Hibernation, heck no. Winter may be on its way but that's no excuse not to have a good time - especially after a couple years of pesky lockdowns cramping our vibe. So get the gang together for a cocktail party (or two) and try out the North Beach team's fave beverages sure to warm up a cold winter's night.

The chilli margarita is the spicy, boozy kick up the pants you need to get the party started. A little bit sweet, a whole lotta sass and perfect for sharing, this is one winter cocktail that's hard to resist.

Spicy Margarita

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp chilli powder

45ml silver tequila

15ml triple sec or cointreau

25ml fresh lime juice

15ml fresh orange juice

5mls agave syrup

Fresh chilli to taste, sliced

Lime wedges (or if you're brave, chilli) to garnish

Combine salt, sugar and chilli powder on a small plate. Rub the rim of a short rocks glass with a lime wedge then dip the edge into the chilli mixture. Muddle fresh chilli and agave syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add tequila, cointreau, lime and orange juice to the shaker, shake vigorously and strain over ice into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge (or chilli) and serve immediately.

The winter months are prime time for cosy fires, red wine and rich, comforting flavours. This next drink is the perfect winter cocktail for red wine lovers and basically tastes like a hug in a cup. Of course we're talking about the northern hemisphere Christmas classic - mulled wine.

Mulled Wine

1 bottle red wine (no need for an expenny one)

1 orange, sliced into rounds

4 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

3 star anise

1-2 tbsp honey, to taste

1/2 cup brandy

Pour wine into a pot, followed by the brandy and orange rounds. Add in your spices and 1 tablespoon of honey and bring to a simmer. Once simmering (not boiling), reduce heat to low and gently heat for 10 minutes. Alternatively add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 30 minutes to an hour. Serve warm in a mug and garnish with more orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

If you thought the espresso version was good, just wait until you try the creamy sweetness of a biscoff martini. A little winter pick me up, this indulgent cocktail is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect treat for yourself (we won't tell) or to share with friends.

Biscoff Martini

2 shots vanilla vodka

2 tbsp Biscoff spread

1 shot Kahlua

2 shots pure cream

Biscoff biscuit crumbs

Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and vodka, Biscoff spread, Kahlua and cream. Shake vigorously until ingredients are well combined and chilled. Rim a chilled martini glass with Biscoff biscuit crumbs then strain in the cocktail. Serve immediately.