The best summer cocktails

Milford Road, $24 | Bar Albert | 13 Wyndham Street
Soaring 38 floors above the city streets, Bar Albert boasts spectacular views over Auckland's skyline. Complete with art deco inspired decor, plush velvet curtains, sumptuous seating and a striking marble bar, it's the perfect spot for a sophisticated summer cocktail. The team at Bar Albert have just released a brand new menu, just in time for summer that is sure to impress event the most discerning of cocktail enthusiasts. Our pick is the 'Milford Road', made with sparkling wine, lemon sorbet and a blue vodka sour... do we need to say more.

Venetian Velvet, $18 | Parasol & Swing Company | 7/204 Quay Street
Over two levels, with a rooftop overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, Parasol & Swing features a cocktail bar with a stellar drinks menu and delicious bites to match. Their Venetian Velvet cocktail with vodka, green apple, grapefruit, sherry, elderflower and sorbet is the perfect summer tipple. Plus, head there over the summer months and make the most of their 'Casa Bacadri' pop up - a Caribbean, tropical inspired bar with a food and drink menu to match!

The Meg Cocktail, $25 | Bellini Bar | Hilton Auckland, 147 Quay Street
Bellini Bar delivers breathtaking views of the waterfront and a great selection of drinks and food. If it’s a special occasion or you are just enjoying a night out with friends, come in and relax in luxury while sipping on a few cocktails. Our pick is The Meg Cocktail made with raspberry vodka, lychee, passionfruit and pineapple - summer flavours in one! 

Frozen Margarita, $17 | Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. | 2/204 Quay Street
Nothing screams summer more than a frozen marg, better yet, a forzen marg enjoyed alongside views of the stunning Viaduct Harbour. Aside from being perfect for the 'gram, this frozen blend will well and truly quench your thirst. 

Have It All Spritz, $23 | Palmer Bar | 1 Albert Street
If you're looking for a spot to sit back and unwind, Palmer Bar is the perfect inner-city urban oasis. This summer, they're putting a twist on the classic aperol spritz with their Have It All Spritz, made with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, aperol, prosecco and soda. Please note, Palmer Bar are closed from 24 Dec until 16 Jan for the holiday period. 

Bikini Bottom, $21 | Talulah | 52 Tyler Street
Talulah Bar is the tropical paradise you need this summer and a prime spot to soak in twinkling sunset views across the harbour. If you find yourself at this little oasis in he heart of the city, give their Bikini Bottom cocktail ago, made from spiced rum, blue curaçao, pineapple, passionfruit and lime - it's a must-try!

Sour Patch Kid, $21 | The Brit | 122 Quay Street 
Commanding a corner at the foot of the city centre, is The Brit, a relaxed English-style gastro-pub. For the ultimate post-work catch-up or pre-event drink, head to The Brit - their Sour Patch Kid cocktail, made with Citron Cointreau, lemon, raspberry, egg white and citric is punchy, refreshing and delicious! 

Jammie Dodger, $22 | The Fox | 85/87 Customs Street West
The Fox is a charming London-inspired bar where you can enjoy watching sports events live or just come in to relax with a cocktail after a long day. They've called the Viaduct home for a number of years, but their recent renovations make The Fox feel like a brand new waterfront bar. Their drinks menu stands out with a great selection of British ales, gin and classic cocktails. This summer we recommend their Jammie Dodger cocktail - a delightful treat that blends the fruity, tropical flavours of lime and pineapple with the sweet, juicy taste of raspberry liqueur, cherry and vodka to mimic the taste of this beloved British biscuit.

Operation Market Garden, $26 | The Churchill | 396 Queen Street 
Located 20 floors up, The Churchill boasts spectacular panoramic views, nearly 200 gin styles and a specially curated, Sir Winston Churchill themed cocktail menu. Grab a table where the sun pours in and take your pick of cocktail or gin. We're eyeing up their vibrant Operation Market Garden cocktail this summer, made with jenever, aperol, red pepper water and citric acid.