Image: Núria
Whether you are waiting patiently for skiing next Winter or you are simply reminiscing about the last, these reminders of the best Après ski drinks and how to make them at home should keep your spirits up! Of course there are plenty of other Aprés favourites out there but through our combined, dedicated research over the years we have picked a few of our own preferences.
Aperol Spritz
If you haven't tried one of these before then you need to let go of your initial shock at the colour (just look at the image above!). But this is one of our strongest contenders for a refreshing, not-too-sweet favourite. Although it originated in Italy it's also very popular in Austria and given that it is a chilled spritz it is ideal for Summer too. So you can happily drink this all year round.
Recipe: Pour 2 oz Prosecco, 1 1/4 oz Aperol, a Splash of Soda water into a large wine glass with some ice and a slice of Orange
Mulled Wine
Image: Jameson Fink
This was a very obvious choice and we don't feel as though we need to give it much justification. It's the perfect way to warm you up after a day out on the mountain and the sweetness gives you that pick-me-up-boost which really helps get you into the après spirit. There are many variations on how to make it but this recipe includes the key flavours and a few extra.
Recipe: Bring the following to a gentle simmer in a pan 2 clementines, 1 lemon, 200 g caster sugar, 6 whole cloves, 1 stick cinnamon, 3 fresh bay leaves, 1 whole nutmeg , for grating, 1 vanilla pod , halved lengthways, 2 star anise and just enough red wine to cover everything. Once you have a hot syrup pour in another bottle and a half of red wine (Beaujolais is a good choice) and heat it through.
Kir Royale
This is another one that's almost as popular as a Summer drink as a Winter one. It's also extremely simple to make and looks very elegant as a drink.
Recipe: Pour up to one teaspoon of the Crème de Cassis into your polished flute glass, and top with your crisp sparkling wine to three quarters full. Enjoy once the bubbles have settled.
Hugo
Much like the Aperol Spritz the Hugo is very popular after Spring ski days when the sun is shining and you need something refreshing. It has an extra Summery vibe due to the elderflower cordial which makes this another all year round favourite.
Recipe: Pour 2 cl. of elderflower-syrup, 7 cl. of sparkling wine and 5 cl. of seltz or sparkling water into a large wine glass filled with ice and mint leaves.
Hot Chocolate Variations (cointreau)
Another Winter warmer and a good choice if you're in need of a post ski energy boost. There are many variations of alcoholic hot chocolates in the mountains including rum and whisky but here's the most luxurious one in our eyes.
Recipe: Combine 1 vanilla pod, split with seeds scraped out, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 litre milk (whole milk tastes better but semi-skimmed works too!), 75g good quality dark chocolate, broken into chunks, 75g good quality milk chocolate, broken into chunks in a pan and heat - being careful not to let the milk boil. Then add 25ml Cointreau and Sugar (to taste)
Espresso Martini
Image: John Hope
This is a very popular choice later on in the evening and usually after dinner. It is probably the best pick-me-up option we know of for keeping the party going into the night. Just don't drink it just before going to bed as you won't sleep a wink!
Recipe: Pour 25ml (1fl oz) espresso, 25ml (1fl oz) Kahlúa or Caffé Lolita liqueur and 50ml (2fl oz) vodka into a shaker with ice and shake very vigorously to combine. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with three coffee beans placed next to each other on top.
Gin & Tonic with Lime
This is another obvious choice and could be considered a simple one but simplicity doesn't mean it shouldn't be perfected!
Recipe: Pour a double measure - 50ml - of Dry gin into a cold highball glass. Fill it with ice and then squeeze one lime wedge over it. Fill the glass with fresh tonic to taste and run a second lime wedge around the rim of the glass before squeezing the rest of it into the glass and then briefly stir.
Panaché
The Panaché is a French beer cocktail that is equal parts French-style lemonade and lager - it's a very refreshing option and probably a more sensible start to your Après drinks given that you might well be a little dehydrated after skiing. This also means it's another perfect Summer option.
Recipe: Pour 1 part chilled light lager, such as Kronenbourg 1664 and 1 part chilled French-style lemonade, such as Lorina into a glass.
Now, who's ready for Après?
