When it comes to adult beverages, there isn’t a gimmick we haven’t seen. From banks of whirling frozen daiquiri machines to tony wine bars, we’ve just about seen it all, or so we thought. Just in time for the rising temperatures, we discovered two new and unique ways in Atlanta to relax and chill out with a tasty treat or four.
Czar Ice Bar
If you’re dreaming of waking up in a Dr. Zhivago-esque romantic winter wonderland, today’s your lucky day. Tucked away in an unassuming storefront in Buckhead is the Czar Ice Bar, the closest you can get to the Kremlin without a passport. It’s called the Ice Bar because it’s just that: a 27-foot long custom-built L-shaped ice bar that is smoothed over by a mini Zamboni every night. On tap are 300 different types of vodka infused with everything from lemongrass to salmon. Not sure what’s for you? A flight features four different types of vodka and comes served in a block of ice. And if it’s not on the menu, they’ll probably create something unique for you right on the spot. We recommend the off the menu “Golightly” made by bartender Stryder.
For the money-is-no-object man or perhaps a “Real Housewife,” there’s a $400 martini with caviar stuffed olives served in a Swarovski crystal glass with vodka that’s been distilled 159 times. Why not 160, we don’t know. Did we mention there’s a sushi bar?
Corner Tavern
We wouldn’t leave Mr. Everyman out of the picture. Corner Tavern is your neighborhood local with better than average bar food, trivia nights, darts, pool, and a jukebox in a decidedly chill atmosphere. No, the Corner Tavern with its four in-town locations is nothing new, but the King of Pops “Poptails” are. Yes, those delicious and uniquely-flavored frozen treats just got better; they now have alcohol in them. The Loaded Arnold Palmer is for the frat boy lurking in us all, a pop made from sweet iced tea and lemonade and soaked in vodka. Maybe they should’ve called it the John Daly. Go Caribbean and try the Strawberry Margarita which is just what it sounds like, tequila and strawberries, sans the salted rim. In homage to the Corner Tavern favorite is the Bourbon Cowboy made with bourbon, orange juice and bitters but frozen on a stick. At $5 a pop, why not risk brain freeze and try ‘em all?
Designated drivers can get in on the fun, too. There’s a non-alcoholic chocolate sea salt pop called The Virgin.
Corner Tavern locations include East Point, Edgewood, Little 5 Points and West Midtown. See www.thecornertavern.com for locations and hours. The Czar Ice Bar is located at 56 E. Andrews Drive in Buckhead. Call 678-244-3610 for hours.
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