10 Coolest Ice Hotel Bars

 

Whether it is located inside a tree or under the sea, let’s face it, there are some pretty interesting places around the world where one can kick back and have a drink. Some of the coolest places to warm up with a cold one this winter are in the bars of these 10 amazing ice hotels.

Igloo Village – Saariselka, Finland

After partying it up at Igloo Village’s ice bar, the Hotel Kakslauttanen features a different take on the traditional ice hotel by offering a variety of igloos to sleep it off in. Whether you choose the thermal glass igloo, or the more hardcore snow igloo, you’ll be sure to awake feeling refreshed. And if the previous night’s cocktails are still making you feel a little slow and sluggish you can always sweat it out in the morning with a sauna.


Snow Village – Kittila, Finland

Sister to Igloo Village is Finland’s Snow Village. Where the former gives you the option of rooms from man-made materials, Snow Village is completely made out of ice and snow, and lots of it! Covering an area of approximately 220,000 square feet, Snow Village is made up of 1650 tons of snow and 330 tons of ice. But don’t worry if the thought of all that snow and ice is making you cold, you can always warm up with a few cold ones in the famous Snow Village Ice Bar.


Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Billed as the largest ice hotel in the world, Sweden’s Icehotel is comprised of over 30,000 tons of snow and ice. Boasting 60 rooms and an amazing ice bar it is no wonder that the small village of Jukkasjärvi sees some 50,000 guests each winter.


Bjorli Ice Lodge – Bjorli, Norway

The Bjorli Ice Lodge is the largest ice hotel in Norway. Built each year within the Dovre-Sundalsfjella National Park, each room is uniquely created by local artists. If the cold rooms aren’t really your thing, they also offer a number of warm rooms for the more timid guests. Either way, stopping by the ice bar for a few nightcaps is highly recommended.


Kirkenes Snowhotel – Kirkenes, Norway

Situated not too far from the Russian border in Norway’s sub-Arctic north is the Kirkness Snowhotel. The hotel has been in operation since 2006 and consists of 20 differently themed rooms. The ice bar alone takes up to 15 tons of ice to create each year.


Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway

Norway’s third most popular ice hotel, and the world’s northernmost one, boasts 30 rooms, an ice chapel, and an incredible ice bar complete with a full set of ice glasses. This 2000 square meter ice hotel has been built each and every year since it first opened in 2000.


Ice Hotel – Balea Lake, Romania

One of the world’s most remote ice hotels is situated high in the mountainous region of Romania. Although it is only accessible by cable car and can only accommodate a small amount of guests, since only 10 to 14 rooms are constructed each winter, Romania’s ice hotel, and especially the ice bar, is by far one of the coolest places to have a drink.


Engelberg-Titlis Igloo Village – Engelberg, Switzerland

At an altitude of 5,900 feet, Switzerland’s Igloo Village provides some of the most spectacular view of the Swiss Alps. Some of the igloos even come complete with your very own private whirlpool, which is a great way to relax before bed after spending the evening pounding back a few in the ice bar.


Hôtel de Glace – Quebec City, Canada

Hôtel de Glace was first built in 2001 on the shores of Lac-Saint-Joseph and has since been relocated to just outside Quebec City’s Old Town. With no permanent structures of any kind, Hôtel de Glace is entirely made out of snow and ice – 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice to be exact. So if you plan your visit too late in the season, remember you’ll have to drink fast, because once they ice melts that bar (and glassware) will be no more.


Snow VillageMontreal, Canada

Just a few hours west of Quebec City is Montreal’s very own take on the ice hotel called Snow Village, which is a snow and ice replica of the very city it is built in, Montreal.
If you know anything about Montreal, they have some pretty good bars, and Snow Village’s ice bar is no exception. The official opening for this year’s Snow Village is planned for January 18th 2013.

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Most Popular Christmas Party Drinks

Even the Grinchiest of Grinches and the Scroogiest of Scrooges’ ice-cold hearts thaw just a little bit when it comes to getting together with friends for a few holiday drinks. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, from the second to third week of December, and well into the New Year, it is a great time to attend or even host a holiday party.

I’ve been to some pretty amazing parties where the host serves an elaborate themed menu, showing of their incredible culinary skills, however where many parties have failed is when it comes to party drinks. Typically BYOB (bring your own bottle) is expected.

It’s understandable of course, after all who really can afford to both feed and supply alcohol to all of their friends around this time of year. However, being able to supply some creative drinks alongside the incredible food would just blow your guests away.

