The Hotel Vermont held its 5th annual Ice Bar event this past weekend, and it was better than ever. From amazing ice sculptures to creative cocktails, here is what you missed at this year’s Ice Bar.
1. Snow cones on the way in
Photo by Rebecca Carvalho
Upon arriving we went to claim our welcome drink; A booze infused snow cone. With flavors like blood orange and jasmine tea honey it was impossible to pass up.
2. Grabbed drinks right away
Photo by Rebecca Carvalho
Once we successfully got all the alcohol out of the snow cones we decided to cash in our drink tokens. From the laid back Long Trail brews to the ever classy “Tom Kha-cktail”, there was something for everybody.
3. Warmed up at the s’mores station
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
When we were about ready to thaw our hands out we headed over to the make your own s’mores station. Dark chocolate turned a childhood favorite into an adult treat. You can’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, but it was definitely worth it.
4. Headed inside to meet the distillers
Photo by Rebecca Carvalho
There were about a dozen different Vermont beverages being sampled inside the hotel itself. Between local cold brew coffees, sparkling maple water, and various spirits the samples were plentiful to say the least. Becca’s pick of the night went to Stonecutter Spirits’ Single Barrel Gin (which she dropped $55 on).
5. Stopped for snacks
Photo by Rebecca Carvalho
While the food wasn’t the main focus of the event it still held a special place in our hearts. Catered mostly by Juniper and Bleu Northeast Seafood there was a wide spread of comfort foods from hearty chili to local breads and Vermont cheeses.
6. Stood in awe of the literal ice bars
Photo courtesy of blog.hotelvt.com
Shocker! Ice bar had ice bars, literally. Carved ice sculptures were scattered throughout the venue, including bar tops made of ice and an ice luge.
7. Ended the night with a swag bag
Photo by Rebecca Carvalho
Obviously we didn’t leave empty handed. Bumper stickers, calendars, coupons to local shops, Lake Champlain chocolate, and for some lucky folks many a raffle prize were all wrapped in a reusable Hotel Vermont tote bag.