'Tis the season for warming, wintery drinks. Preferably those combining spirits with dairy, because as with clothes, the more layers the better.
Library Bar
Chocolate lovers, this is the drink for you. Library Bar's rum hot chocolate is almost too good to be true and it seems only fair that windy Wellington is home to one of the most indulgent treats.
Where: 53 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro Contact: 04 382 8593 Visit: Thelibrary.co.nz
Orphans Kitchen
We're slightly obsessed with hot buttered rum at the moment, especially when we discovered Orphans Kitchen will serve it to you for breakfast. On their menu is a 'Pirate's Breakfast' cocktail of buttered rum with a shot of coffee.
Where: 118 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby Contact: 09 378 7979 Visit: Orphanskitchen.co.nz
Pocket Bar
In Grey Lynn, the bartenders at Pocket have come up with something to help us make it through winter. Try a 'Hot Tommy's Margarita' made with warmed blue agave, ginger, honey, lemon, star anise and cinnamon.
Where: 592 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn Contact: 09 376 4309 Visit: Pocketbarandkitchen.co.nz
Non-Solo Pizza
Pizza and mugs of mulled wine are the comfort food combo of our dreams. The only tricky part is choosing between all the delicious Italian fare... And heading back out into the cold afterwards.
Where: 259 Parnell Rd, Parnell Contact: 09 379 5358 Visit: Nonsolopizza.co.nz
Mission Bay Pavilion
As well as a cosy winter garden that's been installed for winter, Mission Bay Pavilion have created some irresistible drink offerings. Glasses of mulled wine, white or red, are on offer, as are cups of buttered rum, decadently topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Where: 44 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay Contact: 09 930 7360 Visit: Missionbaypavilion.co.nz
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Advertise with NZME.Mea Culpa
Head to Mea Culpa where the mixologists can make anything off-menu, including a classic hot buttered rum, or enjoy it in the darkened environs of Caretaker (Roukai Lane, Britomart) where the bartenders will make a customised version for you.
Where: 3/175 Ponsonby Rd Visit: Facebook.com/cocktailbarmeaculpa
Bedford Soda & Liquor
Pictured below is Bedford Soda's buttered rum cocktail, topped with warming spices such as star anise and nutmeg. Plus why not order some of their moreish arancini while you're at it?
Where: Ponsonby Central, 2 Richmond Rd, Ponsonby or 21 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna Contact: 09 378 7362 or 09 486 2794 Visit: Bedfordsodaliquor.co.nz
Forresters Lane
The inventive team at Wellington's Forresters Lane have created this Game of Thrones-themed cocktail 'The Ridiculous Danaerys' which even comes with a dragon's egg on the side. It's a mug of hot mulled ale with whisky and spices and will make you feel as though you've travelled back in time to a historic tavern. #WinterIsComing
Where: 2 Forresters Lane, Te Aro, Wellington Contact: 04 384 9084 Visit: Forresterslane.co.nz
Pah Homestead
Winter is ideal for gallery-hopping and it's worth making a trip out to Pah Homestead in Hillsborough for a wander around the collection of the James Wallace Arts Trust. Then head to the cafe and warm up with some cosy food and a steaming mug of mulled wine.
Where: 72A Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough Contact: 09 624 1215 Visit: Pahhomestead.company
More to try...
• A hot toddy from Carmen Jones
• Mulled wine from Peach Pit (don't miss the food specials either)
• Masala Chai from Satya Chai Lounge
• Sweet, sweet mulled cider from the good folks at Coco's Cantina
• Mulled wine from The Wine Cellar
