When you live in a city that's usually streaming with sunshine all year round, the onset of colder weather can be a shock. Fear not, brrrrrrrr-yelling Brisbanites — the frosty season comes bearing gifts. Indeed, at Riverbar and Kitchen's Winter Festival, there's plenty of things to heat you up.
In June, there's negronis in six varieties, including hot mulled negronis. Throughout July, hot mulled cider, red wine sangria and porter punch are on the menu, as are pizza cob loaf every day and the decadent dessert that is s'mores dip. And in August, there'll be Sunday lamb roasts, baked camembert, rum punch and hot buttered rum.
Because the last month of winter also marks Ekka time, Winter Festival is also adding a chillier component — a strawberry overdose thanks to strawberry margaritas and strawberry ice cream sandwiches. No matter the weather, it wouldn't be show time without them.
Winter Festival kicks on every day until the end of August, complete with open flames, fire pits and faux fur loungers.
Entry is free, as is the warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get when you've been heated head-to-toe by hot cocktails, hot food and hanging out by the fire.
Updated July 31.