Eight bartenders. Eight original cocktails. One community vote. That’s right! The Battle of the Bartenders is back for 2026!
Sponsored by Cardrona Distillery The West’s best bartenders are competing all April long with exclusive cocktails at Bricklane, The Good Home, The Hangar, iTi, Greenfields, Mr. Illingsworth, The Taphouse, and Workshop. This year’s contest puts Cardrona’s range of NZ-made spirits front and centre. From award-winning gins and whiskies to the Rose Rabbit liqueur range, our bartenders have had serious ingredients to work with. Safe to say, they didn’t hold back!
Try them, vote, and at the end of the month, one bartender walks away with bragging rights!
Here’s what’s on offer.
Mr. Illingsworth — Rum Away With Me | $18
Lush Rose Rabbit Barrel Aged Cherry Liqueur comes to the party with golden rum, shaken with lemon, passionfruit and juicy pineapple. Sweet, tropical and just a little bit cheeky.
Greenfields — Cherry Ice | $17
The Reid Vodka, vibrant Rose Rabbit Cherry Liqueur and fresh lime topped with soda. Served ice-cold and finished with a cherry ice cube for a clean, refreshing and subtly sweet finish with a sparkling citrus lift.
Bricklane — Crimson Bloom | $20
Cardrona The Source Gin is given an extra floral kick with Rose Rabbit Elderflower Liqueur and fresh lemon, finished with a silky foam and a float of Central Otago Pinot Noir. Garnished with dried raspberries and lemon.
The Good Home — Cardrona Sling | $22
A bold mix of Cardrona The Source Gin and Rose Rabbit Cherry Liqueur is lifted with Cointreau, mango, pineapple and fresh lemon. Finished with bitters and a blush of grenadine. Tall, tropical, and dangerously easy to love.
Workshop — Cherry Sour | $17
The Falcon Single Malt Whisky meets Rose Rabbit Cherry Liqueur in this playful cherry twist on the classic whisky sour shaken with egg white and lemon juice for a silky and tart finish.
iTi — The Bloom | $18
The Reid vodka melds with bright citrus from Rose Rabbit Orange Liqueur and subtle vanilla syrup in this striking cocktail which gradually blooms with changing colours. Served with a sugar and flower rim, and a butterfly pea flower ice cube.
The Avondale Taphouse — Cosmos Floss | $18
A whimsical, eye-catching twist on a classic with The Reid Vodka and Triple Sec. It’s light, citrusy, refreshing, slightly sweet and finished with a melting aurora of edible glitter and pink candy floss the drink.
The Hangar — Smokey Robinson | $18
A rich and indulgent combination of Cardrona American Barrel Whisky and Rose Rabbit Quince Liqueur stirred and strained over rosemary-infused ice. Finished with your choice of Cherry, Beech, Apple, or Oak woodsmoke.
How to Vote
Every dollar spent on a Battle of the Bartenders cocktail comes with your vote. Try as many as you like — we’d encourage it — and cast your vote for your favourite here.
Voting closes at the end of April. The winning venue will be announced in May.
Battle of the Bartenders is proudly sponsored by Cardrona Distillery. Please drink responsibly. Available to 18+ only.
