Admittedly, I'm not what you would call a Gin drinker. It has just never been my go-to spirit. However, that does not mean Gin is bad. Nor does it mean that I don't like it. In fact, in the modern world of craft everything, there are quite a few Gins popping up these days that I enjoy and are certainly worth trying.
Barr Hill Gin is Distilled With Local Honey From Vermont
One Gin in particular that has dropped in off the slopes and joined me at après ski is Barr Hill Gin. Turns out, the #1 best-selling American super-premium gin is made by Caledonia Spirits right in the Northeast's most popular ski state of Vermont. Founded by a beekeeper their extremely popular Gin is distilled with local, wild honey that is sourced within a 200-mile radius of their distillery in Montpelier. This combination of location and locally sourced flavor not only makes Barr Hill Gin a tasty spirit but also a prime destination for those visiting Vermont.
Barr Hill Gin and Ski Vermont = A Better Way to Après Ski
Being a spirit from Vermont, it should come as no surprise that Barr Hill Gin is a proud partner of Ski Vermont. Who better to partner with the official purveyor of skiing in the Green Mountain State, than a liquor brand to lift your "spirits" at après ski.
As the official gin of Ski Vermont, Barr Hill partners with Ski Vermont to attend their specialty food days.. During those specialty food days, Barr Hills offer a special menu, featuring some of their beloved winter cocktails.
This year, Barr Hill is also partnering with Ski Vermont to do on-slope filming featuring après ski cocktail content, as well as lift ticket giveaways.
This year, Barr Hill is also partnering with Ski Vermont to do on-slope filming featuring après ski cocktail content, as well as lift ticket giveaways.
If you cannot make it to any of the Ski Vermont Specialty Food Days, you can always visit the Barr Hill Distillery.
There they have an awesome cocktail bar that is worth popping into after a day on the slopes at nearby Sugarbush or Mad River Glen. However, the drive although worth it, could be a bit long after a day on the mountain. If that is the case, there is another option. Grab a bottle of Barr Hill Gin for yourself, mix up any (or all) of the cocktails below and find out why this is truly a "Better Way to Après Ski."
3 Ball Hill Gin Après Ski Cocktails
The Bee's Knees Cocktail
2 oz Barr Hill Gin
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.75 oz Raw Honey Syrup (2 parts honey to 1 part hot water. Let cool.)
Lemon Twist Garnish
Method: Combine ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake, then double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add garnish.
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.75 oz Raw Honey Syrup (2 parts honey to 1 part hot water. Let cool.)
Lemon Twist Garnish
Method: Combine ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake, then double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add garnish.
Hot Toddy
2oz Tom Cat Gin
0.5oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.5oz Raw Honey
3 Cloves
4oz Boiling Water
Method: Add the Tom Cat Gin, a spoonful of honey, cloves and lemon juice to a mug. Top with boiling water and stir until the honey has fully dissolved. Garnish with a clove-studded orange wheel.
0.5oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.5oz Raw Honey
3 Cloves
4oz Boiling Water
Method: Add the Tom Cat Gin, a spoonful of honey, cloves and lemon juice to a mug. Top with boiling water and stir until the honey has fully dissolved. Garnish with a clove-studded orange wheel.
Thornhill Spritz
1oz Barr Hill Vodka
.75oz Elderberry Cordial
.25oz Cynar
.25oz Ginger Syrup
.5oz Fresh Lime Juice
Sparkling Wine
Absinthe rinse
Method: Combine everything except the sparkling wine and absinthe in a mixing tin and shake with ice. Pour a small amount of absinthe into a wine glass and swirl around the glass, rinsing the walls of the glass, then pour it out. Add fresh ice to the wine glass and strain the cocktail over it. Finish by topping it with sparkling wine.
.75oz Elderberry Cordial
.25oz Cynar
.25oz Ginger Syrup
.5oz Fresh Lime Juice
Sparkling Wine
Absinthe rinse
Method: Combine everything except the sparkling wine and absinthe in a mixing tin and shake with ice. Pour a small amount of absinthe into a wine glass and swirl around the glass, rinsing the walls of the glass, then pour it out. Add fresh ice to the wine glass and strain the cocktail over it. Finish by topping it with sparkling wine.
The Best Après Ski Clothing for The Better Way to Après Ski
Whether you are visiting the Barr Hill Gin Distillery or shaking up your own cocktails at home you definitely want to wear the best après ski clothing. Our Après Ski Fleece Sweatshirt is perfect for the occasion. Throw it on, mix up your cocktail, then hang by the fire in this warm and comfortable ski sweatshirt.
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