Turns out, we’re rubbish at keeping secrets. But when Auckland’s newest hidden bar is as remarkable as this, it’s a secret worth shouting about.
Panacea isn’t just your average hidden bar. In fact, owner Dany Dentith disputes whether it is, in fact, a bar at all—after all, there is no bar. Don’t be alarmed, however, as Dany, Theo and Sheena have got your cocktail fix well and truly sussed.
You see, the magic happens behind the scenes in Panacea’s cocktail kitchen. Here, bartenders Theo and Dany tinker and test different flavour combinations, using beakers and precise distillation methods to create each individual component of every drink on offer. Kinda like high school science but fun. And, while you may be more familiar with the simple ‘shaken or stirred’ methods, clarification is the key to pure cocktail deliciousness at Panacea.
Take the 'Chai Generation' cocktail, for example. By ‘washing’ chantilly cream with cognac, the team achieves a perfectly balanced and flavourful clear concoction that, when combined with spicy chai, coffee and charcoal, creates a creamy, ashy-coloured cocktail that wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter potion class.
While a lot of work goes into the cocktails, the Panacea concept is super simple and what you see is exactly what you get. By day, the cocktail kitchen is where the team pre-batch and prepare all ingredients for the evening’s specific cocktail offerings—precisely controlling flavours, temperatures and dilution—fancy, huh?
As Panacea isn't a made-to-order establishment, they not only reduce waste caused by unused ingredients, but they also have more time to sit down with guests and talk through the carefully curated menu. So leave your generic gin and tonics and run-of-the-mill RTDs at the door, and let Panacea guide you through an evening of world-class cocktail euphoria.
Once you’ve cosied into your booth of choice, you’ll soon be joined by one of the Panacea team who will provide an in-depth menu presentation and find out a little about your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a short, savoury kinda tipple or relish all things sparkling and sweet, you’ll certainly find something that tickles your fancy.
You’ll probably recognise a few cocktail names, too. ‘Fun-Lovin’ Criminal’, ‘Kokomo Trading Co.', and 'Superstylin’—all aptly named after the team's favourite jams and the songs that form the subtle soundtrack to your sipping.
Whilst you work your way through the menu, the team recommend starting with one of three signature aperitifs, specially designed to awaken the palette, including the one-shot martini, complete with juicy olive, of course. Whilst small in stature, these tiny tipples pack a delicious punch.
With your whistle well wetted, we highly recommend ordering the ‘Toasted Colada’—a personal favourite from bar(less)tender extraordinaire Theo Tjandra. Drawing inspiration from its creamy cousin, Panacea has transformed the classic pina colada into a lighter, more refreshing cocktail. By using clarification methods and adding subtle carbonation, the team achieve the irresistibly creamy flavour profile you know and love without the unwanted heaviness. Trust us—this is an utterly mind-boggling and mind-blowing experience.
From the drinks to the decor, it’s clear to see how owner Dany’s interests and experience have helped shape Panacea. Originally from the UK, Dany has spent years travelling the globe, picking up flavour combinations and innovative ideas along his way to New Zealand. It’s here he met fellow cocktail enthusiast Theo, who instead of travelling, looks a little closer to his home country, Indonesia, for inspiration and weaves the likes of pandan-infused champagne into Panacea’s offerings. The pair give subtle nods to time spent working at some of Auckland's best bars through the menu design, where watercolour sketches of intricate parasols and lanterns feature alongside their extensive cocktail collection. Bonus points if you can guess these Auckland bars...
It’s these playful nods and their superb attention to detail that sets Panacea apart. Glancing around the intimate space soon reveals other hidden gems, such as the feature wall, adorned with the pages of the first bar-tending book ever written (a copy, don't worry). And the subdued interior palette and warm wooden furnishings not only provide a cosy atmosphere, but it's also an intentional design choice that allows the statement coloured cocktails to shine. Cool, huh?
Feeling peckish? Of course, you are. Luckily for you, lucky patrons, Panacea has an equally delectable choice of snacks and sharing plates to fuel your cocktail marathon. Perfectly described as "the best kind of picnic food" by the team, we couldn't put it better ourselves. From charcuterie boards layered with spicy Cazador-sourced cold cuts, Sardinian charcoal crackers and fresh New Zealand honeycomb to sun-dried tomato, fennel and juniper kraut sausage rolls, this is the type of finger food that will keep you coming back for seconds, thirds—well, you get the gist. With the passionate trio at the helm and an exceptional cocktail experience like no other, Panacea is set to shake (and stir) up the Auckland cocktail competition. And despite its secret location, we've got a sneaking suspicion Panacea won’t stay hidden for long.
Image credit: Dave Marano.