A Toast to the Season: Holiday Drink Pairings with Natural Retreats

The holidays are all about creating fond memories and celebrating with loved ones while surrounding yourselves with festive cheer. And nothing enhances the holiday spirit quite like a glass of your favorite holiday cocktail paired with the natural beauty of a winter retreat. Whether you’re looking for something cold or hot, spiked or not, we’ve got the perfect pairing for you. So put on your favorite holiday sweater and join Natural Retreats for a toast to the season!

Enjoy a homemade winter feast at Alpenglow with this incredible chef's kitchen.

Host a grand dinner party at Eagle Lake Estate in this dining room.

Sugar Cookie Martini at Alpenglow – Big Sky, MT

Ingredients

Ice - Quantity Varies Per Person

1 ½ oz. Vanilla Vodka

1 ½ oz. Irish Cream

2 oz. Whole Milk

1 oz. Amaretto

1 tsp. Powdered Sugar

Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles - For Rimming the Glass

Directions

1. Spread frosting along the rim of a martini glass and dip it into sprinkles.


2. Combine vodka, Irish cream, milk, amaretto, powdered sugar, and ice in a cocktail shaker.


3. Shake for 15 seconds to mix and chill.


4. Pour into prepared glass and serve immediately.

Sip your Sugar Cookie Martini while “Jingle Bell Rock” plays in the background as you plan your family’s holiday feast at Alpenglow. With granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances, this chef’s kitchen is perfect—invite a private chef to cook so you can enjoy family time or make grandma’s special pork tenderloin in her memory. Either way, enjoy a memorable holiday experience in Big Sky>>>

Fig and Rosemary Mule at Eagle Lake Estate – Sun Valley, ID

Ingredients

2 Fresh Figs - Such as Mission or Tiger Stripe

2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary

1 ½ oz. Vodka

1 Lime Wedge

3 oz. Ginger Beer

Directions

1. Fill a copper mug with crushed ice.


2. Add fig and rosemary to a cocktail shaker and muddle—or lightly mash.


3. Top with ice, then add vodka and juice from the lime wedge, and shake.


4. Strain into an ice-filled mug and top with ginger beer.


5. Slice the remaining fig, and garnish the mug with leftover rosemary and fig.

Note: For a stronger flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fig jam.

Eagle Lake Estate is the picturesque setting for a formal holiday dinner party. The grand 10-seat dining table, cast-iron chandeliers, and faux candle lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere—ideal for conversation and storytelling. With a fig and rosemary mule in hand, you and your guests can toast to friends, family, and the new year. This Sun Valley home is your holiday dream come true>>>

Sip your Peppermint White Russian at Peerless Haven as the snow falls around you and your family.

North Shore Cozy Cabin is the perfect place for après ski drinks like a Hot Apple Toddy in the hot tub.

Peppermint White Russian at Peerless Haven – Breckenridge, CO

Ingredients

1 oz. Vodka

1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

¾ oz. Peppermint Schnapps

Peppermint Sticks – 1 Per Glass

Directions

1. Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps into a short glass and fill it with ice.


2. Pour in cold heavy cream.


3. Garnish with a peppermint stick for stirring if desired.

Fall in love with Peerless Haven as you enjoy the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room that frame the breathtaking scenery outside. There’s something special about watching the snow fall through the trees as you enjoy a Peppermint White Russian with sounds of joy ringing out from the kids opening their gifts. Celebrate this cheerful season in Breck>>>

Hot Apple Toddy at North Shore Cozy Cabin – Lake Tahoe, CA

Ingredients

5 oz. Apple Cider (Or to Taste)

1 tsp. Honey

2 oz. Whiskey – Or Apple Brandy

Lemon Wedges - For Garnish

Cinnamon Stick - For Garnish

2-3 Whole Cloves - For Garnish

Directions

1. Heat up apple cider in a small saucepan.


2. Coat the bottom of your glass with honey and add whiskey.


3. Fill with hot apple cider and stir well.


4. Garnish with lemon, cinnamon stick, and cloves; serve and enjoy.

North Shore Cozy Cabin is the perfect place to ski and après ski this holiday season. Imagine being surrounded by the snow-covered peaks and pristine forests of Lake Tahoe while snowflakes fall and swirl around you. Sip on your Hot Apple Toddy in the warm waters of your own private hot tub and allow the spiced drink to add an extra layer of warmth. Make this moment even better by sharing it with family and friends. Unwind and relax in California during the holidays>>>

Cozy up drinking Gingerbread White Hot Chocolates at Wilderness Lodge this winter.