The affordable solution: create a drink menu and assign each guest a particular bottle or ingredient to bring with them. Here are some of our favorite Christmas Party Drink recipes to add to your drink menu:

#1 – Eggnog

What is Christmas without a glass or two of everyone’s favorite treat – eggnog! Whether you purchase it from the store or make it from scratch, everyone loves a little eggnog each year, especially when it’s spiked. Since eggnog is our #1 pick for the most popular Christmas party drink we will not only provide you with a recipe to make homemade eggnog, but we’ll also provide you with two boozy variations. Think of it as our Christmas present to you.

· Simple Eggnog Recipe (Serves 20)

1 dozen eggs
12 oz white sugar
2 quarts milk
2 quarts whipping cream

Separate egg yolks and set whites aside for latter use. Combine egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients, mix well and chill in refrigerator. Before serving whisk egg whites and fold into mixture.

· Brandy Eggnog

1 oz brandy
½ oz dark rum
8 oz eggnog
whipped cream
ground nutmeg
cinnamon sticks

Shake brandy and rum in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a mug, add freshly made eggnog, top with whip cream and garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.

· Eggnog Martini

1 ½ oz dark rum
3 oz eggnog
almond extract
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
cinnamon stick

Shake rum, eggnog and almond extract in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into martini glass rimmed with cinnamon. Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon stick.

#2 – English Christmas Punch

This Christmas punch is enough for 27 glasses, and best of all it is served on fire! Caution should be taken when igniting the punch; you don’t want to end up with a Griswold Christmas tree.

26 oz dark rum
26 oz dry red wine
24 oz strong tea
1 lb superfine sugar
juice of 1 large orange
juice of 1 lemon
orange slices

Combine wine, tea and the juice of one lemon and orange into a saucepan. Warm the mixture, being careful not to boil. Pour into heatproof punch bowl. Add sugar to a large ladle allowing excess sugar to enter punch bowl. Pour rum over ladle until sugar is saturated. Ignite the rum and sugar mixture carefully pouring into punch bowl. Stir to extinguish flames, add remainder of rum and orange slices for garnish.

#3 – Mulled Beer

Far be it from me to tell you how to drink you beer, I am after all a proponent of warming up with a cold one, but sometimes it’s nice to offer your guests a warm drink. This holiday recipe, which serves 20 of your closet friends, creates a warm and spicy twist on the traditional Christmas beer.

10 bottles of dark ale
5 egg yolks
5 tsp white sugar
2 tsp nutmeg
cinnamon sticks
10 cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger

Combine beer and spices in a large saucepan and heat until ground spices dissolve. Mix sugar and egg yolks together and add to spiced beer ensuring to stir well. Pour into beer mug and garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon stick.

#4 – Hot Buttered Rum

Speaking of warming up with a warm one, this buttery treat is the perfect drink to hand your guests as they enter into you home from the frigid outdoors.

1 ½ oz of brandy
½ oz dark rum
1 Tbsp unrefined brown sugar
1 Tbsp white sugar
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz water
cloves
ground cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and warm on low heat. Works best if you make multiple cups at one time. Pour mixture into mugs and garnish with ground cinnamon

#5 – White Christmas

For those guest who wrinkle their noses to the though of eggnog, surprise them with this alternative. The additional flavors do a good job of masking that eggnog taste for those not so inclined.

1 oz Southern Comfort
½ oz white chocolate liqueur
4 oz eggnog
chocolate flakes

Shake all ingredients a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into martini glass and garnish with chocolate flakes.

#6 – Poinsettia

This elegant cocktail is made with Champagne, or sparkling wine, which will add a touch of class to any holiday party.

3 oz sparkling wine
½ oz triple sec
3 oz cranberry juice

Combine triple sec and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a Champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.

#7 – Candy Cane

Here’s a fun cocktail to make for those that have a peppermint tooth – they are easy to spot, as they are the ones always stealing the candy canes off of your tree.

¾ oz berry flavored vodka
¾ oz peppermint schnapps
¾ oz white crème de cacao
¼ oz grenadine
half and half
soda water
candy cane

Combine vodka, peppermint schnapps, white crème de cacao, and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed peppermint candy. Fill with half and half, top with soda water and garnish with a candy cane.

#8 – Merry Christmas

Last but not least, here at the BarWhiz Blog we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas with a cocktail of the same name.

1 oz gin
1 oz cranberry juice
1 tsp lemon juice
club soda
fresh cranberries

Shake gin, cranberry and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice, top with club soda and garnish with fresh cranberries.

