I often stop at the Brownzy in Browns Bay after work Sharing a few beers with my mates, we catch up…read moreon the week's sporting adventures and arrange our golf dates for the next week. Not wanting to sit in the bar all night, we often decide on a home to continue our socialising. One offers a venue, another the drinks and the rest, meat and salads. The booze option is the most expensive one, but it is also the most convenient, as Thirsty Liquor is conveniently located right next to the Brownzy. I usually get a couple of cases of beer and one bottle of hard tack, just to get the party going, and the staff at Thirsty know me by now, and frequently offer to get my beers from the fridge. I know it is a small touch, but that is what you do to establish great word of mouth on the street.

This is where I've been buying my booze since that thankful day I turned 18 back in 2009…read more Convenience is a pretty big factor for why I come here as it's usually on route to or from home. But besides that I also enjoy coming here because the service is always friendly and I've had quite the memorable chats in here before a big night out. There always seems to be a vast selection of things, which is good because I can be a bit indecisive sometimes. Nevermind that there's beer, wine, spirits and RTD's galore in here so I always walk out with something to get the night started in a good way. There's recently been a bit of a re-vamp inside, which has changed the layout slightly. But the store itself is still as good as it's ever been.

Once upon a time, I could get my hands on a product called Pamplemousse from Namibia; sweet and…read morebitter grapefruit schnapps that is served ice cold. It was the kind of schnapps that you would put on ice and sip. It was my default shooter, and I must have been their biggest fan. Unfortunately this product is either been discontinued, or simply harder to get hold of, so now I need a fresh sipping schnapps. Luckily I popped in at my local liquor shop on Monday, only to find Litchi schnapps on promotion, and boy was that a yummy find. No heavy in alcohol, but full of flavour, enough to round off an evening, or as penalties after golf.

Independently-owned wine shop in Mairangi Bay, close to the supermarket and offering a good…read moreselection of wine and spirits. Can't say I buy much wine here but it's definitely my go to for liqueurs, more often brandy or gin for cakes, but today it's Baileys for fudge. Not quite the same service now that Dean's gone, but I'm looking forward to some wine tasting events.

Mairangi Bay Fine Wines is exactly what the name suggests. An alcohol store, which is a little bit…read morefancy. There is a wonderful selection of wines here and although the specials may not measure up to the $7 selection of cheap savs you find in the supermarket, the quality of some of the wine makes up for that fact. The service is friendly and helpful and best of all, you may sometimes be treated to a bit of a tasting when you head in. And nothing beats a quick thirst quencher in the way of delicious wines! They always religiously check ID here and although it's a hit to the self-esteem to be mistook for a baby buying a bottle, I personally think that's always a sign of real quality liquor shop.

Being a loyal Milford resident I am chuffed that we have such a great local bottle shop. Flag…read moregeneric supermarket wines, here you'll find interesting wineries from New Zealand and further abroad. What's more, I've always found the staff to be friendly and knowledgable. They're happy to recommend a bott or two based on your tastes.

Frog in a Barrel is a really good local independent wine shop. The staff are very friendly and…read moreknowledgeable and they often have a few reds and whites open for a quick wine tasting while you are deciding what to buy. A good variety of NZ wines coupled with a wide variety of French wines - not surprising as the owner is French - which you can try when you are feeling adventurous. Overall a definite place to pick up something different on your way to a dinner or a friends place

This is my go-to bottle shop. They have a great range of wine and beer as well as some spirits…read more The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, plus there's easy parking nearby. I know the supermarket is cheaper but the selection at Glengarry's is much more interesting, plus they actually have really decent specials!

I have been a regular customer at this location for years. I asked the same person I have dealt…read morewith all this time yesterday at 4:00 to hold a bottle of whiskey as a Christmas present. I watched her put the bottle behind the counter, take off the tag, and say "see you later". When I went in today to pick it up at 11:00 am not only did she say she had sold it, but she could not have been more dismissive and frankly rude. What a shame...