EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in the Winter 2015-16 edition of Tahoe Magazine. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form.
There may be no better way to wrap up a crisp, winter day at Lake Tahoe than with an artfully made craft cocktail.
From seasonal fruit-based drinks, to classic whiskey drinks, to creative dessert drinks, there is more than one way to serve up your favorite booze and winter flavors in a glass.
Here are seven drinks we scouted out around Tahoe-Truckee, and what makes them worth imbibing in.
THE PAVILION — Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar, Truckee
This cocktail is a cozy blend of whiskey, sugar and spice. Named after a warming hut built on the historic ski lodge grounds in 1928, The Pavilion will warm you up as you settle into the rustic environment at Cottonwood. Rye whiskey, Amaro herbal liqueur and Peychaud’s bitters combine to make a complex cocktail. A bit of sugar rounds off the edge of the whiskey and Amaro, while house-made spiced and brandied cherries and an orange twist give this cocktail a light fruit addition.
HILLTOP TODDY — Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar, Truckee
An old classic with a twist, this bourbon-based hot toddy will soothe any sore throat during the winter months. The Hilltop Toddy starts with an earl grey and chamomile tea base before bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and a dash of spiced brandy are stirred in. A cinnamon stick and lemon wedge are added on top to make the perfect après ski beverage.
TANGIER TONIC — Bite American Tapas, Incline Village
This bright and slightly fruity cocktail brings together a variety of flavors. Tito’s vodka, Aperol, house-made Morrocan spiced simple syrup, pomegranate purée, fresh lime and a mint garnish create a fresh-tasting cocktail that finishes with warm spice flavors. Perfect for tapas food pairings at Bite, this drink mirrors the comforts of winter food recipes.
DARK HORSE — Bite American Tapas, Incline Village
A smoky flavor profile with a complementary salt rim makes the Dark Horse a unique cocktail. Tapatio Blanco tequila, mezcal, Citronage, house-made mission fig syrup, fresh lime and orange juices and mole bitters create a refreshing cocktail with warm additions from the fig syrup and cacao, cinnamon and spice flavors of the mole bitters. This is a sophisticated cocktail for winding down at the end of a winter’s day.
ESPRESSO MARTINI — The Divided Sky, South Lake Tahoe
A tasty drink with a kick, this martini is made with fresh espresso to give that needed caffeine boost at the end of a day on the slopes. Chocolate vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and organic half & half are shaken up with half a shot of espresso. The drink is topped off with cocoa powder and espresso beans to create an indulgent pick-me-up.