Check Out These Iconic Bars Slinging Limited-Edition Rum Cocktails For July

With the colder nights calling for a tipple that warms from within, what better way to celebrate New Zealand’s Rum Month than with some tasteful takes on well, rum.

Doing what they do best, Appleton Estate has teamed up with some of the country’s top bars to serve up exclusive, one-off rum cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. From sultry sips in underground speakeasies to bold blends behind your favourite neighbourhood bar, this is your bucket list for the best rum-infused shaken and stirred creations this July.

So, whether you’re a seasoned rum connoisseur or just in it for a wintery spin on your Friday drinks plans, these pours are worth the outing. 

WHERE TO SIP NEAR YOU

• North Island
• South Island 
   

North Island

Sardine, Viaduct Auckland

When it comes to White and Wong’s drink-savvy sister bar Sardine, you can expect something for everyone with six rum-loaded specials for the taking. Yup, Sardine’s bringing serious heat to Rum Month with a lineup that’s anything but ordinary—and all for just $20 a pop.

The Grange, Takapuna

North Shore locals, take note—The Grange is serving up a Rum Month hero that’s bold, bright, and may transport you to the Bahamas. Known as the Grange Signature, this tropical twist on a classic is where Appleton Estate rum meets Campari, passionfruit, fresh lime, and a hit of egg white for that silky finish. It’s vibrant, bittersweet, and crafted to impress.

Deadshot, Ponsonby

The crew over at Deadshot is turning up the Euro summer vibes this winter with their new Aperitivo Menu—a low-key luxe lineup for casual hangs. Their Rum Month special? The Blackbeard’s Fix with Appleton Signature rum, black tea, Amaro Averna, and lemon mixture served over crushed ice offers the ultimate chill factor.

Bar Mea, Auckland CBD

Tucked above the buzz of the Viaduct, Bar Mea is where cocktail craftsmanship meets harbour-front class. For Rum Month, this award-winning location is serving up the Tropical Hummingbird—a fruity, vibrant blend of Appleton Estate 8yo rum, Aperol, Cinzano Rosso, passionfruit, orange, guava, and a dreamy mango foam. You can catch it from Thursday to Sunday from 4pm.

Park Hyatt, Auckland CBD

Captain's Bar at Park Hyatt Auckland is offering one of the most refined Rum Month experiences in the country. Yup, this luxe lakefront bar is serving a bespoke rum flight featuring three of Appleton Estate’s finest expressions—the 12-year-old, the 21-year-old, and the ultra-rare Hearts Collection of 2003. Each pour will be perfectly paired with flavour-packed condiments like espresso salt, orange zest marmalade, and toasted coconut cream, plus an exceptional line-up of sweet and savoury canapés. 

Panacea, Auckland CBD

Panacea isn’t your typical bar—in fact, there’s no bar at all. Think of it as a chef’s table for cocktails, where each drink doubles as a fine-dining experience in a glass. For Rum Month, they’re pouring Universally Speaking—a bright mix of Appleton Estate Rum, mango, lychee, and ume sake.

Albert's Post, Mount Albert Auckland 

This July, Albert’s Post is bringing island vibes to Mount Albert with the Pineapple Ginger Rumbada—a bold blend of Appleton Estate Rum, zesty ginger, and juicy pineapple, all served in an actual hollowed-out pineapple. Just steps from the train station and home to hearty eats and unbeatable quiz nights, pop in, grab a pineapple, and raise it to a Rum Month done right.

Nightcar, Auckland CBD

Slip beneath the city and into The Nightcar—Auckland’s underground hideaway where moody lighting, plush booths, and smooth jazz set the tone for an elevated evening. This month these lovers of the finer things are serving up a trio of Appleton Estate cocktails. Each sip pairs perfectly with their modern Chinese menu, packed with flavour from the north. It’s the kind of place you settle into—and never want to leave.

The Corner, Remuera Auckland

Whether you’re clocking off or kicking back for the weekend, The Corner Remuera’s Rum Month Appleton Estate cocktail menu brings smooth island flavour to this local favourite. The hero? A bold, beautifully balanced Old Fashioned—a refined twist on a classic that’s all about craft with a local touch.

Picnicka, Tauranga

Tauranga’s locally loved Picnicka is serving island-inspired excellence with a trio of rum-loaded cocktails all month long. Start with the Black River Joy—a vibrant mix of Appleton Estate, charred pineapple, lime, orange liqueur, and orgeat, named after the river that fuels the distillery itself. Then move on to the Nassau Sour, a punchy twist on a classic, with passionfruit, Amaro, and peach bitters inspired by the lush Nassau Valley. And for a playful nod to cult classic Cool Runnings, the Three Push, One Steer blends Appleton 8 with Aperol, citrus, and bitters for a bold, bittersweet finish. 

South Island

SODA, Queenstown

Whether you're on a wintery weekend away or lucky enough to consider yourself a local, SODA's in Queenstown has you sorted for golden hour this July. Their Sunset Sip is everything its name promises—a rich, warming blend of Appleton Estate Signature Rum, Amaro Montenegro, Graham’s 10-year Port, cinnamon, lemon, and aromatic bitters. Yum. 

Habana Rum Bar, Queenstown

Tucked in the laneways, this cosy haven brings island energy with flowing drinks, warm beats, and even toastier hospitality. This month, they’re pouring the Rum Reverie—a tropical twist of Appleton Estate Signature Rum, Crème de Cassis, lemon, orange, mint, and a nutty hit of orgeat. It’s a vibrant nod to classic tiki cocktails with a rich, fruity edge. 

Little Blackwood, Queenstown

Little Blackwood is Queenstown’s go-to for moody vibes, nightly live music, and cocktails that genuinely live up to the hype. This Rum Month, they’re serving a standout—a reimagined Mai Tai built on the ultra-rare Appleton Estate 17YO. Elevated with a housemade pistachio orgeat, this version is rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced, letting the dark spirit take centre stage. 

O.G.B. Christchurch

Where vintage vibes, live music, and stellar cocktails collide, OGB is pouring three soul-warming sips that channel the crisp chill of a winter in Ōtautahi with a punchy Jamaican twist. The star of the show? Their Vin Brûlé Tai. Think Appleton Estate rum, mulled wine syrup and a tawny port float. More of a citrus sipper? The Clove and Cane brings lime and spiced syrup into the mix, while the Jamaican Silk delivers full decadence with chocolate syrup and cream. 

Austin Club, Christchurch

Hidden beneath the streets of Christchurch, Austin Club is your underground escape for high spirits, vintage charm, and a very good time. This Rum Month, they’re putting a playful Kiwi spin on a tiki classic with the Hokey Pokey Mai Tai—a rich, nostalgic mix of Appleton Estate Rum, orgeat, chocolate, lime, and honeycomb. It’s sweet, smooth, and just the right amount of cheeky.

Bloody Mary's, Christchurch

Christchurch’s Bloody Mary’s is serving up serious rum cred this month with two standout Appleton Estate 12-Year cocktails. The Butcher’s Pour flips the Old Fashioned with PX sherry, chocolate bitters, Worcestershire sauce, and crispy bacon—savoury, smoky, and utterly addictive. Meanwhile, the Irie brings a spicy tiki twist with pineapple, lime, orgeat and Peychaud bitters. 

For more info on how to enjoy the best in rum during Rum Month this July, visit here.