Mix it up at Wellington’s cocktail bars

Tucked into the corner of The Opera House, Crumpet is a cute and cosy bar.

Cocktails and, you guessed it, crumpets, are the star of the show here.

Thirsty? Let the talented bar staff shake up your tastebuds with a new take on an old favourite. Or, flick through the extensive Rolodex of cocktail options to tempt your palate. Seasonal drinks are always on offer, reflecting the weather or the mood of the evening.

Crumpets are served with a selection of sweet or savoury toppings. They’re a great snack to start or finish an evening.

Elixir is Wellington’s premiere bitters and Chartreuse bar. Found down Chews Lane off Willis Street, it provides a cosy oasis among the busy office and apartment blocks. It also boasts the only full kitchen attached to a cocktail bar in the city. Elixir caters to serious aficionados and people keen to learn about unusual wines and the subtleties of spirits. Its friendly and knowledgeable bar staff can steer you through the eclectic drinks list.

With a 1920s speakeasy or gentlemen’s lounge vibe, Hawthorn Lounge is a hidden gem you must seek out.

Head through the unmarked doorway, go up the stairs and you’ll find a swanky spot where the bartenders really know their cocktails. Sit at the bar as the staff entertain you with a history lesson on your favourite cocktail. Or, nab a leather couch by the open fire and relax as they concert your own bespoke drink.

Step out of the bright lights and fast pace of Courtenay Place, ascend the flight of stairs, push open the door to The Library and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a new world.

The Library opened in 2009 and has built a reputation for its cocktails and decadent desserts. The bar is comprised of intimate booths and cosy nooks, surrounded by shelves lined with books (we’re talking real, actual books). Oozing warmth and old-world charm, the bar is dimly lit by table lamps and vintage framed prints adorn the walls.

Tucked away in a little laneway off Victoria Street, Kuikui Lane is a bar with a warmth that doesn’t just come from its cosy size or low lighting. There’s a feeling of familiarity wrapped up in the quirky, yet classy interior.

Primarily a gin and cocktail bar, it’s Kuikui’s artful and subtle creativity that sets its menu and mixology apart.

It’s also unique in its ingredient choices — all the bar’s food and drink products are from Aotearoa, showcasing the breadth and quality of locally made.

You’ll feel a world away from the bustle of Courtenay Place at Dragonfly. With intimate dining areas and an atmospheric courtyard out the back, it’s an easy spot to spend an evening.

Enjoy modern Asian cuisine designed for sharing. The menu spans the continent, offering classic dishes with contemporary twists. Dumplings, curry, salads, and snacks all reflect the seasonal produce and regional flavour highlights.

Dragonfly’s bar and bamboo courtyard are excellent for sampling their cocktails. Classics and newer creations are available, and look just as good as they taste.