A cider-based Après Ski cocktail leans into warm, spiced apple cider—perfect for that cozy post-slope vibe. Apple cider pairs beautifully with brown spirits, spices, and citrus for comforting, mulled-style drinks.
Hot Mulled Cider (Après-Ski Slammer)
This is a classic batch recipe from a ski resort, ideal for sharing after a cold day.
Ingredients version 1
(makes about 1 gallon / serves a group)
- 1 gallon fresh apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole cloves
- ¼ tsp whole allspice
- Zest of 1 lemon (no white pith)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1–2 oz Bacardi rum (or more to taste; bourbon, brandy, or dark rum also work great)
Instructions
- Combine the cider, spices, lemon zest, and brown sugar in a large pot.
- Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes (don’t boil) to infuse the flavors.
- Remove from heat, stir in the rum, and ladle into mugs.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
Serve hot—great for a crowd in a slow cooker on low.Après Apple Cider (Bourbon Version)A versatile single-serving option that works hot or cold.
Ingredients (per drink) version 2
- 1½ oz Maker’s Mark bourbon (or your favorite whiskey)
- 3–4 oz spiced apple cider (see note below)
- Garnish: fresh cranberries and orange peel
Instructions
- Hot: Combine bourbon and spiced cider in a heatproof mug. Microwave ~1 minute or heat on stovetop. Garnish.
- Cold: Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Quick Spiced Apple Cider (batch for multiple drinks): Simmer apple juice/cider with cranberry juice, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, star anise, and citrus peels for 10 minutes. Strain and store.Après-Ski Apple Cider Margarita (Warm Twist)A fun, tequila-based warmer with citrus and spice.
Ingredients version 3
- 1½ oz tequila
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ cup apple cider
- ¼ oz triple sec
- 1 tbsp honey (or to taste)
- Pinch of nutmeg and allspice
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the cider with cinnamon stick, honey, nutmeg, and allspice until hot (not boiling).
- In a mug, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
- Pour hot spiced cider over the mix, stir, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Quick & Easy Version
For minimal effort: Warm apple cider, stir in 1–2 oz bourbon/whiskey/dark rum + a splash of maple syrup or honey, and finish with a dash of cinnamon or Angostura bitters.These emphasize warming spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice), apple notes, and a spirit kick—core to the Après Ski spirit. Adjust sweetness or booze to taste, and use fresh cider if possible for the best flavour.
