If you’re like most of us and finding it a little hard to warm up these winter nights, try one of these winter cocktail concoctions when you’re out and about next. They’re sure to warm you up.
Winter Wonderland

Cocktail name: Winter Wonderland $15
This fresh frozen cocktail is the creation of Pumpyard Bar and Brewery bar manager Corinne Browne who told me it was as fresh as the blast of winter air hitting your face when leaving the heated indoors. The minty freshness in the taste made me think of white chocolate coconut balls. Great to start your night with.
Ingredients:
Coconut liquor
Malibu
Mint
Coconut puree
Maharani

Cocktail Name: Maharani (means queen secret, Indian.) $15
Another homemade cocktail invented on the premises at Indian Mehfil. Served in a hurricane glass this easy drinking sweet lychee flavoured cocktail would be the perfect accompaniment to a hot curry. The Indian name of the cocktail suggests a “secret” ingredient listed here as Sunshine.
I’m told this is super popular with regular customers.
Ingredients:
Lemonade
Lime
Lychee liquor
Sunshine
Irish Coffee

Cocktail name: Irish coffee
Devine! Creamy and warming. Perfect for a winter catch up which is great because Fouthchild Cafe Restaurant and Lounge Bar is open late.
Ingredients:
Cup of long black double shot espresso
Jameson Irish whiskey
Sugar syrup
Whipped cream fresh
Coffee beans on top
Feijoa Fix

Cocktail Name: Feijoa fix $18
The feijoa fix at The Cottage Restaurant as the name suggests includes feijoa vodka which is a winter fruit.
An easy drinking cocktail for the apple cider fans though it carries a little more punch. The restaurant has an open fire and this choice of cocktail here will keep you as spritzy as the drink tastes, a very social cocktail to enjoy with dinner and friends.
Ingredients:
42 below feijoa
Apple cider
Lime
Mint garnish
French Martini

Cocktail name: French Martini $13
Shaken not stirred, this tropical delight at the Racehorse Hotel is refreshing and easy to drink which would appeal to most people.
Main ingredients:
Vodka and chambord served in a martini glass with a glamorous tropical garnish.
Gordons Pink Gin Spritz

Cocktail name: Gordons Pink Gin Spritz $7
Putting the ritz into spritz this sophisticated looking cocktail at Brothers Leagues Club is served in a red wine glass.
Gin lovers will adore the twist of strawberries used in this cocktail along with Prosecco and Lemonade.
Served at Bar 49 bartender Britnee Mifka (pictured) told me it is popular with Friday night crowds.
Screaming Banshee

Cocktail name: Screaming Banshee $8
Hope you like it hot!
A mystery of well combined ingredients makes this cocktail easy to drink despite the obvious evidence of chilli. This original Creation by Banshees Bar is served tall or short with a burn in your belly. Pictured here is bar tender Rachel with the mysterious cocktail.
N.B this was my favourite!