The Five Best Cocktail Bars in Auckland

In the famous words of James Thurber, “One martini is all right. Two are too many, and three are not enough”. Whether one for the cocktail connoisseur or three to get the party started, there’s nothing like a cocktail to turn a drink into a real occasion.

Once reserved for the streets of New York and lanes of London, Auckland now boasts an array of classy cocktail establishments that make even the most discerning enthusiast suitably satisfied. And we took it upon ourselves to sample six of these establishments which continue to raise the bar in offering Auckland's best cocktail experiences.

1. Fukuko

Fukuko’s offering really is one of the most unique, refreshing and delicious we’ve found in ‘the new Auckland’ scene. Their approach is authentic and simple with fresh takes on classic cocktails using the traditional Japanese spirit shochu. Using infusions of earl grey, juniper berries, three citrus, raisins, pineapple and basically anything else incredibly refreshing, the bar tenders create exciting cocktails that genuinely surprise and delight. But they don’t just cater to one palette; they also have a very authentic looking hot and cold Sake list and the most incredible selection of Japanese whiskey’s, enough to bring the staunchest of man-drinkers to tears.

48 Tyler Street, Britomart, Auckland

2. Mea Culpa

Cocktails aren't just a drink at Mea Culpa, an established Ponsonby Road favourite, they’re an art form. A New York style ‘hole in the wall’ venue, the intimate narrow bar ,with rustic interior and an eclectic music selection to boot, have made it a popular with locals for years now. And the best bit (aside from the delicious cocktails)? If you work up an appetite there are a delicious array of cheese boards with blue or brie from $15 on offer and you can even order a tasty Japanese dish from Renkon next door to eat at the bar. A true neighbourhood gem and one you’d be crazy to miss.

3/175 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland

3. Clooney

You know you’re in for something special the moment you enter Clooney. But it’s not just the restaurant that makes it well worth the visit – for your own Sex in the City moment or a hot date – dress to impress and try out their equally special cocktail bar. Always one to stay on top of the latest trends, their menu is ever evolving and a lot of research goes into the ingredients and techniques. And what makes Clooney’s cocktails stand out? Some of the ingredients are more commonly found on a plate rather than in a glass and presentation is first class. The Seigfried & Roy is Clooney’s signature cocktail and well worth a try…it strikes the perfect balance like any good cocktail should. The service, ambience and décor of Clooney transport you instantly to some incredible international destination, so don’t wait, put on your highest most fabulous heels (ladies of course), grab a friend, jump in a cab to be wooed by this world class venue.

33 Sale Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland

4. Hotel DeBrett Housebar

Part of Hotel DeBrett, Housebar is a classy and intimate cocktail bar nestled within the boutique art deco hotel in the heart of Auckland CBD. And cocktails are something they take seriously. Their extensive menu is first sign of this, matching well-known classics with an exotic array of ‘Housebar originals’. With plenty more cocktails to sample, Housebar is a cocktail stop you’ll want to revisit, an opinion clearly shared by the many after work regulars who frequent the popular haunt for after-work or pre-dinner drinks.

2 High Street, Auckland CBD

5. 1885

1885 has become a bit of an establishment in Britomart – a reliable haunt for good tunes and good times. But what you may not know is hidden below the main level is one very appealing cocktail lounge – The Basement Bar. 1885 boasts three bar staff with World Cocktail Awards; more than any other bar in New Zealand. Cocktails are a serious business here and staff are put through apprenticeships and cocktail making mentoring classes at the end of their shifts, where knowledge is passed onto the next about this ancient art form (apparently 300 years old!).

Galway Street Central, Auckland CBD