The best creators of the perfect summer cocktail in New Zealand

"A Ponsonby institution for over twenty years, SPQR is one of the finest places to begin - or end - a night out. Cocktails like ‘The Slapper’ come highly recommended!"

"Kitchen at the beautiful Hotel DeBrett is a great spot to pick for a longish lunch in the CBD, and is perfect for all weather due to its amazing skylight letting the outside in all year round. They serve up innovative, contemporary cuisine using super fresh ingredients, and are definitely more than a few cuts above your standard hotel restaurant. At the moment my pick is the Goat Ricotta Gnocchi, served with a side of crispy broccolini topped with Kikorangi Blue and walnuts. Delicious."

"My pick hands down for the best ‘new’ Vietnamese in Auckland, Hanoi has impeccable service, interesting and tasty dishes and a cocktail list to make the mouth water. As far as I know you still can’t book, but the light at the end of what can be a lengthy tunnel on a busy night is well worth the wait."