5 Unmissable Apres Ski Cocktails in Whistler

No matter what your skill set on the slopes, everyone can toast the season with these five cocktails

Whether you’re a double black diamond demon or more of a spa ‘n’ snowshoe kind of winter bunny, you can certainly excel at après. The 2018-’19 season is upon us and, with it, these picks to keep you smiling after a day on the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb.

Here are five amazing concoctions being served this season on the mountain…

1. The Tipsy Snowman at the Four Seasons Patio Camper

Why: Are you freaking kidding? Behold! The Instagram hit of the season. Admittedly, the problem with this is that you spend so much time posing with it and taking a kajillion photos that it’s gonna be “tepid chocolate” at best, but—hey—you can’t beat that sugary hit teamed with a shot of booze as you attempt to warm up. I loved it with Frangelico, but the Baileys one is pretty awesome too. Launching on November 22nd, this will be on offer at the Four Seasons Patio Camper daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s $15 and available to in-house guests and visitors.

2. The Classic Caesar at Dubh Linn Gate

Why: Don’t overthink it. There’s a reason the Caesar endures as Canada’s favourite go-to pick-me-up. Whether you’re sitting down to recovery brunch or hitting the bar straight off the slopes, you know the Caesar is like the postman: it always delivers. I like mine with gin rather than vodka, and yeah, I’m that person that dials down the hot sauce. That’s the joy of the Caesar, it’s yours to make of it what you will. Pro tip: Dubh Linn Gate opens at 8 a.m. for breakfast and it’s bang-opposite the lifts. Carb up with an excellent breakfast (the peameal bacon here is epic) and a pre-ski Caesar and you, my friend, are good to go!

3. The Pineapple Express at the Mallard Lounge

Why: Aside from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge being one of my favourite spots in town (it’s super pet-friendly and there is always a cute puppy to snuggle), I’d never encountered a warm pineapple drink before, and this one is the bomb! Think a kinda hot take on a Tiki drink, with a house-made five spice syrup, a healthy glug of Bacardi 8, fresh pineapple juice topped with hot water and a dehydrated pineapple garnish, that rehydrates into a chewy, tasty snack as you dunk it. This is super sweet, with just the right touch of rum and spice. All hail this new classic!

4. A Date with Vendetta at Bearfoot Bistro

Why: Mmm. Dessert in a glass, baby! Available at Bearfoot Bistro and definitely one for folks with a sweet tooth, Diplomatico rum, Amaretto and chocolate bitters combine with a shot of fresh espresso, whipped cream, vanilla sugar and Cacao Barry’s Moema chocolate (a 52 percent cocoa milk chocolate) to create the ultimate happy time in a glass.

5. Angostura Sour at Il Caminetto

Why: A sophisticated Italian take on a sour—and influenced by one of my all-time favourite WTF cocktails, the Trinidad Sour, which is a drink that should be horrific, with a whole ounce of Angostura bitters—it is truly complex and delicious in a mind-blowing way! This bad boy—new on the Il Caminetto list—layers flavour with Angostura amaro and their seven-year-old rum to create a bright aromatic foamy drink guaranteed to have you feeling like a million bucks.