How to make the cocktail they’re sipping at Aspen Meadows Resort

Ah, Aspen. The high-mountain town with some of the best powder on the planet, not to mention a great culinary scene and some of the top ski resorts. There’s some inventive mixology happening up there in The Rockies as well.

Say hello to the Coconut Hot Buttered Rum. This cool recipe involves infusing your spirit, a rewarding task with delicious results. It comes to us from bartender Jesse Vega of West End Social at Aspen Meadows Resort.

A standard Hot Buttered Rum is a fine thing. But we can’t deny the intrigue of a thoughtful riff, like this one. It’s a little extra work, but you’ll love the results.

So, whether you’re after some new après ski recipes or just a warm cocktail recipe to help melt the snow, here’s a great option. Read on for details.

Coconut Hot Buttered Rum

Follow the guide below to make the drink. Start with your infusion and work your way towards the glorious mixtures that ends up in your favorite mug.

Coconut-Infused Rum

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 bottle dark drum (750 ml)

Method:

1. Add the coconut to a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Toast, stirring often, until it turns lightly golden and has a warm, nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Let the coconut cool completely.Add it to a clean jar or bottle and pour in the rum.
4. Seal and let it infuse at room temperature for 24 hours, giving it a gentle shake whenever you pass by.
5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter until clear.
6. Store in a sealed bottle.

Winter-Spiced Butter Batter

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla until fully blended.
3. Cover and store in the fridge. Let soften slightly before using so it melts beautifully into the drink.

Maple Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3–4 tablespoons maple syrup (Note that West End Social uses chai maple syrup – use it if you can find it!)

Method:

1. In a cold bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
2. Slowly drizzle in the maple syrup and continue whipping until light and fluffy.
3. Refrigerate until ready to top your drinks.

Build the Drink

Ingredients:

• 2 oz coconut-infused dark rum
• 2–3 teaspoons winter spiced butter batter
• Hot water
• Maple whipped cream
• Tri-color peppercorns (optional, for garnish)

Method:

1. Add 2 oz coconut-infused rum to a heat proof mug.
2. Stir in 2–3 teaspoons butter batter until it starts to melt.
3. Top with hot water and stir until creamy, smooth, and steaming.
4. Finish with a generous spoonful of chai maple whipped cream.
5. Add two cracks of tri-color peppercorn over the top for aroma and a festive winter touch.