Compact cocktail bar Clipper arrived in the former home of Mea Culpa last year, with award-winning bartenders Barney Toy, James Millar and Jacob Briars pulling inspiration from the golden age of travel with pina colada old fashioneds and flat white martinis.

In time for the silly 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 twinkling 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.

The festive cocktail selection from Barney Toy includes a chocolate orange martini, a Christmas mince pie old fashioned as rich as figgy pudding, a cold brew Scotch coffee with hints of nutmeg, and a decadent sipper described as 'liquid pavlova'. There will also be daily specials from the Christmas Cocktail Advent from 13 to 24 December and non-alcoholic options.

Christmas at Clipper is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm until late for all of December until Christmas Eve. Email [email protected] to make a reservation — and don't forget to put on your favourite festive sweater