Highball: New Zealand’s first dedicated spirits and cocktail festival

Right in the middle of Wellington, New Zealand, Highball is happening on 11-12 May. It’s the country’s immersive celebration of cocktails and spirits, giving people the chance to explore distilleries, rare exports and other bevs, presented by local and international masters of Wellington’s cocktail bars and talent. Joined by the women of Wellington who’ve made such a name for themselves in the bar scene, they’ll be shaking, stirring and garnishing cocktails throughout the festival. Abi Chilcott (Havana Bar) and Laura Walker (Forrester’s Lane) are are a couple of newbies who are making waves in the bartending industry and will show off their bespoke cocktail recipes and the secret to a perfect cocktail. In partnership with Liquorland, there will be 16 regional and international distilleries on show throughout the weekend, including Johnnie Walker (Scotland), Arette Tequila (Mexico), as well as Kiwi craft spirits producers like Denzien Urban Gin Distillery, Thomson Whisky and many more. See more at the festival’s website.