CHEERS

The Venetian

Mandalay Bay The Linq Promenade

Ice, Ice Baby! Lounges make the cool-things-to-do list

Who likes their cocktail to remain nice and cold the whole time you drink it? Who likes to have bragging pics of your vacay to show the folks back home? Who likes to hang at some of the most-unique bars and lounges when on vacay? We’ve got three of the perfect spots for you to accomplish all the above and more. Minus5 Icebar at Mandalay Bay, The Venetian and The Linq Promenade.

Each is kept at a chilly 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and everywhere you look is ice, ice and more ice (we’re talking 100 tons of ice, specially made to remove all air bubbles, so it’s the clearest ice possible). Chairs, benches, tables, the bar—all made of ice. And ice carvers used chainsaws and precision ice-carving tools to craft some of the coolest art displays throughout each venue— perfect for those Instagrammable moments.

Before entering, each guest is suited up in their choice of a parka or faux-fur coat and gloves. Trust us, you’ll want to bundle up before going inside. Once inside, see how long you can “chill” before needing to step outside to get the blood flowing warm again.

Back inside, step up to the bar and order any number of delicious specialty cocktails (all served in glasses made entirely of ice) like the Icy Mudslide with Skyy Vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur and a touch a cream. For a sweet treat, try the Frosted Berries with Skyy Wild Strawberry vodka, peach schnapps and white cranberry juice. For a cocktail with some bite, try the Spicy Pineapple Punch with pineapple vodka, fresh lime juice and a dash of spice for heat.

And if you are with a group, a must-order is the Shot Ski—a long, wooden plank that holds four shot glasses , where everyone takes the shot together (shots include spirits like Fireball and Jägermeister). There’s also spiked cold brew coffee in vanilla cinnamon and café mocha flavors; and if it’s your birthday, you can get a shot for just $5.

Minus5 Icebar is quite literally—and figuratively—one of the coolest things you can do on the Strip. –Kiko Miyasato

21+ after 9 p.m., Mandalay Bay, 702.740.5800, Venetian, 702.293.3388, Linq Promenade, 702.489.3545