Five of the best: mulled wine in Auckland

Seeking a deliciously spicy winter warmer to cosy up to? We've scoured the city for the best mulled wines on offer.

Winter is well and truly here and there's no time like the present to make like Jon Snow and wrap your mitts around a hot mug of mulled deliciousness.

Whether you have a penchant for star anise or prefer yours laden with citrus peel, we felt it was high-time to reveal Auckland's absolute best mulled wine offerings, right on time for the cold snap. If the following five bars don't have you crawling out of hibernation, we don't know what will.

1. Coco's Cantina, K-road
If our favourite K-road haunt wasn't cool enough already, the idea that you can wind down after an Italian feast with a cup of mulled wine is simply too good to resist. Park up for the evening and let their delicious winter offering warm you up from the inside out.

2. 46 & York, Parnell
Make a beeline to Parnell's York street for the ultimate after work tipple. This cosy local offers a scrumptious winter menu and of course, a pretty good mulled wine. Nab yourself a seat by the fireplace and cosy up for the night.

3. The Garden Shed, Mt Eden
When they're not busy keep punters satiated throughout summer, Mt Eden's cosiest courtyard swaps the Pimms cocktails for carafes of cinnamon-infused mulled wine. We know where we'll be spending our Friday night.

4. The Portland, Kingsland
Whoever decided winter is for hibernating clearly hasn't been to The Portland Public House. This city-fringe institution is the ideal hangout come winter. Boasting an impressive line-up of local artists on any given night of the week, their delicious wintry drop will keep you snug.

5. Pocket Bar, Grey Lynn
This handy little local calls on mandarins grown in their own backyard to infuse their beautiful blend. Rug up and head out for drinks or dinner – one sip of this cinnamony goodness and you'll be happy you did.

Have we missed your favourite mulled wine bar? Let us know in the comments below.