Top cocktail bars in Auckland for a stylish night out

Here’s your guide to the best cocktail bars in Auckland, where world-class mixology meets stylish interiors, clever menus, and a vibe that’ll convince you to stay for “just one more.”

SkyBar

At 182 metres above ground, level 50 of the Sky Tower sets the scene for classic cocktails, bubbles, and panoramic views that make every round feel like a special occasion. Settle into the curve of the windows, watch the city twinkle below you, and see for yourself whether cocktails do taste better above the clouds. Try SkyBar’s signature seasonal cocktails, which celebrate Tāmaki Makaurau’s ‘four seasons in every day’ with flavours that reflect Auckland’s infamous ever-changing vibe. Pair this with their Iconic Auckland Eat winning Gold Bar for a truly spectacular night out on the town.

Beast & Butterflies   

At the base of M Social Auckland, you’ll find Beast & Butterflies, where the cocktails are bright, seasonal and so beautifully presented you’ll want to take a snap before you sip. For designated drivers the mocktail list is just as sharp. Watch your drinks being made with a seat at the bar or grab a table on the terrace at golden hour and take in the waterfront as it comes to life.

The Broken Lantern 

Ponsonby’s Broken Lantern is a mood: rustic interiors, a secret garden, and bartenders who know exactly how far to push a classic. Nab a booth, trust the mixologists, and order something you’ve never tried before. The Broken Lantern likes to champion as many local, family-run, boutique operators as possible, and you’ll also find a large selection of organic and natural wines on the menu. When you’re feeling peckish, there’s everything from bites and shares to hearty mains on its modern-pub menu.

Parasol & Swing 

For rooftop cocktails in Auckland, you can’t skip Parasol & Swing. Overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, it serves fresh, inventive cocktails, with delicious options whatever your spirit of choice. They have also not skimped on the mocktail list, with a diverse line-up that ensures you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on the fun. Sunset here should be on everyone’s Auckland to-do list.

La Zeppa  

La Zeppa has been an Auckland institution for years, thanks to its huge rooftop terrace and relaxed industrial-chic vibe. Can’t decide on your tipple? La Zeppa get it; order one of their quick sips to get things started while you peruse the menu with a teeny tiny ‘tini in your hand. If you’re there with a crew, a jug of sangria will get everyone on the same buzz. Come in the afternoon for a sunny spritz, and stay long enough to see the lights come on.

Queens Rooftop Bar & Wineshop   

Enter the wine shop at the base of Commercial Bay, and ride the lift 21 floors to a chic, intimate space wrapped in Waitematā views. If you’re a fan of martinis then you’ll love the house cocktail list, with the Queen’s French Martini being a top pick. The food menu is seasonal to always highlight fresh local produce, but seafood lovers are always guaranteed a treat here, with plenty to choose from in the raw bar.

Ghost Donkey 

With more than 35 mezcals and tequilas on the back bar, Ghost Donkey proudly claims Auckland’s largest agave selection. The vibe is full fiesta: neon lights, bold cocktails that kick off the night, sangria by the jug, and a menu of tacos and quesadillas that make staying put an easy choice.

Truth or Dare 

A recent arrival on Auckland’s cocktail circuit, Truth or Dare takes timeless recipes and pushes them into modern territory. Expect daring flavours with authentic Asian notes, paired with piquant bar bites that go beyond the usual. Tucked between Fort Lane and Commerce Street on Snickel Lane, the space nods to Melbourne’s laneways and York’s Snickelways. Built around a striking bar island, this is a polished spot to start the night, and end up staying longer than planned.

The Churchill 

On the 20th floor of Four Points by Sheraton, The Churchill is Auckland’s highest gin bar and a must for anyone who takes their botanicals seriously. With more than 160 varieties of gin on the shelves, the list spans the world and lets you build your own perfect serve. The bespoke cocktail menu nods to the era of Sir Winston Churchill, taking timeless classics and giving them a contemporary twist. To round out the experience, order from the shared-plate menu, because with views this good, you’ll want to linger.

Panacea

There’s no physical bar at Panacea; this is a cocktail kitchen, where each drink is prepared in small batches ahead of service. It’s much like a Michelin chef’s table, except plates are swapped for glasses, and the focus is on technique, precision, and flavour innovation. The menu spans everything from experimental zero-alcohol creations that challenge what a mocktail can be, to bold, Booze Forward serves, native and sustainable infusions full of unexpected fruits and veges, and rare vintage pours for those who take their ports and whiskeys seriously.

Pineapple on Parnell   

There’s no sign, no name on the door, just a golden pineapple on Parnell Road that marks one of Auckland’s most atmospheric cocktail spots. Step inside and you’re seduced by old world charm: velvet curtains, gold mirrors, a glowing fireplace, and live jazz at the piano to set the mood. The bartenders specialise in flawless classics, served by waistcoated waiters. Pineapple keeps things refined with a dress code encouraged — jackets and collars over sneakers and hoodies — and a ban on phones and flash photography. Once you’ve visited you’ll understand why everyone wants to keep this place their own little secret.

Caretaker

Tucked into Roukai Lane in Britomart, Caretaker is a New York-style lounge inspired by the golden era of bartending. Forget printed menus, here you tell the host your favourite flavours or mood, and they’ll design a cocktail just for you. The intimate underground space, with its leather chairs, dark wood, and soft jazz, makes it ideal for late-night conversations, a quiet date, or simply lingering long after dinner. Open seven days (yes, even Mondays), Caretaker is always ready with a drink you didn’t know you wanted, but won’t forget.

Little Culprit  

Little Culprit gives you options: Up front, an opulent dispensary bar invites you to perch and watch the bartenders at work, shaking up signatures or crafting something entirely your own. Step down into the lounge and the mood shifts: velvet curtains, low lighting, and leather booths that work just as well for a table of two as they do for a group of thirty. The cocktail and wine list blends timeless staples with modern creations, and the grazing plates (straight from the Culprit kitchen) are made for sharing. Creativity and nostalgia sit side by side here, from bespoke blends to the playful Perky Nana, a signature nod to a classic Kiwi flavour.