Overview
When it comes to the end of the week, or for some of us, the end of the day, there's nothing better than indulging in a few refreshing cocktails. We've all got our established go-tos and local watering holes, but what if the grass is greener just around the corner? What if the happy hour is even happier just a stone's throw away? In aid of some much needed clarity, we've decided to shed some light on the situation by letting you know where to get your cocktail fix for $10 and under every day of the week.
MONDAY
BIRDIES, MOUNT WELLINGTON
What's the deal? $6 espresso martinis every day of the week from 11am until late.
Got some loose change? Welcome the start of the week with a couple of $6 espresso martinis. Sylvia Park bistro Birdies offers the outrageous happy hour every day of the week from 11am until late. The dirt cheap concoctions will get you into the groove and potentially keep you up all night too. If you happen to pop by on a Tuesday you'll also be treated to $1 wings from the kitchen.
TUESDAY
THE MEXICAN CAFE, AUCKLAND CBD
What's the deal? $9 margaritas and caipirinhas every day from 5pm until 7pm.
Spice up the first half of your week at The Mexican Café. Having established itself in Auckland since 1983, the team behind the inner city venue certainly know their stuff and consistently turn it on. Line up some snacks from the kitchen and give yourself up to a couple of margaritas or caipirinhas. At $9 a pop everyday from 5pm until 7pm, it'd be rude not too. What's more, el Jimador reposado tequila is $5 per shot.
WEDNESDAY
CLIPPER, PONSONBY
What's the deal? $10 cocktails every day from 5pm until 6pm.
It's Wednesday — you're halfway there and that's more than enough of an excuse to give yourself a pat on the back in the form of an afternoon tipple. Ponsonby's newest cocktail bar Clipper is making it a little too easy when it comes to your hump day wind down. $10 cocktails can be enjoyed during the bar's Aperitivo Hour from 5pm to 6pm. The lineup has been known to include negronis and its cousin the sbagliato, plus Aperol spritz, bellini and americano cocktails. For those in a celebratory mood, prosecco bottles are available for $40 a pop.
THURSDAY
TALULAH, BRITOMART
What's the deal? $10 cocktails every Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm until 7pm.
They don't call it thirsty Thursday for nothing. Your thirst is best quenched at Talulah with a happy hour that's guaranteed to turn any frown upside down. $10 cocktails are shaken and stirred from 4pm to 7pm every Tuesday to Saturday at the Britomart tiki bar, including a rotating selection of mai thais, tropical spritzers, daiquiris and espresso martinis.
FRIDAY
THE FLYING MOA, MOUNT WELLINGTON
What's the deal? $9 cosmopolitans every Friday from 3pm until 6pm.
Start your weekend on the right foot out in Mount Wellington. Known for its humble Kiwi fare and annual adorable sausage dog race, The Flying Moa is a lively pub with friendly locals. The Friday happy hour is an alluring one and will certainly do the trick — from 3pm until 6pm the bar serves up Carrie Bradshaw's favourite shaken drink, the cosmopolitan, for just nine bucks. The drop is a tarty combination of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice. Those popping in to the venue over the weekend can also expect deals like $6 mimosas.
SATURDAY
MASU, AUCKLAND CBD
What's the deal? $9 cocktails every day from 4pm to 6pm.
Start your Saturday night with front row seats at Nic Watt's much-loved Japanese robata restaurant, MASU. Enjoy the colourful culture of Federal Street with even more glasses of affordable cocktails flying from the bar. At $9 a glass for an East End Sling, Shiso Peach Caipiroska or Scapegrace gin and tonic, you could be there all night. For something different try the Ozeki Honjozo, a high grade Japanese sake for $9.90. And while you're there you may as well settle in for the full robata dining experience.
SUNDAY
COLEY & PUNCH, PRINCES WHARF
What's the deal? $10 cocktails every day from 4pm until 7pm.
Savour the last of your weekend with the perfect Sunday session. Nestled right beside the water on Princes Wharf is Coley & Punch. Take seat on the sun-soaked deck to best appreciate the view of the harbour. We recommend partaking in the refreshing Mandarin French 75 or Kentucky Smash, both available for an easy tenner from 4pm to 7pm. For those who would like to keep it simple, grab the Bombay gin and tonic of the week for $7.