When you live in a subtropical city, it's easy to get excited about the idea of snowballs and igloos, because frankly, it's never going to happen.
However, pigs do fly, and igloos have popped up at Customs House on the banks of the Brisbane River, in a bar perfectly positioned for a survey of the Story Bridge's nighttime glory.
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It's our chance to bring more winter hugge (Danish word for warmth and well-being) into our not-so-sad tropical lives.
No need to bring those winter coats out of the mothballs yet, these igloos are made of plastic only but are an invitation to celebrate cooler nights with a few post-work drinks and more.
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| Warming cocktail to get you through a night by the Brisbane River at Customs House. |
There's plenty of warmth to be found the decor at the Absolut Igloo Bar with fur-draped lounge chairs and the cosy igloo interiors. This is a winter wonderland where the cocktail choices are warming, and the nibbles will keep the wolves at bay.
The drinks include warm Absolut vodka and cranberry juice cocktails laced with cinnamon, star anise cloves and orange. Topped with a curl of meringue foam and a maraschino cherry, this drink looks like a Santa hat gone wrong but tastes like that sangria that you couldn't resist.
I also tried a Spicy Absolut Elyx Tonic which had a pleasing red chilli and pink peppercorn kick in a glass heavy with ice and tonic water.
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| That 70s favourite, baked brie, makes a return at the Absolut Igloo Bar, Customs House |
For bar snacks think Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam, crisp pork cheek or chicken schnitzel sliders, baked whole brie and crumbed cauliflower. You won't be able to stop snacking on the whole baked brie, trust me!
Take a look.
Ed+bK rating: The Absolut Igloo Bar at Customs House gets 4/5 stars from me because it's fun, and we all need more fun in our lives. Get out and enjoy winter while you can Brisbane!
Bottom line: Bar snacks range from $4.50 to $15; cocktails range from $18 to $20.
Tip: The bar menu is available until 7 pm. After then move onto the chocolate fondue and dip those strawberries.
This bar is open from Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm until late, and on Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest at the launch party for the bar.
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| Brisbane's Customs House by the Brisbane River. |