Ah, skiing. The exhilarating rush as you zip down the mountainside, the feel of the crisp air on your face, the… wait, who am I kidding? As much as I adore skiing (and trust me, I do), there’s one other aspect of the sport I might love just a smidge more: the après-ski. Because, let’s be honest, after a day of conquering the mountains (or at least trying to), there’s nothing quite like warming up with a delicious drink in hand.
So, in the spirit of sharing (and because I’ve had one too many après-ski beverages in my day), I’ve decided to spill the beans on my top 5 favorite après-ski drinks. And, because I’m feeling extra generous, I’ll even let you in on where to find the best versions of these delightful concoctions. Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Mulled Wine: The Classic
What it is: Red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange.
Why I love it: There’s something undeniably comforting about sipping on a warm, aromatic glass of mulled wine. It’s like a cozy blanket for your insides.
Where to get it: Head over to the chalets in Switzerland, specifically Chalet Cozy in Zermatt. They serve a mulled wine that’s so good it might just make you consider staying off the slopes for the day. (But don’t. Because then you’d miss out on more après-ski.)
2. Hot Toddy: The Cure-All
What it is: A mix of whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water.
Why I love it: Not only is the hot toddy a delicious way to warm up, but it’s also been known to work wonders on sore muscles and sniffles. Think of it as the après-ski version of chicken soup.
Where to get it: The Frosty Mug in Aspen, Colorado. Their version of the hot toddy uses locally sourced honey and a bourbon that has a hint of caramel undertones. It’s the kind of drink that’ll make you go, “Cold? What cold?”
3. Spiked Hot Chocolate: The Indulgent Treat
What it is: Rich hot chocolate with a shot (or two, no judgment here) of your favorite spirit.
Why I love it: Sometimes, after a day of tumbles and turns, you just need a little liquid dessert. And when that dessert also has a kick? Even better.
Where to get it: Cocoa Haven in Whistler, Canada. This place is known for its decadent hot chocolates, and when you add in their premium dark rum, it’s a match made in après-ski heaven.
4. Schnapps: The Bold Choice
What it is: A strong alcoholic drink distilled from fruit or grain.
Why I love it: It’s not for the faint of heart, but there’s something about a shot of schnapps that just hits the spot after a day on the slopes. Maybe it’s the instant warmth it brings, or maybe it’s the liquid courage for tomorrow’s ski adventures.
Where to get it: Any self-respecting bar in the Austrian Alps, but if I had to pick one, it’d be Schnappy Hour in St. Anton. They have a dizzying array of schnapps flavors, from classic apple to more adventurous options like elderflower.
5. Irish Coffee: The Best of Both Worlds
What it is: Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
Why I love it: It combines two of my favorite things: caffeine and booze. Plus, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little sluggish after lunch.
Where to get it: Bean and Booze in Park City, Utah. They use freshly brewed artisanal coffee and a smooth Irish whiskey that makes for a harmonious blend. The whipped cream on top is just the cherry (or should I say, cream?) on the cake.
Now, before I wrap this up, a little PSA: remember to drink responsibly. The mountains are gorgeous, but they’re also unpredictable. Always make sure you’re in a good state to navigate your way back to your lodgings (or better yet, have a designated non-drinker in your group). And hey, if all else fails, there’s no shame in ordering a plain old hot cocoa. After all, it’s the company and the memories that make the après-ski so special.
So, the next time you’re on a ski trip, give one (or all) of these drinks a try. And if you discover a new favorite that I haven’t mentioned, do let me know. After all, there’s always room for one more beverage in my après-ski repertoire. Cheers! 🍷🎿🍸
Liked this article? Share it with your fellow ski bunnies and make sure to tag me. Until next time, keep those ski tips up and your glasses full!