We’re focusing on the quaint, historic gold mining town of Arrowtown this month where Rifters Pinot Noir gin is produced.

Our June delivery box, featuring the delicious gin of the month, is just waiting to get into the hands of gin lovers around New Zealand. 

What's in this month's box?

Rifters Pinot Noir gin

Let’s take a closer look at Rifters gin and the charming little town where the magic happens. 

Rifters Pinot Noir gin is small-batch distilled with locally foraged wild thyme, manuka, mint tips, douglas fir and elderberries. Then barrel-aged in ex Pinot Wine barrels for four months creating an earthy gin. Central Otago is well known for its Pinot Noir wine and Rifters wanted to capture those amazing flavours, to create a warming drop that would be the ideal gin for those stunning Central Otago winter evenings. 

With a light golden hue and notes of fruity oak, earthy citrus, warm spice and a long herbaceous juniper finish, this handcrafted gin is best enjoyed simply, either with soda or a classic tonic and a slice of lime. For those who like a sipping gin this is perfect over ice, add a drop of water to dilute if needed. It also makes the perfect Martini.

A Rifters signature drink - Rifters Barrel-Aged Martini

Ingredients

• 45ml Rifters Pinot Noir Aged Gin
• 30ml White Vermouth
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Ice

Hardware

• Stirrer & stirring vessel
• Double strainer

Mix It

• Add ice to the top of your stirring vessel, pour spirits over ice and stir for at least 30 seconds to ensure good dilution. Double strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Arrowtown is a short drive from Queenstown’s main centre, it is known as one of New Zealand’s most charming and picturesque towns with its beautiful old architecture, lack of traffic and stunning scenery. It has also become a hot spot for culinary connoisseurs. Arrowtown may be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to dining out. From fine dining fare to café cabinet food, sit down restaurants to grazing menus, garden dining in summer or hearty fare next to a roaring fire in winter. There is a dining option for every mood!

East Imperial Tonic and Soda Water https://www.eastimperial.com/

Also in our June box is East Imperial Tonic and Soda Water. A deliciously simple way to elevate your G&T’s! 

At East Imperial, they believe the spirit should do the talking and their traditional small-batch method of production ensures this is the case by enhancing the freshness and subtleties of any spirit’s botanicals making East Imperial Tonic the perfect match for your favourite gin drink.

Proudly made in New Zealand, with all-natural ingredients, and no artificial flavours, sweeteners, or preservatives. East Imperial Tonics are made using only sustainably sourced ingredients from Asia and Africa, the home of the original tonic water. By working with authentic ingredient suppliers and the best global distillers and bartenders, East Imperial has created a range of ultra-premium mixers, with the highest quinine levels available, that stand out from the crowd. 

East Imperial Soda Water is light refreshing and slightly effervescent, with Champagne-like bubbles and made from sustainably sourced, unfiltered New Zealand spring water.

Penati Honestly Delicious Nut & Seed Crackers https://penati.nz/

This is a snack you do not have to feel guilty about eating! Proudly baked in New Zealand Penati crackers are all-natural, high in protein, low in carbs, sugar-free, no added gluten, and honestly delicious! High in healthy fats, they are packed with nutrients so a little goes a long way. What better snack to enjoy with your favourite gin cocktail? Add whatever toppings you feel like, sit back, and enjoy. 

Bars to check out in Arrowtown 

Check out a few of our favourite spots to enjoy a drink or two in Arrowtown. From cinema bars to converted cold storage speakeasy, Arrowtown has something to suit every gin lover.

The Balcony Bar at Dorothy Browns https://www.dorothybrowns.com/experience/the-bar

Not only does Dorothy Browns offer a superior cinema-going experience, but it also boasts another little gem. Behind the gorgeous black velvet curtain in the foyer and bookshop area, you will find - The Balcony Bar.

Tastefully furnished with a relaxed atmosphere, with old classic films projected on the wall, it’s a great place to meet for drinks. Gin specials are served Tuesday to Sunday with delights such as ‘Botanical Bliss’ made with Rifters gin, royal botanic tonic, cucumber, mint, and rosemary.

Heaters and blankets are available for colder nights, or the louvre roof can be opened to enjoy the sun. With views over rooftops and beyond to the hillsides, it is a stunning location to simply sit and soak in the atmosphere.

Blue Door Bar https://www.bluedoorbar.co.nz/

The Blue Door Bar is a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar located down an alleyway in Buckingham Street.

Historically, The Blue Door Bar was used for cold storage, but thirty years ago the floor was excavated, creating enough height in the space for people to comfortably stand in. The Blue Door bar has stone walls and floors, wooden beams, and a cosy atmosphere. During colder nights and winter months, there is a real wood fire, mulled wine, and winter cocktails. There are regular live music nights on Wednesdays and DJs play on Fridays. ​

Enjoy local wine, beer, single malt, or cocktail in the historic stone bar or outside in the sunny courtyard. 

La Rumbla https://www.larumbla.co.nz

Delivering sunny Spanish flavours from the heart of Arrowtown, La Rumbla has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. With a tapas-style menu of dishes such as patatas bravas, seafood paella and Fiordland octopus, La Rumbla never disappoints.

Their wine menu is extensively researched and sourced from boutique vineyards in New Zealand, Australia, France and Spain and the cocktails are to die for!

La Rumbla’s highly skilled bartenders collaborate with the kitchen to produce unique cocktails that play with flavours and delight your senses. It is the perfect way to start or finish the evening.

Enjoy checking out these hidden gems in Arrowtown! 

Remember, if you need some help finding ways to match gins to new and exciting flavours then check out our easy-to-use CLINK garnish wheel!