Compact cocktail bar Clipper arrived in the former home of Mea Culpa in July, with award-winning bartenders Barney Toy, James Millar, alongside Bacardi Global Advocacy Director Jacob Briars and Richard Wood, pulling inspiration from the golden age of travel with pina colada old fashioneds and flat white martinis.

In time for the holiday season, the bar is getting in the festive spirit by transforming into a Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up. After picking up gifts along Ponsonby Road, admiring the Frankin Road lights or listening to the Auckland Gospel Choir in Western Park, Christmas at Clipper will be the spot to indulge in a special menu of yuletide bevies.

Clipper's Barney Toy has mixed up a Christmas mince pie old fashioned with aged Bacardi rum and novelty mini pie, a cold brew Scotch coffee, pina colada milk punch and cookies, and the decadent Kiwi Kristmas Nog, pairing traditional eggnog with pavlova. There will also be daily specials from the Advent Calendar of Cocktails and non-alcoholic options.

Christmas at Clipper operates until December 31 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Email hello@clipperbar.co.nz to make a reservation.