So was it cheating?
Every summer, we head up to Whananaki — tents packed, chilly bins full, and the same beach spot we’ve been going to for years. It’s one of those places that feels like a second home. There’s not much to it — a long stretch of sand, a peaceful estuary, and good company. That’s all you really need.
One of the highlights of the trip is our New Year’s Eve cocktail competition, which has become a bit of a tradition among our little community of campers. It actually started a few years ago, after one of our fellow campers passed away. She was a real character — always up for a chat, a laugh, and a good drink. Her husband suggested we all make cocktails that New Year’s to remember her in a way she’d love. Since then, we’ve kept it going, and now it’s something we all look forward to.
Of course, over time, it’s become a bit of a friendly rivalry. People start prepping weeks (okay, months) in advance. There’s always a bit of “so what are you making this year?” whispered around the tents. It’s all in good fun, but let’s be honest — everyone secretly wants to win.
Last year, I went a little overboard. The summer before, I’d noticed some clay washed out of the estuary banks and thought, maybe I could do something with this. So I collected some in a big bucket, took it back to the studio, sieved out all the shells and stones and wedges it up. after testing that it would work with my glaze and kiln temperature i went ahead and made some little cups — simple, rustic, and made from Whananaki itself, which felt pretty special.
My cocktail of choice? A jalapeño margarita — a classic with a twist. Fresh lime, good tequila, a bit of cointreau, and a little jalapeño for a kick. Shaken over ice and served in the handmade Whananaki clay cups.
When New Year’s Eve rolled around, we gathered as usual — Bunting strung up, music going, everyone passing around their creations. When I handed out the margaritas in those rustic little estuary cups, the reactions were priceless.
“You made these?”
“With clay from here?”
And yes — we won the competition.
There was some good-natured teasing. “Is this even allowed?” “You brought your own pottery — surely that’s cheating!” But really, it was all part of the fun. I like to think it wasn’t cheating — just a bit of extra Whananaki spirit in every sip.