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Lanzarote Nightlife

Lanzarote holidays are not famous for its nightlife, as it is smaller and a bit quieter than some of the larger Canary Islands, however you will still find enough going on to party until dawn. There are three main resorts in Lanzarote to head for if you are looking to experience the best that Lanzarote has to offer in the way of clubs, bars and entertainment – Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

Costa Teguise

640px-Costa_Teguise-Playa_del_Jablillo

Bars – Wander down the Avenida de Jabillo, where you will find most of the bars and clubs in the resorts. There is a wide range here, from Irish bars to typical Spanish bars that will have live salsa music. There are also some great restaurants here so you can start the night off in style – choose from traditional tapas to Chinese or Indian – you will find something to suit every taste here.

Clubs – Some of the most popular clubs in the resort include the lighthouse bar, which is open until 2am and has live music every night – find it in the Pueblo Marinero. You can find everything from sports bars to jazz clubs here, and many of the hotels have lively entertainment programmes that are open to non-residents too.

Where to Stay – The 4* Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens is just 800m from the beach in Costa Teguise and is a short walk from the centre of the resort.

Puerto del Carmen

640px-PuertodelcarmenBeach

Bars – The Centro Atlantico is the main area for nightlife in the resort where you will find everything from live music, DJ’s and discos, to chilled out cocktail bars. The Bodhran is one of the busiest bars – a traditional Irish bar with live music and sports.

Clubs – There are a number of large clubs here, the Discoteca RUMM in the Old Town Harbour is one of the most popular, where you can dance until the sun comes up to all the songs you will recognise from home. Ceasars is the place to go for serious clubbing.

Where to Stay – The 3* Hotel Blue Sea Los Fiscos is just 500m from the main bars and clubs – perfect for a clubbing holiday. The beach is only 900m for those mornings where you just want to sleep off the night before in the sunshine.

Playa Blanca

Playa_Blanca_Town_Promenade_and_Beach_01

Bars – The nightlife in Playa Blanca is slightly more spread out than the other resorts, but the Marina Rubicon is always a good bet for a sun downer whilst enjoying the views of the stunning yachts moored here, Café del Mar is one of the most popular bars here, as well as the various jazz lounges.

Clubs – Punto Limones is the area where you will find the busiest bars that are open the latest – opposite the main shopping centre it is easy to find and you can watch the sun come up across the ferry port opposite when the clubs shut.

Where to Stay – The 4* Hotel Blue Sea Corbeta is right in the action of Playa Blanca, but far enough away to escape the noise of people coming home in the early hours. This hotel has 5 swimming pools for a refreshing dip the next day.

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Best Nightlife in Spain

Elegant architecture of Madrid
Madrid

Following on from the BarWhiz guide to Europe, here’s a look at what the Spanish have to offer, from beers in the city to cocktails on a Mediterranean island. This guide is brought to you by Polly Allen, a travel writer on Spain with easyJet Holidays.

Major Cities

Madrid, being the capital city of Spain, has some of its best-loved bars, so choose your district wisely. La Latina has a student/hippy vibe, especially in bars such as Barrio Alto, whilst Huertas is popular with tourists but will generally cost more. The most famous place for cocktails is on the iconic main street, Gran Via, and is called Museo Chicote. Film stars and writers have been here, so why not follow in their footsteps?

Museo chicote
Museo Chicote

Seville’s Cerveceria Internacional is a haven for beer lovers, and a beer is una cerveza. Choices on tap include Leffe and Guinness, or you can enjoy a Spanish cider (Escanciador). If you’re going for bottled beer then there’s everything from Chinese (Tsingtao) to Czech (Budejovicky).

Cervecería Internacional
Cerveceria Internacional

Barcelona is full of cool places to visit, but its rooftop bars must surely be worth a mention. The Zinc Bar, on the roof of the Hotel Villa Emilia, has free Wi-Fi, an amazing terrace with large sofas, and a tempting wine list as well as mojitos to die for. Alternatively, the Hotel Pulitzer Bar is a good choice for those who can afford to splash the cash on elegant €12 cocktails.

Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona
Hotel Pulitzer Bar

Balearics

Majorca is an ever-popular nightlife destination for good reason: in Magaluf alone there are over 100 bars, many of which have a theme. The BCM Sports Bar is a good place to start thanks to its range of shots, beers and cocktails next to a giant TV screen for watching those sporting events, followed by a stay at the nearby Marina Barracuda Hotel, which has a cool BCM-themed entertainment area. If you’re more into classic drinking then don’t miss Ginbo in Palma, which has more than 100 different types of gin – just don’t try them all at once.

