10 Winter Cocktails to Warm the Cockles

By Deborah Raj
Viva
Caretaker. Photo / Facebook

The Hot Buttered Rum at Caretaker
Who would've thought to unite the powers of aged rum, honey, hot water and a dollop of butter before serving the steamy soul-soothing mix with a little freshly grated nutmeg snow overtop? For an extra hit of warming winter spice, have it made with the house-spiced rum.
Roukai Ln, Britomart

The Desert Sage at Win-Win Bar
For when your idea of a winter warmer would ideally take the form of a sunny getaway, this union of Reposado tequila shaken with fresh marjoram, rhubarb, apple, lemon, agave and egg whites is a tropical escape in a glass. If that doesn't appeal, Win-Win's cauldron of mulled wine is ready and willing to assist. 
212 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

The Incendio Cafe Patron Hot Chocolate at Ostro
If there was one beverage we wish could be delivered bed-side, it's this little hottie. The fiery kick of The Incendio Cafe Patron hot chocolate, with its to-die-for toasted marshmallows, will help get you through the frosty days.
52 Tyler St, Auckland Central

The Nippon Negroni at Roji Bar, Azabu
This blend of Broker's London, Lillet Blanc and Umeshu plum liqueur is best enjoyed tucked up in a moody corner at Roji Bar, with the sound of rain overhead.
26 Ponsonby Rd, Grey Lynn

The Penicillin at Golden Dawn
If its name isn't enough to convince you that you're drinking to your health, a sip of this fine fusion of Laphroaig whisky with lemon, ginger-honey syrup and crystallised ginger certainly will.
134 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

Needful Things at Madame George
Here to ensure no cocktail connoisseurs' needs go unmet, the crew at Madame George will gladly present a drinkable representation of the season upon us - a coupe with a moreish yet ominous concoction of Thomson South Island peat, Monkey Shoulder whisky, creme d'apricot, hints of earl grey tea and a dash of bittermens xocolatl mole bitters; a drinkable legacy created by mixologist Sene Hui who can now be found shaking up a storm at Caretaker. 
490 K Rd, Auckland Central 

The Winter Nights at Cassia
Dark and broody with just a touch of sweetness, trust the modern Indian enthusiast to create a creamy concoction of Smoked Bulldog gin, Pedro Ximenez sherry, Amaro Montenegro, lemon and egg white capable of helping one disregard the cold.
5 Fort Ln, Auckland Central 

The Hot Toddy at Boy and Bird
To warm you from the inside out and soothe those suffering from the dreaded winter ails, this mix of Stolen dark rum, lemon, honey, cinnamon and hot water is just what the doctor ordered. 
222 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

The Amaro Boulevardier at Middleton Cafe & Bar
Say hello to the Negroni's long-lost autumnal cousin. The twist of the Boulevardier sees whisky replace gin - in this case, Woodford Bourbon - as well as just the right amount of the Italian liqueuer Amaro Montenegro and Dolin Rouge vermouth. 
125 Queen St, Auckland Central 

The Out West Old Fashioned at The Tasting Shed
Specialising in whisky infusions, this dark and stormy mixture sees a Teeling Whiskey 'Spirit of Dublin' steeped with sticky dates, mixed spices including vanilla and cinnamon, orange peel and muscovado sugar to become a rich, succulent sipper, best enjoyed over ice. For best results, BYO smoking jacket.
609 SH16, Kumeu

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