Mountain Mixers: four après cocktails inspired by skiing's heroes

A well-crafted cocktail is the perfect treat following a day of skiing—especially when its ingredients are infused with rich skiing heritage.

Colorado-based 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company pays homage to the 10th Mountain Division. In the early 1940s the famed mountain warfare faction trained at Camp Hale, Colorado before being deployed to Europe where its brave troops—camouflaged in white and traveling by skis—helped bring about the end of World War II. In fact, many members of the 10th had a tremendous impact on the fledgling ski industry following the war, founding ski resorts, ski schools and more. Indeed, we owe much to the 10th, and each time we sip a 10th Mountain Whiskey spirit, we’re reminded of this.

Christian Avignon (left) and Ryan Thompson (right), founders of 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company.

The company operates in a state-of-the-art facility in Gypsum, just outside of Vail and down the road from Camp Hale. 10th Mountain, for short, utilizes locally sourced ingredients to produce some of the finest craft liquor in Colorado. The brand’s smooth, sweet Bourbon and spicy Rye are great to enjoy on their own or in a classic whiskey cocktail. Enjoy the clean, crisp taste of its Vodka in a Vodka soda or utilize it in a flavorful cocktail. You can channel your inner bootlegger with 10th Mountain’s Colorado Clear Mountain Moonshine. And finally, the vanilla and peach flavors of the brand’s Cordial liqueur are a welcome addition to many classic cocktails.

10th Mountain employees believe each freshly bottled batch of liquor carries with it the spirit of mountain lifestyle— the same lifestyle championed by men of the 10th Mountain Division. For your next après ski adventure, be sure to indulge in one of these 10th-inspired cocktails and revel in the spirit of the dedicated, adventurous skiers who blazed the trail for us all to follow.

Riva Ridge Rye & Ginger

Best enjoyed when simplicity is the name of the game.

3 oz 10th Mountain Rye Whiskey8 oz ginger alefresh squeezed lime

10th Toddy

Best enjoyed after a day of deep, cold powder in your favorite spot.

1 1⁄2 oz 10th Mountain Bourbon1 Tablesoon honey1⁄2 oz lemon juice1 cup hot water

Minturn Mule

Best enjoyed inside while the snow is falling and a little ginger spice is on your mind.

1 1⁄2 oz 10th Mountain Vodka4 oz ginger beer1⁄6 oz lime juicegarnish with shaved ginger rootserve in copper mug

8150 Cordial

Best enjoyed on a warm spring day when the patio is calling your name.

2 oz 10th Mountain Bourbon3⁄4 oz lemon juice3⁄4 oz simple syrup1⁄2 oz 10th Mountain Alpenglow Cordial1oz club soda

Location of the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company tasting room

We’ll be here this winter, will you?
This article was crafted by FREESKIER’s editors in collaboration with representatives of 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company, as part of a promotion. To hear more about the company, head to 10thwhiskey.com.