Drunken fun–"On the rocks"

Sick of sweating it out this summer in bars looking at yet another "amazing" view of the Bund? Already thinking longingly of Shanghai's oh-so-brisk winter? Fear not, for this is the balm in which to soothe those sunburnt lips. The first ice bar in Asia has opened its doors in Shanghai–but wait, haven't we heard this before? Yes, but the twist here is that this is the first Absolut Icebar, Absolut Vodka being the pioneer of the ice bar after creating the first frozen delight in Sweden in 1994.

Absolut has already successfully created an empire of winter wonderlands with six other locations in the world. Unlike others which have tried and failed in Shanghai, the formula that Absolut brings and the location on tourist-filled Huaihai Lu, make this certain to be a permanent fixture. "Absolut brings with it a standard of excellence unseen in Shanghai's previous contenders," says Sophia Dumenil, marketing officer of the Icebar and adjoining restaurant / bar Aurora. Each Absolut Icebar is painstakingly created using some 40 tons of ice which have been transported by boat from the Torne River in Sweden. The entire interior of each bar–from the lounges to the artwork displayed–is fashioned from this ice, which is said to be the purest in the world. (Pure enough to lick, although management does frown upon this.)

For an entry fee of ¥100, you can frolic in this winter wonderland and partake in a delectable signature Absolut cocktail. Step into the Icebar (wearing the obligatory snow cape you are provided with) and be introduced to the arctic wilderness theme that is currently on display. "To keep the atmosphere cool–pun intended– this theme changes every six months," says Dumenil.

If you need a respite from the chilly surroundings, venture outside into the adjoining bar. Continuing the Scandinavian theme outside, Aurora is a mix of class and kitsch. The restaurant itself is quite charming but what truly makes the space are the semi-private igloos and wood cabin-shaped rooms. Pretend to be an Inuit for the evening or a loving wood-chopper returning to his wife after a long day's work. "Unlike the Icebar itself, Aurora offers the well known standards in addition to the innovative Absolut mixed drinks," says Dumenil. If that was not enough, there is also a groovy little space to dance like you were a finalist in Eurovision. Just leave the spandex at home.

Details:

Absolut Icebar Shanghai

B1 Infiniti, 138 Huaihai Lu

www.absoluticebarshanghai.com