Liquid Butter - CLOSED

Overview

Garlic — found in most households and the number one staple when it comes to cooking. This pantry necessity forms the perfect love affair when coupled with a rich helping of butter. So how about in a cocktail? It doesn't quite have the same appeal as a sweet maraschino cherry in an old fashioned, or an olive on a toothpick putting the finishing touches on a martini. One city-fringe establishment is pushing the boundaries when it comes to the classic cocktail.

Liquid Butter is an extension of Paris Butter, the popular fine dining restaurant in the heart of Auckland's swanky suburb, Herne Bay. Liquid Butter is an ever-evolving project, with a focus on crafting a drink experience that challenges the status quo.

Along with the faithful classics, such as the Connemara Coffee (whiskey, nitro coffee, honey and spiced cream), there are some other, more fascinating tipples on offer. The menu is divided into segments, showcasing one specific ingredient in multiple different ways. Take your pick from a selection of cocktails based on the humble potato, the exotic and underrated persimmon and even the unsuspecting garlic.

Liquid Butter has some serious science experiments going on behind the bar. The staff throw around words like extracting, distilling and refining when explaining the menu. This highlights the passion they have for pushing the boundaries and creating something truly unique.

We put on a brave face and decided to take the plunge into the unknown garlic cocktail territory. Deriving from the sweeter black garlic is the Ricky Clover ($16) with cane, flesh wine, citrus, bitters and elderflower. To our relief, you could not taste the garlic at all. Second on the list was Southie ($16), a potato-inspired slightly sweeter version of an old fashioned. Southie combines grape, grain, soured tatties and bitters, with a petrified peel of potato skin as garnish. This nip was much tastier than anticipated, and perfect if you are in to a heavier spirit-based cocktail.

If you're not game to try the off-the-wall drinks, then go for a classic Paris Butter Bubbles ($16) — Liquid Butter's take on a gin-based spritz mimicking a classic glass of champers. We also recommend the non-alcoholic Clover Mule ($12) using Seedlip and East Imperial ginger beer. Liquid Butter is an ostentatious bar, but the seasonal drinks come without the exorbitant price tag. It is a great spot to take the parents when they're visiting, or your other half for date night.