Ibiza’s Raco Verd, in San Jose, has been running for fifty years and doesn’t fail to impress, even today. Enjoy cleansing and refreshing juices such as the SOS by day and then upgrade to tapas and wine as the night falls, accompanied by the sounds of acoustic guitar performances. If you want something a bit livelier then try La Cava, which is a chic night spot in Ibiza Town with amazing decor.

Menorca’s many watering holes include Mambo, with its signature Mojito proving a favourite with tourists, and Jazzbah, which is a trendy bar and club that is perfect for catching up with friends over a few drinks in the chill out room or listening to DJs playing live sets.

Ibiza
Ibiza

Canary Islands

Fuerteventura is home to Agua, based in Corralejo, which comes highly recommended by tourists and locals. Expect to pay no more than €5 per cocktail and enjoy light tapas-style snacks with your drink – free of charge. The hot cocktails are certainly worth sampling.

Gran Canaria has plenty of cheap bars, but blogger Victoria (known as the Cunning Canary) advises you to go upmarket if you want recognisable branded drinks. Try the bar of the Soultrain Jazz Club in Las Palmas for excellent music and live jamming sessions as you enjoy a glass of something cool.

Lanzarote’s hotspots include La Esquina, which has half an hour of free Wi-Fi for everyone who buys a drink, and the bars around the Rubicon Marina such as Global House and Afrodite Little Italy, which has a wide range of wine.

Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria

Best of the Rest

Puerto Banus Marbella Spain yachts
Marbella

Marbella is a more expensive place to visit in Spain, thanks to its glitzy nightlife and gorgeous beaches which the cast of the hit reality TV show The Only Way is Essex have popularized. Bars to try out include The Champagne Room (for the obvious tipple) and The Library, which has over 250 types of alcohol.

The Library Bar
The Library

Valencia’s Montaditos Gratis will appeal to those of you needing to save your Euros. Small beers come with a small tapas selection and start from just €1,30, which is very wallet-friendly. At that price you can afford to be a bit more adventurous with your choice of drinks.

San Sebastian, in the north of Spain, has bars to suit all budgets, many of which either contain a version of tapas known as pintxos or huge bocadillos (baguettes) to accompany your drinks. Juantxo Bar is a bit of a student favourite thanks to its cheap food and beer, and look out for its special caipirinhas.

San Sebastián – Donostia. Taberna Juantxo.

Now you’ve seen the line-up, the hardest part is choosing which resort to visit first…

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Easter Themed Cocktail Ideas

Drunk bunny

So far this year the mixologists at BarWhiz have provided you a list of saintly drinks, from St. Valentine to St. Patrick, but today is all about Easter.

Easter is a Christian holiday that not only marks the end of lent, but also celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also the time of year where children search for hidden chocolate eggs that where scattered around their homes by a magical bunny…

As for why bunnies became associated with Easter, just look no further than Christopher Moore’s satirical novel, Lamb. In his book, Moore’s character Joshua (Jesus) drunkenly gushes his affections for bunnies while at a wedding reception, declaring, “Henceforth and from now on, I decree that whenever something bad happens to me, there shall be bunnies around.” And that’s why we have the Easter Bunny.

From the walking dead to magical bunnies, Easter is one time of year that a tasty drink idea will be appreciated by all, and especially by those that gave up the drink as part of their Lenten sacrifice.

So without further adieu, here are your 5 Easter themed cocktail ideas:

#1 – Easter Bunny

easter bunny cocktail

1/2 oz vodka
1 oz creme de cacao
1 tbsp cherry liqueur
1 tbsp chocolate sauce

Pour all ingredients into a martini glass with ice and serve.


#2 – Easter Egg

Easter Egg Cocktail

1 oz blue curacao
1 oz white creme de cacao
half-and-half cream

Pour blue curacao and creme de cacao over ice cubes in chilled martini glass, float cream on top and serve.


#3 – White Rabbit
Aviary's White Russian

1 oz white rum
1/2 oz amaretto
1/2 oz kahlua
1/2 oz baileys
1 oz cream

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into rocks glass and serve.


#4 – Carrot Martini

Blood and Sand

2 oz citrus vodka
1 oz grand marnier
1 3/4 oz carrot puree
nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.


#5 – Resurrection

Pernod

2 oz pernod
2 oz brandy
2 oz yellow chartreuse

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a collins glass and serve.

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