Overview
Winter is here, and let's face it, our only incentive to brave the cold is to go out and get a nice hot drink. From the comfort of a crackling fire, we've compiled a list of the best winter warming beverages that are worth going out for, including the best mulled wine, jacked coffee and a flaming tiki bowl.
GOLDEN DAWN: MULLED WINE
Where's the best mulled wine in Auckland? We're going to go with Golden Dawn unless someone can shed some light on their secret, underground mulled wine haunt. Not only is the wine aromatic and perfectly enhanced with earthy tones, so is the setting of the bar. You can also catch a live band while you enjoy your wine. Also, if you've ever tried your hand at creating your own mulled wine, you'll understand the difficulty of trying to find the perfect flavour balance, so you might as well just go out and enjoy it to save the hassle.
134 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
MEA CULPA: HOT TODDY
Mea Culpa does a mighty fine persimmon toddy that old Aunt Betty would be proud of. Traditionally, a hot toddy was used to fight the flu and as a natural remedy for aches and pains — the myth that it works as a placebo effect has recently been quashed. It has been scientifically proven that whiskey is a great decongestant as the alcohol dilates the blood vessels which aids in the clearing of mucus membranes. Who knew that alcohol was healthy. Further winter picker-uppers include the What's the Crack Flip, a combination of rum, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, egg and nutmeg.
3/175 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
BELLINI: WARMING IRISH COFFEE
Discover your Irish roots with a sweet and warming alcoholic coffee from Bellini at The Hilton. Hidden in the hot drinks section, skip the coffee and go straight to this hearty alcoholic beverage, because who knows a strong drink better than our Irish friends? The drink was first made in 1942 by a Limerick chef who designed it to welcome Americans who were visiting Ireland, and thank goodness he did. With a float of foam on top, the drink is like a dessert. Further variations on offer include the French with Cognac, the Mexican with Kahlua, the Cuban with Havana Club and the African with Amarula. Do you need any further convincing?
147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
FUKUKO: USUI (FLAVOURED HOT WHISKY)
Fukuko serves up a fantastic concoction made with Japanese whisky, violet cordial, rosewater and orange blossom water. The hot drink is light and refreshing for the palate but maintains its strong and pungent whisky flavour. Ask for the Usui and order a side of edamame beans for the full Japanese experience.
43 Tyler Street Britomart, CBD
SATYA SPICE & CHAI LOUNGE: HOT HARD CHAI
The Chai Lounge in Sandringham does an epic chai with spiced rum that can be served either hot or cold. We recommend trying the hot version in winter, as the warming spices will clear any sinuses and the dash of rum (occasionally swapped out for Cognac) gives our favourite milky drink a strong kick of flavour. While you're at it, order up one of Satya's famous dahi puri starters, a crispy dosa and some irresistible vegetable dumplings.
515 Sandringham Road, Sandringham
BEDFORD SODA & LIQUOR: POLYNESIAN PAINKILLER
We imagine Bedford Soda has a cauldron of blended rums out the back ready to cater to the ever-growing, year-round patronage — all seeking tasty cocktails. A harmonious mix of tropical fruits and Caribbean spices makes up the Polynesian Painkiller and is presented in a flaming tiki bowl, which will have all heads in the bar turning to you when your drink arrives. You may also feel like you're on a tropical island.
2 Richmond Road, Ponsonby // 21 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
HALLERTAU: HOT CIDER
The summer classic typically served ice cold is even better piping hot during winter. Remember when mum used to give you hot apple cider vinegar when you had a cold? This is the same but far more palatable. For the best cider in town, look no further than one of New Zealand's top breweries, Hallertau. With the perfect combination of sweetness combined with the tart fruit, the brewery's Granny Smith cider is a nice alternative to the range of craft brews on offer. The hot version, made by request, will warm your soul to its core.
1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway