Spirits 101
Host Guide
5 après-ski cocktails for this winter
Embrace the après-ski lifestyle with this pairing of winter cocktails and cozy activities.
This content is powered by: VinePairWords: Sam Sumpter
- Illustration
- Danielle Grinberg
- Photography
- David Chow/Nick Johnson
Après-ski is more than recreation — it’s a ritual. And it’s one that is frequently enjoyed with a delicious drink in hand. If you’re planning a trip to the mountains or just looking to host a chic après-ski themed party, we’ve got a few classic cocktails, hot and cold, to get you in the mood. (For the record, the actual skiing is totally optional.)
Hot toddy & lodge lounging
The beauty of après-ski is that lounging isn’t lazy — it’s all part of the lifestyle.
Recipe
Bulleit Rye hot toddy
Break out the Bulleit Rye, whip up a hot toddy and curl up by the fire with the alpine equivalent of a beach read to rest and recover. For the more social creatures among us, multiply the ingredients below to batch, and proceed to sip this hot drink while sharing your wild tales about an afternoon spent shredding the gnar… Even if said shredding technically took place on the bunny slope. Your secret is safe with us.
Negroni & game night
The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Gather your group and grab some dice, cards and cocktails to make the transition from snow day to game night.
Recipe
Winter spiced negroni
This festive twist on a classic negroni features a seasonal infusion of flavors that are sure to be real crowd-pleasers with Tanqueray No. Ten Gin. Whether the contest in question is a war of wits, requires your best poker face or leaves it all up to chance, a negroni riff pairs perfectly with a little friendly competition.
Penicillin & building a snowman
Put an adult twist on the most whimsical winter activity and whip up a batch of cocktails to sip on while you and your friends work together to build a snowman.
Recipe
Johnnie Walker penicillin
If Frosty were to come to life, we bet he’d approve of the Penicillin, which features citrus freshness, just the right amount of sweetness and the star of this particular rock show: a solid pour of Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky.
Chocolate & movie marathon
Spend a well-deserved night in hibernation mode, binging the newest hit show, with a warm mug of spiked hot chocolate in hand.
Recipe
Mexican hot chocolate
Don Julio Reposado Tequila pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of cocoa, resulting in an indulgently sweet sip – with just the right amount of spice.
Bloody mary & post-black diamond brunch
Next up: brunch! Whether the weather outside is frightful or your post-ski legs are simply too sore to go out for waffles, we recommend skipping the cold, the crowds and the chaos to indulge in brunch at home.
Recipe
Southwest bloody mary
Indulge in a mix of sweet and savory dishes (prepared or ordered in – we won’t judge) paired with a homemade, bar-caliber Southwest Bloody Mary with Ketel One Vodka that packs a healthy amount of heat and a light touch of tang.
There you have it – a starting point for après-ski imbibing. No matter your level of powder prowess, a quality cocktail and good conversation with friends and family is a ritual that can be enjoyed by everyone all winter long. Cheers!