Queenstown businesses: Glassware inspires cocktail creation

14 November 2011

Unique glassware inspires cocktail creation for two Queenstown businesses

A set of stunning New Zealand-designed glassware has brought together Queenstown's most stylish hotel with a design and art gallery renowned for its exquisite New Zealand products.

The unique collaboration was sparked when Eichardt's assistant manager Adam Tomlinson won six hand-crafted Venus Hot Glassware glasses at a business function hosted by BONZ Gallery in Queenstown Mall.

When a guest suggested using the glasses to serve cocktails in the award-winning Eichardt's Bar, Adam and his team were inspired to create the BONZ Cocktail - a fresh and zesty mix of passionfruit, 42below passionfruit vodka and New Zealand sauvignon blanc, all topped off with organic mint.

The joint venture works well for both businesses -- every guest who buys a BONZ Cocktail from Eichardt's is gifted a $50 BONZ gift voucher to spend in their stores in Queenstown Mall or at Queenstown Airport.

BONZ is renowned for its support of New Zealand artists and artisans, and BONZ managing director Bonnie Rodwell said the swirling stems of the glasses, as well as their different coloured 'bowls' and individual quirks were designed to make the cocktail a talking point at Eichardt's.

"We're delighted to showcase some of the works we have on offer at the gallery through this very warm, comfortable and historic bar that's literally just a stone's throw from our central Queenstown store," she said.

"After a hard day's shopping, we tell people there's no better place to go to relax and enjoy the stunning lake and mountain views."

Eichardt's Private Hotel new general manager Chris McIntosh said the delicious fresh flavours of the BONZ Cocktail now appeared on the Signature Collection cocktail menu.

"Our cocktail designer incorporates years of experience and passion into every drink. We had a lot of fun coming up with a recipe that would taste fantastic for those long summer days to come, but also look amazing in the glassware.

"When you're sitting outside in our new patio area, the sunlight plays on the glasses and reflects the vibrant colours inside and out.

"From a business perspective, it's great to work with and support a local business where the clientele is such a good match."

Eichardt's Bar is open every day from 7.30am till late, serving breakfast, lunch and tapas. The BONZ cocktail retails for $18.

About Eichardt's Private Hotel

Eichardt's opulent suites located in an historic central Queenstown hotel and its Lakefront Apartments invite guests to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world's truly remarkable locations.

The historic hotel reflects contemporary provincial elegance, its modern features in perfect harmony with the distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings of this New Zealand icon.

The suites within feature a super-king bed, fireplace and mini-bar, a dressing room and bathroom with generous bath and double vanity, separate shower, heated mirror and floor. Each one is fully entertainment and business integrated with personal audiovisual systems, along with email and internet access.

The Lakefront Apartments are designed to blend with the historic character of the waterfront, and are perfect for larger parties, families, professionals and longer staying guests. The split-level suites are interconnected and can be opened to become a large single accommodation space, or sectioned off for smaller groups.

For more information visit www.eichardts.com.

More about BONZ

Creating an experience especially for overseas visitors who seek the best of New Zealand design and production, BONZ in the main Queenstown Mall is a fabulous shopping destination. Here you'll find New Zealand's finest hand-knits and leather jackets in a large, ground-floor boutique while upstairs a contemporary gallery features stunning works from the country's best art and artisan creations.

BONZ buyers are highly experienced in sourcing the very best made in New Zealand products and staff can help with off-the-peg or custom made clothing, or the cultural stories and provenance behind exquisite artworks.

New Zealand is well known for its superb fine-fibre wool and soft, wonderfully produced leathers. A take home hand-knit or jacket is a 'must' as a useful and beautiful reminder of any visit. Elegant scarves, gloves and jewellery complete the look or provide fabulous gifts for friends and family.

Exploring the BONZ contemporary Art Gallery is to explore the works of New Zealand's best artists and artisans across the disciplines of glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture and home furnishings. You'll find an amazing range of Mashada paintings, elegant Peter Viesnik glass, fabulous Peter Shearer pottery and much, much more.

For more information visit www.bonzgroup.co.nz.

ENDS

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