This New Inner City Drinks Counter Specialises in Takeaway Bottled Cocktails

Found inside downtown Auckland's new Commercial Bay precinct, Liquorette is an off-license cocktail bar inspired by American liquor stores and bodegas of the 1970s. Guests at the drinks counter, which arrives by way of New York hospitality group AvroKO, have the option of sipping cocktails while sitting in the bustling 600-seat Harbour Eats food hall, or taking away bottled concoctions to enjoy at home.

The menu features classic cocktails for both sit-in and takeaway, including the margarita, negroni, and old fashioned, as well as Liquorette's signature mixes like the 'Liq Pimm's Cup' (Beefeater, Pimm's, limoncello and ginger beer) or 'Espresso Negroni' (Mr. Black coffee liqueur Absolut, Cocchi di torino vermouth, orange bitters, spray of Campari). For $35, each takeaway version comes with the selected bottled cocktail alongside step-by-step instructions and fresh garnishes to create two servings.

If drinking on premise, Liquorette's 'All Star' cocktail menu boasts concoctions from some of the world's top bartenders and bars — including New York mixologists Naren Young, Jillian Vose and Jeff Bell. The self-serve fridge is also open to those who want to imbibe on something other than cocktails. Customers can grab red and white wine, bottled and canned beer, and a variety of non-alcoholic options at leisure. The 'Cha-Chunker' is a centrepiece of the Liquorette concept. The contraption widens the hole of any can to hold a mini bottle of liquor, creating canned cocktails.

For some sustenance between drinks, the wood-fired pizza menu has been designed by AvroKO's Brad Farmerie. Choices include nduja pork sausage with broccolini, tomato and mozzarella, alongside your classic margherita and a vegetarian eggplant offering topped with buffalo ricotta, black olives, pine nuts and mozzarella.

Personalised cocktails are a feature of the online ordering system, with the option to include a short message or rename one of the beverages for special occasions. Cocktail delivery will soon be available through the website.

Find Liquorette on the second floor of Auckland CBD's Commercial Bay precinct. The takeaway menu is available anytime from Monday to Sunday from 12–9pm. Online pick-up orders are available at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm.