Five of the best: Bars for a cosy drink

Mo's Bar on Federal Street in Auckland CBD. Photo / Doug Sherring

It was meant to be nearing the end of the big chill, but the frosty months seem to have a second wind. Here are our favourite winter watering holes.

1: Mo's Bar

5 Federal St, Auckland

This teeny-tiny classy bar off the main streets of Auckland's CBD only has room for about 20 patrons, but that's what draws us in for a glass of warm mulled wine. The red velvet curtains give Mo's a certain Twin Peaks appeal and table service means you don't have to get off your perch. It's open from 3pm until 3am - we probably prefer the place best early or late in that window, rather than the peak after-work hour.

2: The Gypsy Tearoom

455 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn

This gorgeous corner bar nestled among the West Lynn shops lures folk in with glittering fairy lights and warm and cosy character. The interior boasts winter vibes, with distressed wallpaper, low ceilings and dim, romantic lighting. It's a perfect date spot if that's what you're after and it stays open until 2am. We suggest sipping a well-crafted cocktail served in a teapot and picking a couple of plates - the food here is good, too.

3: Peach Pit

352 Karangahape Rd, Auckland

It's the warm welcome at Peach Pit that sells itself to us as a winter watering hole - co-owner Lukrecya Craw is the hostess with the mostess. There are a couple of booths, tables for two or you can pull up a pew at the bar for a bit of banter with the staff. The food here is bloody good, with thrift in mind, and they're always playing around with new cocktail concoctions for a bit of fun. Ask for a hottie if you want to sit on K Rd for some people-watching.

4: The Jefferson

7 Fort Lane, Auckland

One of the newer spots in Auckland, The Jefferson is a specialty whisky bar hiding in the basement of the Imperial Building, off cobbled Fort Lane. This chic club offers an extensive list of more than 500 varieties of whisky and bourbon so you're sure to find something to whet your whistle and warm you up. The Jefferson is just a couple of months old, but we can vouch for the smart staff who know their stuff.

5: Charlie Baxter's

121 Main Highway, Ellerslie

We were first drawn in to this quirky little gem during a walk home from Ellerslie train station. It felt like we'd popped in for a whisky in someone's little log cabin, full of nostalgic bric-a-brac like postcards and photographs and trunks stacked up high - and that's the point. You are made to feel like an old mate of Charlie Baxter at his place for a mulled wine or whisky. It's a very narrow spot so if you're not a local already, you'll know them all by the time you leave.