Where to Find the Best Craft Cocktails in Christchurch

Perched on historic New Regent Street, the welcoming and whimsical establishment of gin gin offers up a delicious martini menu alongside inventive yet approachable cocktails. Situate yourself at the epic downstairs or upstairs bar, and you’ll get a first-hand glimpse at the care that goes into creating each and every one. 

Bartender’s Recommendation: Fresh Quince - Broken Heart quince gin from Arrowtown, toasted fennel, lemon and soda

Grab a seat in the intimate O.G.B. bar or head outside for some al fresco dining (it’s the perfect place for watching the tourists and tram roll on by). This historic venue takes you back in time and offers a mix of original, housemade cocktails, along all of your favourite classics. 

Bartender's Recommendation: Austin Robin - Black raspberry, honeycomb, hazelnut and raspberry cream. This sweet and smooth cocktail was created by some of O.G.B’s original staff members, and has been on the menu since the very beginning

A classic whiskey and cocktail lounge that suits any occasion, whether you’re looking for a stiff after-work bevvy or enjoying a date night in the city. When it comes to tipples, the Last Word has a timeless approach. You’ll find all the usual suspects like a negroni, Aperol spritz, bloody mary, or old fashioned, as well as a few quirky additions like their Not an Espresso Martini made with tequila.

Bartender’s Recommendation: Irish Coffee - Embassy Coffee, Jamesons, brown sugar, rock salt brewed with chocolate malt and cacao nibs topped with vanilla cream

The drink menu at Christchurch’s chicest rooftop, Pink Lady, derives inspiration from sunny beach towns found all around the world, but the featured ingredients come from the best that Canterbury has to offer. You’ll undoubtedly feel transported to a tropical oasis in no time flat, but your view will remain the stunning Port Hills.

Bartender’s Recommendation: Pink Mistress - the hero cocktail of the venue! Candy floss, pink gin, strawberry, vanilla, wonder foam

Boo Radley’s boats an impressive variety of cocktails, and their ‘grown up’ milkshakes in Salted Caramel Bourbon, Vanilla Maple Bourbon and Bushwacker are an inevitable hit. The ambiance makes it a perfect place to unwind thanks to live music six days a week, not to mention a dimly lit space filled with candles and old newspaper clippings decorating the walls. 

Bartender’s Recommendation: Chocolate Old Fashioned - Maker’s Mark bourbon, chocolate bitters, black walnut bitters, sugar