In case you missed the glorious news, there's a gin festival in Auckland right now, seeing in the hesitant start of summer in the best possible way.
Gin-soaked events, dinners and speciality cocktails are all on offer around Tamaki Makaurau, and we've heard rumours this weekend is meant to be a scorcher. Coincidence? I think not.
One of next week's events is an exclusive (only 20 seats available) degustation gin paring at Herne Bay stalwart Paris Butter, which sees six courses paired with six gin-based cocktails. We'd say probably want to get an Uber to that one.
The venue's head mixologist, Mikey Ball, will be on hand to teach gin fans how to craft their own bespoke gin cocktail using just four ingredients.
We spoke to Mikey about the things he's seen as a bartender on Newshub podcast The Snack.
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of what's on offer on Wednesday, with a little tasting and sipping with Mikey earlier this week. If you were wondering how a cocktail/food match occurs, in this case, it's that the flavour profile of each of the food offerings offsets a botanical found in the East Imperial Tonic.
A salty beef jerky with a crisp gin martini and soaked olive will get your taste buds rolling.
My pick? The crispy tofu with XO sauce, paired with a gin-and-grapefruit tonic cocktail. Out of this world.
If you love gin, this is an event you do not want to miss. Tickets cost $100 per person.
Other events at the gin jubilee include a G&T takeover at Love Bucket on Sunday, and a bartending master class and food pairing party next Thursday at Chapel Bar.
Newshub.
