’, featuring house-made smoked butter, rum and nutmeg, add an inventive twist to a well-loved classic.
A visit to Christchurch’s cocktail scene would be incomplete without a visit to The Poplar Social Club. Hidden away in a nondescript laneway, this speakeasy-style bar is a tribute to the bygone era of Prohibition. Their ‘Black Pearl’, a unique blend of Jamaican rum, squid ink, and lime served in a hollowed-out lime, is a must-try.
Christchurch’s cocktail scene is a vibrant blend of the classic and the innovative, where the old and new coexist harmoniously in high spirits and ingenious blends. Whether you’re a fan of timeless classics or adventurous innovations, this city of ‘garden bars’ caters to all tastes. Each cocktail not only offers a unique taste but also tells a distinctive story about Christchurch’s warm hospitality and creative spirit. Take a sip, and be part of the city’s ever-evolving cocktail chronicle.