After a long day on the mountain, few things sound better than taking off the ski boots and settling in with a drink. But what exactly makes for the best après-ski cocktail? We asked Unofficial Networks readers on Facebook to name their favorite après-ski drinks, and the responses showed that there is no single answer. While beer remains a dominant choice, skiers also have plenty of opinions when it comes to cocktails and warm drinks.
Beer Still Rules Après-Ski
For many skiers, the best après-ski drink is not a cocktail at all. Beer appeared repeatedly throughout the responses, with PBR receiving multiple mentions alongside cold Vermont IPAs, draft beer and other favorites. Another skier pointed specifically to Mirror Pond Pale Ale, while others named Coors Light and Old English.
Warm Drinks Have Their Moment
When temperatures drop, several readers favored drinks designed to bring some warmth back after skiing. The Hot Toddy was one of the most frequently mentioned cocktails, with multiple readers naming it directly. Hot buttered rum also earned several votes, including one particularly detailed recommendation featuring house-made batter and Appleton Estate eight-year rum.
Hot chocolate also made the list, while another reader suggested Fireball mixed into hot chocolate. A hot buttered rum received another vote later in the discussion.
Cocktails Bring Plenty of Competition
The cocktail and liquor crowd offered an eclectic list of favorites. Aperol Spritz, Rumpleminze, Gimlets, Goombay Smashes, Margaritas, Pisco Sours and Bloody Marys all received mentions. Some readers went for more spirit-forward options, including bourbon, whiskey on the rocks, Drambuie and Breckenridge Spiced Whiskey. Others preferred a Montana White Russian or a Cuba Libre.
Ultimately the responses suggest that the best après-ski cocktail depends heavily on the skier, the weather and the kind of day spent on the mountain. For some, it is an elaborate cocktail. For others, it is a simple beer. And for plenty of skiers, the best après-ski drink may simply be whatever is waiting at the bar when the skis come off.
