New York's First Ice Bar Opens in Manhattan's Midtown

The worst of the East Coast heatwave has passed, but we're still looking forward to cooling off at Manhattan's first ice bar at the New York Hilton Midtown.

According to the Daily News, the $20 admission to Minus5 Ice Bar includes warming gloves and a parka.

About 350 blocks of ice, each weighing up to 100 pounds, were used to create the space that is reportedly kept to 23 degrees Fahrenheit (or, as you may have guessed from the name, -5 degrees Celcius). The drinks are reportedly vodka-based cocktails in custom-designed glasses made from artesian water.

Everything inside minus5 is made of ice; the walls, the bar, the sculptures, the seats and even the glasses. The bar has its own ice carver who changes the design and sculptures every six to eight weeks so that there's always something new to see. Sculptures can reflect the season, location, wildlife, or even corporate logos and products for private functions. 

Tip: For something really special, book the VIP package, which includes a specialty Ice Cocktail, a faux fur coat for each guest to use while in the bar, a pair of gloves and a Russian hat that guests can keep. (A photo is also included in the package.)

Good to know: Any heat-emitting devices that could melt the Arctic freeze — like cellphones — must be deposited in temperature-proof lockers at the door. Also, the bar is family-friendly from 2pm to 7pm, after which it is strictly for grown-ups.