Entertain guests with some friendly competition in the game room while drinking Jack Frosties.

Gingerbread White Hot Chocolate at Wilderness Lodge – Taos Ski Valley, NM

Ingredients

4 C. of Milk

8 oz. White Chocolate Chips (Or Small Pieces)

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 tbsp. of Gingerbread Syrup

Whipped Cream – For Topping

Ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon (Optional)

Directions

1. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.


2. While warming the milk, add the white chocolate chips, gingerbread syrup, and vanilla extract to the saucepan.


3. Whisk those ingredients into the milk until the chocolate is fully melted.


4. Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground nutmeg or cinnamon.

Eagerly sipping a steaming mug of Gingerbread White Hot Chocolate in bed is one of the most delightful experiences to be had at Wilderness Lodge. The inviting aroma of sweet spices will tantalize your senses and fill you with an unmistakable warmth that resembles your mom’s hot chocolate. So, whether you plan to cozy up in bed after a long day on the slopes or just want to relax and unwind while admiring the majestic views, Wilderness Lodge has the perfect bedroom for you. Stay for the holidays>>>


Drunk Jack Frosties in Oakwood Lodge – Park City, UT

Ingredients

1 C. vodka

1 C. Prosecco

½ C. Blue Curaçao

½ C. lemonade

6 C. ice

Lemon Wedges – For Rimming

White Sanding Sugar – For Rimming

Directions

1. Combine vodka, prosecco, blue curaçao, lemonade, and ice in a blender.


2. Blend until combined.


3. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass then dip in sanding sugar.


4. Pour Frosties into rimmed glass and serve immediately.

Head to Park City for the holidays and gather together in Oakwood Lodge, a spacious home overlooking the base of Deer Valley Resort. Entertain guests with some friendly competition in the game room replete with a foosball table and pool table. Share laughs on the lounge-style banquette as you enjoy your après Drunk Jack Frosties—the adult take on a kid's classic. And don’t forget the kids, they can enjoy the non-alcoholic version of this drink too. Enjoy some quality time in Oakwood Lodge this winter>>>

Buttered Apple Cider at Mountainback 80 sounds like a great way to celebrate the holidays.

Warm yourself and your dog by the fireplace in this alpine Mammoth Lakes home. [Photo Credit: Nathan McDine]

Buttered Apple Cider at Mountainback 80 – Mammoth Lakes, CA

Ingredients

1 Stick Softened Butter

¼ C. Light Brown Sugar

½ tsp. Nutmeg

½ tsp. Cinnamon

½ tsp. Cloves

3 C. of Apple Cider

1 C. Bourbon

Directions

1. Mix 1 stick of butter, light brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves until combined.


2. Put butter on a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a 1-inch-thick log; wrap and chill for 1 hour.


3. Pour apple cider into a slow cooker; cover and heat for 1 hour on high.


4. Divide bourbon among 6 glasses. Top each with hot cider and a slice of spiced butter.

Mammoth Lakes is the perfect winter wonderland escape for you—and your dog. Sit back, relax, and warm yourself by the fireplace with a mug of delicious Buttered Apple Cider. The aroma of sweet apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg swirls through the air while you watch your favorite holiday movie with your beloved pup curled up next to you. It’s a simple, yet unforgettable experience that will stay in your heart forever. Enjoy this holiday treat in one of California's most magical locations>>>

From all of us at Natural Retreats, we hope you have a warm and wonderful holiday season. And we can't wait for you to join us this winter! In the meantime, be sure to enjoy some festive drink pairings—cheers!

Planning to make one of these signature holiday drinks? Be sure to tag us on social media @naturalretreats and share your favorite festive moments.