Summer is cranking, daylight saving is here, and G&T season is well and truly upon us… to be fair, it’s one season that we could all probably agree should never end. And, if you’re like us, and an ice-cold gin is your tipple of choice—this news will be music to your ears.
After having opened in the midst of various lockdowns, multi-award-winning distillery Broken Heart Spirits has launched Queenstown’s first-ever boutique gin garden, and of course, we can’t get enough.
But keen imbibers, don’t be fooled, gin isn’t the only drop on offer at this beautiful, European-inspired oasis. The Gin Garden serves 12 award-winning, locally distilled Broken Heart Spirits—from the original signature gin (that recently won ‘Best NZ London Dry’ at the World Gin Awards 2021) to quince gin, spiced rum and whisky, vodka, and a new Oktoberfest-inspired lager.
Sample one of the spirits with a house mixer, try a tasting flight or sip on one of the delicious cocktails on offer (*trust us, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop at one). To get your taste buds tingling, we’ll let you in on some of the cocktail offerings, shall we? Think rhubarb gimlet, quince sour and barrel-aged negroni...thirsty yet?
The Gin Garden also serves up delicious European-inspired food to match, featuring classics such as a French Tarte Flambée (also known as a German Flammkuchen), squid pickled in gin spices, a BBQ roasted beef brisket and a decadent Broken Heart Rum Baba to finish.
Food and drink aside, what makes us love Broken Heart, even more, is the unwavering passion and heartfelt story of its owner, Joerg Henkenhaf. Joerg had been working on a gin recipe with his good friend Bernd Schnabel for three years when Bernd sadly passed away. With a broken heart, Joerg decided to share this superb gin with the world and name it in his memory.
At the start, Joerg’s dream was to see one of his bottles in a bar in Auckland. Now, his gin and spirits are sold in 18 countries and have won 19 international and national awards.
If you're really looking to elevate your gin-perience, why not take to the skies on this world-first Heli Gin Tour by Altitude Tours. Liftoff on an incredible scenic flight to the Cardrona Distillery, including a celebratory toast at a secluded alpine location with panoramic views, as well as tastings in private rooms, shared grazing boards and a traditional German Tarte Flambee pizza at the Gin Garden. To gin-finity and beyond!
You might need a lie down after all that good gin, book into one of the best hotels in Queenstown.
Image credit: Broken Heart Spirits.