Mix it up

Serious foodie and creative director at Kitchen Takeover Stacey Jones bids you bottoms-up with some delicious local drinks.

Afew weeks back, I was lucky enough to experience local mixologist Katie Short’s new mobile cocktail service Mingle + Me. As she presented me with the cocktail list, full of weird and wonderful ingredients, she commented on how much consumers' tastes have changed since COVID-19 – a rum and Coke no longer cuts it. It seems we’re all on the hunt for drinks that are refreshing, new and exciting.

So, this month, we are taking a closer look at the Bay of Plenty producers who are mixing things up, injecting local food into their drinks in some seriously unique and delicious ways. From honey to truffle, kiwifruit to guavas.

First off the block is Mount Brewing Co., who are making waves with their unique brews. A family-run business with Briar Meikle and Niall Harley at the helm, Mount Brewing Co. makes a Kiwifruit Sour using local ingredients to craft an award-winning beer that picked up a silver at the 2022 Australian International Beer Awards – one of seven medals they picked up that day, with every beer they entered taking home a trophy.

Also on the the trophey shelf is Mount Brewing Co.’s standout beer Golden Hour, with strong ginger tones. It was selected for the New World Beer and Cider awards this year, making the top 30. The best place to taste their unique brews is at The Rising Tide in Mount Maunganui, and grab a plate of Johney’s Dumplings while you’re at it! And if beer isn't your thing, check out Mount Brewing Co.’s range of ciders and gins on page 36.

Another local power couple is husband and wife team Rowena and Simon Pearce of The Cider Factorie. Originally winemakers, they focus on producing traditionally styled ciders made from real fruit: “Our current seasonal cider is a fruit salad – it has local strawberry, guava, boysenberries, feijoas and limes, all from local suppliers.” Their Mojito Cider makes use of local limes and Liberty Growers mint. You can grab a tasting paddle at their Waihekeinspired tasting room and restaurant in Te Puna. The paddle includes their Perfect Pear 2018 bottle-fermented cider crowned New Zealand Champion Cider for 2021 at the New Zealand Fruit Wine and Cider Awards.

Other local products getting the special treatment include Katikati-based Harbourside Macadamias. Making the most of their hyper-sustainable harvest, this team has created a to-die-for liqueur, The Orchardist, with an exquisite and unique macadamia flavour. Grab a bottle at the Tauranga Farmers’ Market and then give our cocktail recipe from the team at Solera a whirl (opposite). Or head down to Lantern restaurant to try their decadent affogato, replacing the traditional amaretto with The Orchardist.

If you’re on the hunt for something less boozy, Dr Bucha Living Drinks is the ticket. A regular at the local markets, kombucha makers Fin and Donna McDonald use local ingredients to create the best tasting kombucha I’ve come across. My personal favourites are the Ginger, Orange and Turmeric, and Jalepeño flavours.

Last but not least is the beautifully-named Truffle Hound Belgian Quadruppel Ale, which heroes local black perigord truffles from our friends at Te Puke Truffles. Brewed by Kererū, the dark amber Belgian-style ale is a truly unique experience.

So, with spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to experiment with one of our refreshing, locally inspired brews. Cheers!

KINDRED SPIRITS

These "near-healthy" concoctions were created by the talented mixologists at Solera in Mount Maunganui, using local kombucha and liqueur.

Dr Orchardist

Non-alcoholic

45ml of Zero gin 25ml orgeat syrup 25ml lime juice Dr Bucha Boysenberry and Kaffir Lime Kombucha Kaffir lime leaf or lemon/ lime rind, to garnish

Alcoholic

45ml gin (Malfy) 25ml The Orchardist Macadamia Liqueur 25ml lime juice Dr Bucha Boysenberry and Kaffir Lime Kombucha Kaffir lime leaf or lemon/ lime rind, to garnish

Place all ingredients except the kombucha and garnish into a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with the kombucha slowly by pouring over the backside of a spoon to create a layered look. Garnish with kaffir lime leaf if you have it, or lemon/lime rind.

Ginger mojito

Ginger and mint syrup 250ml water 250g caster sugar 100g ginger, roughly chopped 50g fresh mint

Bring water to boil. Add sugar and ginger, lower to a simmer and leave for 10 minutes. Take off heat, add mint and leave to cool overnight in fridge. Strain out the mint and ginger the following day.

Dr Bucha mojito

45ml white rum (we use Havana – to make non-alcoholic, leave out) 15ml ginger and mint syrup 4-5 leaves of fresh mint Dr Bucha Ginger Kombucha

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Add rum and syrup. Add fresh mint leaves. Top up with kombucha. Stir. Garnish with mint sprig.

PERFECT MATCH

These scintillating summer pours from Mount Brewing Co. will tantalise your tastebuds and keep you cool on the hot, sunny days to come. Find your favourite and match with our delicious meal suggestions.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT / PHOTO EMMA GALLOWAY

FEIJOA GIN & TONIC

TEMPTING TANGY TIPPLE

You can’t go past the sweetyet-tart taste of the country’s favourite seasonal fruit, the humble feijoa. Meal match with your favourite blue cheese and a drizzle of honey for a complementary kick.

PEACH & APRICOT GIN & SODA

FRESH AND DELICATE

Two summer stone fruits, muddled with gin and soda, this mix creates a drink that’s perfect for the beach and beyond. When dining at home match with the spicy heat of a rogan josh.

PINK GIN & TONIC

CHARM IN A CAN

Crisp premium gin and tonic comes blended with juicy red raspberries, to give it a taste to die for. Pair with lamb kebabs cooked in a berry marinade and, voilà, you have your barbecue menu sorted.

CLASSIC APPLE CIDER

COOL, TIMELESS CLASSIC

Traditionally made apple cider is given a makeover by blending it with fresh and juicy apples. Not too sweet, not too dry, apple cider is perfectly matched with a roast pork fillet salad.

DARK N’ STORMY CIDER

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

Real ginger, molasses and spices make up this unique and delicious cider. With a mediumsweet cider base, the aroma is familiar, but really kicks off when paired with a spiced ginger pud.

“I WANT TO BELIEVE THE CRAFT INDUSTRY IS A MIX OF SCIENCE, ART AND A LITTLE BIT OF CHAOS.”

PAWEL, HEAD BREWER

STRAWBERRY & LIME CIDER

HERE COMES THE SUN

Cool down with a fruity thirst-quenching cider. Strawberry and zesty lime offer a medium sweetness and tart finish when matched with a savoury strawberry salad.

TART RHUBARB CIDER

SHARP YET REFRESHING

Perfect for spring, this distinctive cider will hit the spot with rhubarb lovers. It’s fun, it’s elegant and it’s particularly delightful when paired with a creamy carbonara.

MBC_BEVERAGES MOUNTBREWINGCO.BREWERY MOUNTBREWINGCO.COM

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