Spend Summer in the Sky at Bar Albert

As much as I’d like to say I’m a wine connoisseur or a beer enthusiast, the truth is, it’s cocktails that have my heart. And now that we’re officially entering the sunny season, a schedule of cocktail bars is mandatory.

Sitting at the top of the list, whether you’re an Auckland local or not, Bar Albert has proven it’s well-worth the venture. Perched high above the city centre on the 38^th floor of CBD hotel, voco Auckland, Bar Albert boasts sky-high glamour, world-class drinks and sophisticated speakeasy-inspired interior unlike anything the city has seen.

Walking out of the elevator, there’s a velvet curtain at the entrance, welcoming you into an intimate bar with floor to ceiling windows, sunken leather couches, warm timber and brass detailing, and a striking marble bar top with ambient lighting.

Unlike other bars where table location is key, there’s not a space in Bar Albert that doesn’t bring its own sense of glamour with breath-taking views. You can enjoy a merlot by the fire with friends, a sunset tipple on the open-roof deck, or a romantic date alongside the skyline.

What’s more exciting – the team are serving up an enticing new cocktail menu and whisky tastings for the season ahead. With master mixologist and Bar Manager, Johan Cabrera behind the scenes with an extensive bar background both here and in France, he says the new menu is a fusion of local and global flavours, with a focus on independent small batch producers and locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

Continuing their signature with inspiration from recognisable streets, the bar is introducing a mix of new familiar names and international classics.

Tokyo Lane takes the drinker to Japan via its namesake in the capital city, marrying Scapgegrace Umeshu vodka, dark rum and cherry and pear juice, with a hint of wasabi. And to bring an extra wow-factor, it comes served in a rocks glass on a wooden tray, with a side of smoked salmon.

And for a more familiar pallet, some may enjoy the remarkable Milford Road which takes the drinker to the South Island’s Milford Sound, with sparkling wine and lemon sorbet representing the snowy summits of mighty Mitre Peak and a blue vodka sour representing the sparkling glacial waters of the fiord.

Finally, when you’re after a bite to balance the booze, you have a range of small plates with marinated olives, homemade focaccia, cannoli, and rock oysters, or share platters with options of antipasto, cheese or a chicken liver parfait.

Menu Picks:

• Thermal Rd – Los Arcos, pineapple & lavender, pear juice, pink grapefruit cordial
• Volcanic Loop Highway – Tried and True vodka , violette liqueur, berry oleo, lime juice, clarified with coconut milk
• NZ Rock Oysters – with gin and vanilla tomato salsa

Whether it’s for a casual after-work drink, an indulgent drink before dinner, date night or a weekend catchup, Bar Albert is sure to impress. With bookings essential, especially before 9.30pm, we suggest booking your summer soiree now.

Bar Albert is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm until late, and Sundays from 3-10pm.

Bar Albert
Level 38, voco Auckland City Centre, 13 Wyndham St, Auckland Central 1010
Email: [email protected]
www.baralbertauckland.com
@baralbert.auckland