5 après-ski cocktails for this winter

Winter
Author: Sam Sumpter
A skier goes downhill in the snowy mountains, with a cocktail glass containing citrus and rosemary in the foreground.

Embrace the après-ski lifestyle with this pairing of winter cocktails and cozy activities.

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.

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A bottle of Bulleit Rye Frontier Whiskey next to a clear glass mug filled with a light amber drink, garnished with an orange peel, on a wooden table.

Bulleit Rye hot toddy

A bottle of Bulleit 95 Rye Frontier Whiskey with a green label, containing straight American rye whiskey.
Bulleit
Bulleit 95 Rye
750ml
A wooden block holds four gold bar tools: a strainer, bottle opener, jigger, and spoon, each standing upright in its own slot.
Kessy Beldi
Sidecar 5-Piece Tool Bar Set

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.

A person grates nutmeg over a red cocktail with ice and a citrus garnish on a bar, with a green bottle and assorted fruits in the background.

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.

Get the Recipe

Winter spiced negroni

Tanqueray No. Ten Gin bottle with its signature green and red design
Tanqueray
Tanqueray No. TEN Gin
750ml
A wooden block holds four gold bar tools: a strainer, bottle opener, jigger, and spoon, each standing upright in its own slot.
Kessy Beldi
Sidecar 5-Piece Tool Bar Set

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.

Get the Recipe
A bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky and a cocktail glass with ice sit on a wooden tray on a table next to audio equipment.

Johnnie Walker penicillin

EngravableA bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky
750ml
A clear, empty crystal tumbler glass with a thick, textured base is centered against a black background.
Nude
Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

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.

A bottle of Don Julio Añejo tequila and an amber glass mug are placed on a white round table next to a book.

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.

Get the Recipe

Mexican hot chocolate

Don Julio Reposado Premium Tequila bottle
Don Julio
Tequila Don Julio Resposado
750ml

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.

Get the Recipe
A person holds a Bloody Mary cocktail garnished with celery, peppers, cucumber, and olives. The glass rim is coated with spice, and the person wears an orange patterned shirt.

Southwest bloody mary

Ketel One Vodka bottle front
Ketel One
Ketel One Vodka
700ml
A tall, clear glass tumbler with vertical ribbed lines stands against a plain black background.
Nude
Big Top High Ball Glass, Set of 4

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!

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Content: VinePairWords: Sam SumpterIllustrations: Danielle GrinbergPhotos by: David Chow/Nick Johnson
About the Author:

Sam Sumpter

Sam is a U.S.-based journalist, MC, and founder and editorial director of Bands do BK. She also hosts the popular radio show, Bands do BK on Radio Free Brooklyn, featuring live interviews with local artists.

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