A range of crazy and delectable drinks are up for grabs now that New Zealand’s only cold drink challenge has kicked off in Lower Hutt.
The “Cool As” Summer Refresher Drink Challenge, into its fourth year, will see 15 hospitality operators including cafes, restaurants, bars and a bakery in Lower Hutt create their own limited edition signature summer refresher drinks for people to enjoy over three weeks.
Customers will be the given the chance to vote for their favourite drink by ballot or on “CoolAs” Summer Refresher’s Facebook page, with the winner declared at the end of the challenge, which will end on February 3.
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 2016 due to the success of the Sweet As Hutt’s Hot Chocolate Challenge in the winter of 2015.
CBD development manager and Cool As organiser Cyndi Christensen said there’s not only been a jump in cafes wanting to participate in the challenge but the number of summer refresher drinks consumed continues to rise every year.
“The hospitality business can be very competitive so it’s wonderful to see our local cafes banding together as a collective in this challenge,” she said. “Last year there was also a 400 percent increase in votes, which shows people are really taking advantage of the signature drinks on offer.”
