Capital talent

Wellington’s legendary Matterhorn restaurant and bar has found a second home in Auckland’s Freemans Bay, offering the same relaxed atmosphere, killer cocktails and well considered menu as the original. Add to that a dark, sensual wood fit-out, a courtyard bar and live music, and this little slice of the capital could be just what Auckland was missing. Matterhorn is at Victoria Park Market, 37 Drake Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland. 

Liquid luxury 

Baileys and chocolate seem such an obvious pairing it’s a wonder Baileys Chocolat Luxe didn’t happen sooner. The late-night liqueur is made with real Belgian chocolate, Irish Whiskey and cream, and is silky smooth with a luxurious real chocolate taste. The perfect dessert substitute – try it over ice with an orange slice to garnish.
RRP$36.99 Available at Liquorland

?Brassed off 

Form meets function in this super-stylish bottle opener from Fort Standard. Made in New York’s Brooklyn, the Crest Bottle Opener is cast in solid brass and ideal for hanging within easy reach.
RRP$118 Buy from www.shop.douglasandbec.com

Black by popular demand 

Celebrate winter with the return of the popular Black Beers from Tuatara. Choose from Toasted Malt, Black Espresso (made in conjunction with Mojo Coffee, it’s been tweaked for more of a coffee hit) and Black Chocolate (also dialled up as a joint venture with Wellington Chocolate Factory). These limited production runs are available from June.
RRP$8.99 Available at Liquorland?

Moustache must have 

We moustache you a question. (No groans please.) How many times have you accidentally picked up someone else’s drink at a party? We thought so. Dapper Staches Drink Markers will put a stop to all that. There are six unique styles, so stick one on your glass and stay faux pas-free all night. RRP$7.at www.ikoiko.co.nz

A touch of whimsy

Hawke’s Bay winery, Te Awa, has rebranded and launched the Left Field range. It features eight wines named after enchanting mythical creatures, including the Flamingo Recluse Pinot Noir, Lizard Fish Chardonnay and Moon Shell Moth Rosé. Search ‘Te Awa Left Field’ on YouTube to discover the birthplace of the unexpected, weird and wonderful.
Available at Liquorland RRP$16.99

Like a thief in the night…

Tucked away in Wellington’s Edward Street, newly opened THIEF is serving up Swindler’s Mojitos and Italian-inspired sharing plates in a Dickensian lair-like atmosphere. Patchwork waistcoats and pickpockets welcome.
Visit www.thiefbar.co.nz 

New kid on the shelves

Whisky giants Chivas Regal have waited 10 years to welcome this new blend to their family. A combination of rare and malt whiskies, Chivas Regal Extra is aged in Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky a deep sweetness and fruity flavour. 
Available at Liquorland RRP$69.99

Twice as good

No winter drinks tray is complete without Stone’s Green Ginger Wine, and its new 1.5 litre bottle is double the original size. This stalwart of ginger tonics has roots dating back to 1740, and is a drink for the discerning gingervidual. It’s still made according to its original recipe, from the finest quality raisins and pure ground ginger. Combine with whisky for a Ginger Mac or top with sparkling wine for a Ginger Fizz.
RRP$26.99 Available at Liquorland 

Shake it up

Channel your inner Betty Draper and host a swanky winter cocktail party, but keep it modern with these futuristic cocktail tools from Tom Dixon. Copper-plated Plum Tongs and Plum Cocktail Shaker available from www.simonjamesdesign.com 

Crowd pleaser

Keep the drinks flowing with the Oasis Drinks Dispenser from Milly’s Kitchen. It’s easy to use and the elegant design means it will look great on a drinks table or bar top. Holds 5.6 litres.
RRP$69.95 Available from www.millyskitchen.co.nz 

Ice, ice baby 

Forget soggy labels and off-temp wine. The Corkcicle keeps whites cold and brings room temperature reds to cellar temperature without the fuss of an ice bucket. Simply freeze the fake icicle and then pop into your bottle before serving.
RRP$29.95 Buy from www.notsocks.co.nz

Cracker of a cracker

We can’t get enough of the moreish Mash Tun Crackers. They’re made by hand using recycled brewery grain left over from the mash tun – a huge copper vessel used for mashing barley and hot water during brewing. Enjoy these malty crackers with a strong Cheddar cheese and a cold beer. RRP$21 for a three-pack. Available from specialty food stores and www.mashtun.co.nz 

Perfect pairing

The team at Brix have given us an excuse to enjoy two guilty pleasures side-by-side. They’ve mixed single origin Ghanaian chocolate with the finest confectionery chocolate to create a delicious blend that enhances the nuances of wine. It’s the first of its kind and available in four different flavours: Extra Dark, Medium Dark, Smooth Dark, and Milk. RRP$17.99 Available from www.notsocks.co.nz

Chilled to the bone

Mr Bones spends most of his time chilling out in a coffin-shaped mould, but when you need him to cool your drink simply pop him in the glass and feel the temperature plummet. Then return him to his coffin with a little water and let him hibernate in the freezer. RRP$18.90 Available at www.ikoko.co.nz

Mother lovin’

A tribute to Mother Nature is at the heart of Good George’s limited release Matariki (Maori New Year) IPA PIA (5.8%). Artist Shane Hansen created the exclusive portrait. Available only over the Matariki months of June and July. 
Available at selected Liquorlands from June. 

Cocktail companion 

If there was such a thing as a Mixology Scout, this is the tool they’d have in their pocket. The Bar10der Ultimate Cocktail Tool has ten bartending essentials in one sleek gizmo. Made from high-quality stainless steel and ergonomic rubber it’s designed to endure years of cocktail creation.
RRP$49.95 For stockists contact Malla Trading on 09 522 4895.

Put a stopper in it

Sometimes a single glass of wine is all you want. These Wine Cork Stoppers by Aurélien Barbry for Normann Copenhagen will keep your wine freshly sealed for another day. The set features three stunning stoppers.
RRP$60.40 Available from www.designdenmark.co.nz

Double down

One of Australia’s most popular wine brands has just released a wine finished in a truly innovative way. Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz is made from rich Barossa grapes and matured in traditional oak barrels before spending time in aged Scotch whisky barrels. The result is a wine with a red fruit and dark chocolate palate and a smooth whiskey-esque finish.
Available from Liquorland RRP$24.99

Chocolate for hop heads

We’ve all heard of chocolatey beers, but have you ever tried beery chocolate? The Craft Beer Bar from Wellington Chocolate Factory is just that: made from premium organic cocoa beans, fruity Nelson Sauvin hops and crunchy shards of toffee malt, it’s a downright delicious and quintessentially Wellington treat. 
RRP$13.50 Available from www.wcf.co.nz