Wellingtonians and visitors to the region are cooling off in the summer heat with a drink challenge in Lower Hutt.
The “Cool As” Summer Refresher Drink Challenge, into it’s fourth year, showcases 14 hospitality operators including cafes, restaurants, bars and a bakery in Lower Hutt creating their own signature summer refresher drinks for people to enjoy. Customers are given the chance to vote for their favourite drink by ballot or on “Cool As” Summer Refresher’s Facebook page, with the winner declared at the end of the challenge which run s until 4 March.
The challenge, founded by the Hutt City Council as a way to inspire local cafes to be creative and attract people to the Lower Hutt CBD, has grown in popularity since it was launched in 2015.
Council’s CBD Development Manager Cyndi Christensen received feedback from the participants reporting “We’ve not only seen a jump in cafe’s wanting to participate in the challenge but the number of summer refresher drinks consumed keeps rising every year. In 2016, over 700 cold drinks were made by 10 challengers and that rose to more than 950 last year. We are expecting this year to be even bigger and better!”
Customers will be in for a treat this year with a wide range of flavoursome, weird, whacky and wonderful signature cold drinks with alcohol or non-alcoholic versions to tempt many taste buds. There are five categories in the competition which include: best frozen drink, most refreshing tea, best ice drink, best healthy drink and a fun/crazy drink category for kids.
Christensen says “We’re lucky to be experiencing a stunning hot summer but we all need cooling down so this is a great opportunity for people try out new cafes they otherwise wouldn’t have usually frequented and cool off with family and friends over a deliciously unique refreshing drink!”
For the first time this year, Hutt City Libraries is running a design a “Cool As” refresher drink competition, which is open to all ages, with a range of prizes up for grabs including copies of ‘The New Zealand Art Activity Book,’ free “Cool As” Refresher Drinks, plus the chance to have the winning drink made at a local café!
