Enjoy the Slopes at Home with These 9 Aprés-Ski Cocktail Recipes

Photo credit: www.foodandwine.com

While the portrayal of après-ski drinks in movies and on social media often glamorizes the experience with picturesque settings, there’s an undeniable joy in savoring a well-mixed cocktail after a day spent tackling the slopes. The blend of fresh mountain air and the excitement of skiing culminates in the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a drink.

As a newcomer to skiing, I’ve found that the tradition of après-ski has become an anticipated part of my ski trips. Whenever lunch concludes and others in our group gear up for challenging runs, my thoughts inevitably drift toward that coveted cocktail.

Before my inaugural ski trip with my boyfriend’s family, I envisioned après-ski as straight out of a film. I pictured myself gliding up to a cozy bar, with just the right amount of sunlight warming the air while still leaving room for a comforting Hot Toddy, all while looking effortlessly stylish.

The reality, however, proved starkly different. My first experience involved peeling off a sweaty helmet, awkwardly removing my hefty rental skis, and navigating through a crowded bar wearing mismatched ski gear purchased on a budget.

Despite the noise, crowded space, and less-than-pleasant aromas, the magic of the moment was undeniable. My drink—a well-crafted Negroni complete with a generous twist of orange—transformed a day filled with lift lines and shaky knees into a delightful experience. With skiing being a staple activity for my boyfriend, I see these après-ski moments as essential for maintaining our relationship.

To recreate some of that mountainside magic at home, here are nine exceptional cocktails inspired by après-ski culture.

Apricot-Orange Negroni

This twist on the classic Negroni was crafted by Aurélien Boutry, the bar director at the Aman Le Mélézin in Courchevel, France. It’s a hit among visitors seeking a soothing drink after a day on the slopes. Sweet vermouth combined with apricot jam and orange marmalade gives it a refreshing flavor, while gin and Suze, a bittersweet French aperitif, add depth.

Bourbon-Vanilla Milkshake

This indulgent milkshake blends creamy vanilla ice cream with bourbon, serving as a signature drink at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. With a century-long history, this concoction, originally known as Aspen Crud, was first created during Prohibition at a bar transformed from a saloon to a soda fountain.

Tequila Espresso Martini

Replacing vodka with tequila in an espresso martini has gained popularity. This rendition utilizes reposado tequila, which brings notes of vanilla and oak from its aging process. The addition of Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur flavored with vanilla and citrus, echoes the flavor profile of another well-loved coffee cocktail, the Carajillo.

Whiskey-Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

The Whiskey-Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate offers a comforting option for chilly days. This warm drink combines classic hot chocolate with a splash of peanut butter-flavored whiskey. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s a heartwarming treat for winter months; homemade or store-bought hot chocolate both work well.

Between the Sheets

This cocktail melds winter citrus juices with cognac, light rum, and triple sec, creating a drink reminiscent of the classic Sidecar. Believed to have originated from Harry MacElhone at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, this high-proof drink can be sweetened further with simple syrup according to preference.

Irish Coffee

Emerging from an airport lounge in Ireland in the 1940s, Irish Coffee gained traction in the U.S. during the 1950s at San Francisco’s Buena Vista Restaurant. Travel writer Stanton Delaplane collaborated with the restaurant’s owner to perfect a recipe combining Irish whiskey, sugar, coffee, and cream to recreate the warmth of the original drink.

Hot Buttered Spiked Cider

This Hot Buttered Spiked Cider is designed to warm you from within during colder months. Combining apple cider and dark brown sugar with a pumpkin spice blend—featuring spices like cinnamon and ginger—this drink embodies cozy winter vibes and is an easy way to elevate cider during chilly days.

Cinnamon Old Fashioned

This variation on the Old Fashioned incorporates cinnamon syrup made by steeping cinnamon sticks in simple syrup. The addition of this syrup brings a subtle sweetness and smooth richness without overwhelming the cocktail’s base.

Rosemary-Cranberry Margarita

A seasonal variant of the classic Margarita, the Rosemary-Cranberry Margarita utilizes a rosemary-infused syrup, alongside blanco tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. The glass is rimmed with a flavorful sugar-salt mix enhanced by fresh rosemary.

Source
www.foodandwine.com