The 10 much-have après-ski drinks this season - and how to make them
Whether it’s a steaming cup of something warming or a refreshing pint of something cold, come après time when your legs are burning, your feet aching and cheeks tingling these drinks will help you finish the day in the mountains on a high.
Crystal Ski Holidays has pulled together a list of the most popular drinks for skiers and snowboarders around the world, from Scandinavian mixtures to global favourites – what will you be ordering at the bar this season?
1. Mulled wine/ vin chaud/ Glühwein
Find it in: Most resorts around Europe
One of the most popular winter drinks has to be mulled wine – or vin chaud if you’re in France, Glühwein in Austria. While there are numerous variations on the traditional recipe, the classic beverage is made by heating red wine with spices, sugar and fruit.
2. Peppermint schnapps hot chocolate
Find it in: Germany
Originating in Germany this warming delight is an alcoholic twist on one of winter’s favourite treats and sometimes known as a Peppermint Patty.
3. Bombardino
Find it in: Italy
The Bombardino is a staple feature on most menus across Italian ski resorts. Its name supposedly originated from an exclamation made by one of its first imbibers on noting its warm temperature and high alcohol content.
4. Champagne on a zip-line
Find it in: The French Alps
As a VIP at the world-famous Folie Douce you and your guests can have your favourite bottles of champagne delivered straight to a table via a smoking firework-lit zip-line. However, luxury comes at a cost and this bubbly treat will set you back a cool €550 (£485).
5. Plank-smoked Old Fashioned
Find it in: Any American steakhouse, USA
While the Plank-smoked is an inventive variation of the traditional Old Fashioned cocktail, the original was created during the 19th century and given its name in the 1880s. Which ever you go for it’ll sure leave you feeling warm inside.
6. Salmiakki Koskenkorva
Find it in: Finland
The process of making this can’t-prenounce-its-name drink involves dissolving Tyrkisk Peber, a Finnish liquorice, in vodka and sugar over days to produce this delicacy loved by partygoers – we wonder if Santa is partial to a tipple?
7. Lemongrass & chilli martini
Find it in: Glamorous resorts in Switzerland
The flavours of this drink are commonly associated with Thai cuisine all over the world, however its warming properties (which mainly come from the whole chilli) see it join many classic cocktails on après menus in luxury European resorts.
8. Parampampoli
Find it in: A mountain refuge in Italy
This flaming Italian drink was apparently created in the 1960s. When serving it, it's advisabled to use a very robust cup, so the cocktail can be served flambé - ie on fire.
9. Coffee Grog with brandy
Find it in: Yaki-da, Sweden
The custardy nature of this traditional Swedish drink means it acts like a dessert and a drink all at once – two times the treat.
10. Aperol Spritz
Find it in: Italy and beyond
The drink incorporates the Italian aperitif Aperol, which originated in Padua, Italy, in 1919 as a light liqueur alternative. Now, the colourful and refreshing wine-based Spritz is a common aperitif in Northeast Italy and beyond.
