The Coldest Place to Drink in Vegas

Ice bars are becoming prevalent in the US and one has opened up at the Mandalay Bay called Minus 5. The bar is aptly named due to its temperature of -5 degrees. The bar is completely made of ice including the walls, the stools, the bar, and even the glasses. It is a 2000 sq ft lounge every 6 - 8 weeks the bar is completely changed with new ice.




The concept of the ice bar originated at the end of the 19th century. Buck Rockwell, a New Zealand explorer and adventurer, went on a solo expedition to go around the North Pole. His icebreaker became stuck and he ended up having to spend the winter with a remote whaling village. The only thing in this village was lots of vodka and the fisherman’s wives.




He later returned to New Zealand in 1908 with a fond taste for ice cold vodka. His passion was passed on thru the generations and in 2003 his great grandson, Craig Ling, invented the idea of a vodka ice bar.




With the cold temperature and it being Las Vegas, not everyone is dressed for the occasion. The $30 door charge will give you all the warm gear you need, including a parka and one cocktail. The ice is imported from Canada because of its clearness and the ice glasses come from New Zealand. The bar is littered with ice sculptures and architecture. The bar caters to both people of age and not. It holds cocktails and mock tails all served in ice glasses giving a total Las Vegas experience. There is also another part of the lounge that is heated and holds comfy leather chairs.




To complete the ice experience, they have ice guides are to make certain you have a safe and fun visit. You are first clothed in parka and sheepskin-lined boots. You will traverse through two outer chambers before entering the lounge. You can now relax on an ice sofa with a deer skin cover. You then have your choice of an assortment of vodka cocktails. All drinks are made with the world’s best vodkas and served in a custom made ice glass. You can have a maximum of 3 drinks per half hour. During the time in the lounge, a photographer roams the lounge capturing photos of your experience. After the tour, you will have the choice to buy a photo or even an Eskimo hat.




Children get their winter clothing and mock tails. The ability to have your children make this tour makes it a nice family trip or a nice outing for a corporate function. No matter what you do, this is certainly the coolest adventure you will have in Las Vegas!