The Best Apres Ski Drinks
Apres Drink To Go With Your Superb Piste Skills? Merci.
Everyone knows that apres-ski is a big part of a ski break. After all, you're on holiday, so after a hard day on the piste, it's only right that you should kick back and indulge in a bit of R&R with a refreshing drink or two.
Alcohol, of course, is a principal player on the apres ski scene at most resorts, but we're not talking about Carlsberg and WKDs. France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria have their own much more delectable selection of beverages just waiting to tantalise your taste buds - let's take a look at a few local favourites:
Bombardino (Italy)
This popular Italian winter warmer has nothing to do with local hero Tomba la Bomba of slalom fame, but instead derives its explosive moniker from its heat and high alcohol levels.
It's made by mixing hot brandy and Advocaat together and serving the resultant mixture in an Irish coffee mug topped with sweetened whipped cream. Ideal for getting warm after a chilly day on the mountain!
Jagerbombs (Everywhere)
The drink of choice of apres Alpine revellers across the Alps, the Jagerbomb is a simple cocktail made by dropping a shot glass full of Jägermeister - a German digestif made with herbs and spices - into a glass of Red Bull or beer.
German speakers call this wicked mix a 'Turbojager', and there's no doubt that after a few of these your motor will be well and truly running. Let's dance!
In Austria the equivalent is the 'Flying Hirsch', which translates as 'flying deer'. Once finished, remember to hold the glass above your head and let the Jager bottle click around to let everyone know you're about to sprout wings.
Genepi (Italy / France)
This cousin of absinthe is enjoyed by both the Italians and the French. A rather acquired taste, it is made using Alpine wormwood and has a pale gold appearance.
At around 40% abv, don't drink too many shots of these if you want to able to ski straight the next day.
Erdinger
It's not all about downing shots and dancing to club music, of course. If you prefer to drink as part of an evening of sociable chat and cards, there are plenty of tipples worth supping in the Alps, with Erdinger among the most drinkable of the many beers you will come across.
This German firm makes a delicious and very drinkable Weissbier, but be careful not to overindulge as it packs a punch at 5.3%.
Rhône-Alpes wine (France)
Ideal for drinking with your evening meal, Rhône-Alpes wines include the well-known varieties Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône and Savoy. France, of course, is one of the world's leading producers of plonk, so if you're staying at a resort in the country you won't have any trouble ordering a glass or two of red at the end of the day to guzzle by the open fire.
Vin Chaud (France)
A staple drink of the French mountain scene, and enjoyable at anytime of the day past 12pm, a vin chaud is the perfect tonic to warm you up on a chilly day. Hot wine mixed with various Winter spices, including cinammon and cloves, if you find a good restaurant or bar that does a good one, you'll be back for more the next day.
With your introduction to Alpine apres ski complete, it goes without saying that you should drink responsibly while on a ski holiday. Skiing under the influence is an absolute no-no and will likely invalidate your travel insurance, not to mention that trying to get up the mountain with a hangover the next morning isn't any fun - go easy, and you'll enjoy your ski holiday much more. Check out the Piste X Code for safety and alcohol.
If you're interested in finding out about resorts that are good for apres ski drinks, call one of our ski experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com.