Taking laps on the runs at Utah’s resorts is thirsty work.
Seeking refuge in a lodge after a few hours on the snow, when the volume of complaints coming from your tired legs becomes difficult to ignore, is a requisite. But then the question becomes: What to order? If you’re paying resort prices for a drink, you’d better make it a good one.
So, to help ease the burden on your snow-blitzed brain, we asked ski area reps to recommend the best, most unique or most in-character drinks — alcoholic or not — their resort has to offer this season.
Whether it’s a blizzard or a bluebird day, one of these should be perfect for you to toast to another session on your snowboard or skis (or snowblades, if that’s your thing).
Built for blizzards
SNOWBASIN
Rumplesnuggler: A hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.
ALTA
Alta Bomb: Perhaps the best-known apres- (or even pre-) ski drink in the Wasatch, it’s a shot of espresso and a Pabst Blue Ribbon served specially at the Goldminer’s Daughter. Though traditionally taken together shot-style, Olympian Brita Sigourney said she likes to sip the coffee first, then wash it down with the PBR.
WOODWARD PARK CITY
Ancho Chili & Cinnamon Margarita: This drink is spicy in all the best ways. It combines ancho chili and cinnamon stick simple syrup with lime, dry curacao and tequila.
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT
McConkey’s Hot Chocolate: This decadent drink mixes Absolut vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Ritual hot chocolate with a Bailey’s whipped cream. It’s served at the Mountain Village at both the Mid-Mountain Public House and Legends Bar and Grill.
Bluebird beverages
SOLITUDE
Creekside Old Fashioned: Maple syrup and black walnut bitters give a creative twist to this belly-warming staple. It’s available at the Honeycomb Grill and has become so popular it’s now on both the summer and winter cocktail menus.
SUNDANCE
Lady Brightside: Taking the name of the resort’s newest ski run, this is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary, orange simple syrup and a few cracks of black pepper. New for the season, it will be served in the Foundry Grill.
(Sundance Resort) Taking the name of Sundance Resort's newest ski run, the Lady Brightside is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary and orange simple syrup, as well as a few cracks of black pepper.
NORDIC VALLEY
Talisman Killer Grove: The Aid Room, a beer bar run out of an old ski patrol shack, is new this year at Nordic Valley. It promises to feature a steady rotation of local beers on tap. One of the best, according to food and beverage manager Zach Dobbins, is this wheat beer out of Ogden, which pairs honey malt with blood orange.
BRIAN HEAD
Mango Bomb: This beer cocktail will give you just the boost you need for an afternoon of skiing. It combines Golden Road’s Mango Cart wheat beer with Tropical Red Bull and has a Tajin rim plus a dried mango for garnish.
DEER VALLEY
Champion Margarita: Named for the iconic run featured in many World Cup moguls competitions as well as the 2002 Olympics, this refreshing favorite for apres ski is found at Fresh Tracks Kitchen inside the Snow Park Lodge. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice all shaken together and served in a margarita glass with a salted rim and a grapefruit garnish.
The Champion Margarita is a specialty found at Deer Valley Resort's Fresh Tracks Kitchen. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice and is served with a salted rim and grapefruit garnish.
SNOWBIRD
Aerie Original: A high-quality drink with a view to match. The Aerie Original is made with High West rye whiskey, B&B and sweet vermouth and is topped with a burnt orange slice. It is available at the Aerie, located on the 10th floor of The Cliff Lodge.
THE CANYONS
Maple Old Fashioned: For a soul-warming winter drink try this mixture of High West bourbon, Courvoisier, Fernet Branca, maple syrup and Angostura bitters. It’s served at The Farm at Canyons Village.
Nonalcoholic Nips
BRIGHTON
Majestic Mint: Heading to the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Next time you’re waiting for the lifts to start running, some of this chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.
NORDIC VALLEY
Powder Floats: Because it’s never too cold for ice cream, kids of any age can have their choice of soda from the Pepsi fountain on top of a scoop of rich vanilla.
(Kayla McFarland | Snowbasin) A hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.
ALTA
Honey Badger: A little like a holiday in a cup, this espresso drink found at Baldy Brews is made with honey and cinnamon.
SNOWBIRD
Juicy Julep: Served at SeventyOne, a new 1970s-themed restaurant in The Cliff Lodge, this mocktail combines pineapple, orange and lime juices with mint and ginger ale for a refreshing apres drink that won’t slow you down the next day.
Editor’s note • This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.
