Bars & Pubs

Keep Your Cool This Summer With Brisbane’s Sweetest Frozen Cocktails

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three cocktails in short glasses on a tray with Zooper Doopers in them

When it’s the peak of summer in Brisbane and the humidity radar is through the roof, you’ll be scouting for venues where you can sip on something ice cold to cool down those balmy eves. And let’s face it, you can never go wrong with a frozen cocktail. Part alcoholic kick, part icy bliss and just all-round refreshingly tasty, they really are a game-changer. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work and rounded up the best frozen cocktails that are so hot—but very, very cold—right now.

Milky Lane 

Newstead 

Remember how much you loved Zooper Doopers as a kid? Well now you can get them in an adults only form, thanks to Milky Lane’s Zooper Dooper cocktails. Bacardi White Rum, lemon juice and vanilla syrup are blended with ice and served up with a Zooper Dooper for all of the nostalgic feels. 

El Camino Cantina

Bowen Hills, Chermside and South Bank 

The frozen margaritas here are really something to write home about. Served in a glass that’s almost the size of your head, you’ll be spoilt for choice with standard flavours like strawberry and mango, as well as seasonal options that change from week to week—this month it’s Cottees cordial and guava Cruiser, among others (not available at South Bank). You might also want to add a side of tacos to soak up all that frozen goodness, because, why not?

Felons Brewing Co

Howard Smith Wharves

There is nothing we love more than a frose on the grass at Howard Smith Wharves, preferably at sunset on a Saturday afternoon (so we can sleep through the hangover the next morning of course). Head to the Felons Brewing Co side bar and order up the icy frozen rose drink that’s swirling around their slushie machines most weekends.

Riverbar & Kitchen

Brisbane CBD

This riverside haunt is all about variety with a signature seasonal slushie that changes from week to week, perfect for sipping as you watch the sun go down and take in the Storey Bridge views. Just ask the friendly bartenders for the flavour of the week to get your frozen fix.

a frozen slushie in a ceramic mug

Yoko Dining

Howard Smith Wharves

The star of the cocktail list at this Tokyo-inspired, split-level bar and restaurant is the frozen Yuzu Slushie. The combination of ingredients like mandarin, rum, passionfruit and of course, its namesake, will go down a treat, particularly if you choose to partner it with some cheeky izakaya-style bar snacks like kimchi okonomiyaki or chicken karaage. You know you want to.

Riverland

Brisbane CBD 

You’ll be guaranteed a pleasing brain-freeze when you slurp on a boozy slushie from breezy Riverland in the city. Flavours change regularly, but right now you’ll find a frozen marg on offer for their Mexican pop-up—it’s best to keep ordering ‘til you’re frozen through. You may never feel warm again, and you won’t even mind.

Red Hook

Brisbane CBD 

Hidden in Gresham Lane in Brisbane’s CBD is super cool New York style street diner, Red Hook. Aside from serving delicious food, these guys also have a cocktail menu to make your mouth water. Cold cocktail treats include the almost-too-good-to-be-true Yogi Bears Hard Shake, made with peanut butter-infused vodka, raspberry jam and vanilla ice cream with a whipped cream and shortbread garnish. 

Ping Pong

Newstead

Kick off your evening in style by downing some frozen slushies at Newstead’s pinkest Thai eatery and bar, Ping Pong. You’ll know you’re in for a fun ride at first sight of the pink interior, with it’s pink tables, pink walls and pink menus. The frozen slushies are a staple on the expansive cocktail menu, but the flavours change every week to keep you coming back for more. 

Sasquatch Bar

Chermside

If you’re looking for somewhere new for a summertime sesh, you won’t want to miss Lemonade Sundays at this thriving Chermside establishment. Here, you can lap up frozen slushies with some live music every Sunday afternoon. You’ll also find a host of cocktails and craft beers on the menu, so you can keep those cool vibes coming all evening long.

If you prefer to cool down in an air-conditioned movie theatre, check out the west side’s luxe new cinema.

Image credit: Milky Lane, Yoko Dining

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