The Wait Is Over, The Most Sought After Summer Sips Are Coming To A Tap Near You

Tapped cocktails are set to be the new pint this summer, with your next ice-cold refreshment just a mere pour away. Because we’re all about a showstopping drink, but the wait time? Less of a vibe. Tapped cocktails banish all that to the past, with crowd favourites arriving in hand practically as soon as you order. 

And in case you were worried, tap doesn’t mean sub. Far from it—Campari and Canyon Brewing have been slingin’ Euro summer in the form of Aperol Spritz right here at home for a couple of seasons now, and reviews confirm they’ve nailed the perfect balance of citrus, fizz and refreshing bitterness. Better still, you can count on that blissful trifecta every single round, no matter who’s pouring. 

This summer, two new players have entered the chat: Appleton Estate Jamaican Mule and Espolòn Paloma. The Appleton Estate Jamiacan Mule leads with rich Jamaican rum balanced by fiery ginger and fresh lime. Smooth yet vibrant, with a refreshing citrus finish and a lingering ginger kick. The Espolon Paloma -  Bright and refreshing with vibrant grapefruit citrus and crisp tequila. Light-bodied and effervescent, finishing clean with a subtle bittersweet citrus note, perfect for summer. 

You won’t be able to get your hands on these just anywhere. A growing list of venues nationwide will be pouring the duo, but if you're keen to be among the first to try them, start here.

Bar Ziti & Flush Urban Golf + Bar

48 Customs Street East, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland

Image credit: Flush Urban Golf + Bar | Savor Group

Working on your golf swing in Bar Ziti & Flush Urban Golf + Bar’s golf sims is sure to work up a sweat, so the only responsible thing to do is pause for a refresher (for hydration purposes, obviously). Whether you’re reaching for the crisp, grapefruit-forward Espolòn Paloma or the bold combination of Appleton Estate rum, fiery ginger and lime in the Jamaican Mule, these serves are the perfect reward after a few rounds on the virtual fairways.

Better yet, from 16 October, you can put your skills to the test with a four-week Ambrose competition and Closest to the Pin challenge, with epic merch packs up for grabs.

Lucky 8 

16 Courtenay Place, Pōneke Wellington

Image credit: Lucky 8 | Instagram

For a night that’ll go straight to core memory, start your soiree at Lucky 8. Here you can summon plate after plate of pan-Asian tapas without breaking the bank (prices start from just $8.88 a pop), which means there’s cash left over for a cheeky sundowner as the DJs take over the night. Our pick? Hao's chilli chicken perfectly complemented with a refreshing hit of Grapefruit in a glass of Espolòn Paloma. 

The Local 

7 Rees Road, Tāhuna, Queenstown

Image credit: The Local | Bri Woolnough 

If you’re looking for a spot to spend the entire night at, head to The Local. Sitting in the heart of Queenstown, the rooftop bar and restaurant checks all the boxes for great kai, bangin’ beats, and all the vibes. But of course it does—it’s owned by the folks who brought us off the chain music festival, Snow Machine. Add free-flowing Aperol Spritz, Jamaican Mules, and Palomas, and that’s the night, sorted.

Canyon Taproom

1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Tāhuna Queenstown 

Image credit: Canyon Taproom | Instagram

If you’re headed to Queenstown for New Year’s (or anytime at all), you’ll want to make sure Canyon Taproom makes your itinerary. With top-tier mountain and wilderness surrounds, a large lawn area for soaking up that vitamin D or letting the kids run wild, and wicked weekly menu deals, now with your favourites on tap, it’s all the elements of a sublime summer in one.  

Sound like a bit of you? Get all the details from the good folks at Campari and Canyon Brewing.