Get ready to cosy up, here are the best Melbourne bars for winter.

For this month's What's On post I thought I'd focus on Melbourne's best bars for Winter. If you're in search for the hottest bars in Melbourne here are my top picks.

Trunk

Trunk restaurant and bar in Melbourne's CBD is the perfect place for after work drinks or a romantic date night on the weekend. Trendy and a touch cheeky (just take a look at the coasters), I was lucky enough to be invited to try their winter cocktail menu and I can tell you they are delicious.

While I expected more wintery drinks, like mulled wine or a bigger range of whiskey-based cocktails, I was very happy with the drinks I tasted. From sweet Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and delicious Pomegranate Vanilla Sour, to refreshing Figgy Smalls and my favourite, the gin-based Rose Martini. For non-alcoholic options or for those participating in dry-July, they have amazing mocktails, which the bar tenders can create for you. The drinks are definitely worth coming for, but why not stay for dinner at the restaurant or the Diner next door. Whichever place you choose, the food is excellent.

275 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Nieuw Amsterdam

This bar is a stand out for me as it's named after my favourite city, New York. Their page of Negronis is a winner. My pick is the Vecchio Amico- Buffalo Trace (bourbon), Cynar, Sweet & Dry Vermouth, Campari, Burnt Rosemary, it's so delicious! Grab a booth and settle in for the night.

106–112 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000

The National, Richmond

The National in Richmond has a great hot alcoholic drinks range. It includes Hot Toddy, Buttered Rum and Sippin On Gin and Jam to warm you up from the inside. If you're outside in the courtyard, don't worry, they have heaters to heat you up from the outside. The food is fantastic here. It's best to reserve a table on Friday night and weekends. Also keep an eye out for their events such as Cards Against Humanity Night (06/07).

344 Victoria St, Richmond VIC 3121

Milton Wine Bar

This cosy wine bar and bottle shop is the perfect spot to grab a glass with friends. This is the wine bar you will wish was your local. They also have a great range of sophisticated wine based events.

1427 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144

The everleigh

The Everleigh bar seems like it has stepped right out of the Golden Age. Bathed in an atmospheric light, a gorgeous marble bar takes pride of place, while patrons canoodle in leather booths and bartenders wearing bowties and waistcoats create expertly mixed cocktails. Not sure what to order? Just ask them for the Bartender's Choice.

Upstairs, 150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065Back Bar

fall from grace

The not so well kept secret cellar bar hidden within restaurant, State of Grace, is the place to take visitors or a date. Located behind a bookshelf, the secret door reveals a cosy bar that features a very impressive list of cocktails and wine.

477 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Eau De Vie | Melbourne CBD

This intimate speakeasy Whiskey-focused cocktail bar is worth the visit. The expert bartenders serve up impressive drinks that are worth every cent. Eau De Vie is all about the experience after all.

1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

I'd love to hear your top bars, comment below and let me know yours!

Lei xx