Where Are Some of the Best Places to Get a Mocktail in New Zealand?

New Zealand has many places famous for eating and drinking. Yet one provision that is slowly developing is in its selection of alcohol-free beverages. Most eateries will now have a choice of these, and some have built a reputation on it. Below, we discuss some of the best places to get a mocktail in New Zealand. 

SkyCity Hamilton

The SkyCity Hamilton provides an all-in-one entertainment option, day or night. It is situated inside a former post office building, right on the Waikato River. It has everything you need, from a bowling alley to an X-Golf course, along with eight bars and restaurants. One of these is EATBurger, voted the best burger in the area.  

When it comes to grabbing a mocktail, head to the casino. Monday to Thursday, it is open from 10 a.m. until 4 a.m. and much later on the weekends. There are multiple poker tables, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, along with a host of slot machines. It is in such a good location and has such great service that it has frequently been voted one of the best land-based casinos in the country. 

You will also find Number Eight Bar on the main casino floor, which serves up a great array of mocktails. From classics like Virgin Mojitos to more unique affairs like a Juicy Sunrise, there is something for everyone. Failing that, it has a selection of excellent coffees if you want something to end a meal or just pick you up. 

Amano, Auckland

Amano is a restaurant known for its exquisite seasonal dishes with an Italian flair. It looks over Waitemata Harbour and spans two historic buildings. They use sustainable, local produce, which shines through in everything you eat there. However, it is not just a one-trick pony. Dig a little deeper, and you will find one of the most inventive mocktail menus in New Zealand. 

Yes, the mocktail menu is only three items, but it is the best three you will ever have. A lot are based around the Seedlip brand, who are master distillers of non-alcoholic spirits. For a refreshing kick, try the strawberry, Seedlip Spice, red berry, lemon, and ginger beer cocktail. Keeping the zest but going for something a bit more classic, you may want to try the grapefruit, Seedlip Garden, mint, lemon, and eggwhite. 

Bedford Soda & Liquor, Auckland 

Bedford Soda & Liquor is a throwback to the prohibition era in the US. It is a speciality meatball restaurant but also has a range of other bites like fried chicken and hearty American fare. It is located at 1 Richmond Street in the neighbourhood of Ponsonby. 

The menu contains three classic mocktails, but each has its own twist. A margarita, lychee mojito, and sour are the choices, with the mojito being the customer choice. It combines non-alcoholic cane spirit with lime, lychee, agave, mint, and soda for a fresh and piquant burst of flavour. 

There are plenty more great places for mocktails. More bars and restaurants are putting in the time and effort, realising not everyone needs alcohol for a good time. The bartender may even be able to rustle you up something special!