7 Summer Adventure and Après Pairings from the Breckenridge Distillery

Colorado is said to boast more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Whether that’s fact or urban legend, there’s no question that the sunshine here is intense. And there’s nothing like a cool refreshment from the Breckenridge Distillery to quell the summer heat. After a day of classic Colorado adventure – hiking, biking, paddling, you name it – mix up a cocktail and toast to a day in the sun.

Written by Rachel Zerowin

Mountain Biking + Smoked Mai Tai

With miles of super fun, in-town trails connecting to hundreds more miles of famed Colorado singletrack, it’s no surprise that Breckenridge attracts all levels of mountain bikers. When the ride is done, pedal to the Breckenridge Distillery’s outdoor patio for a Smoked Mai Tai. It’s just the right mix of Breck Spiced Rum, Breck Bourbon. And yes, it comes out smokin’. Can you say “show stopper cocktails?”

Golf + Old Fashioned

Golf balls fly farther and straighter at altitude. And thanks to the elevation – over 9,300 feet – the Breckenridge Golf Club is the spot to perfect your game. When you’re all done playing the three nines designed by Jack Nicklaus, après with a classic Old Fashioned (we make ours with Port Cask Finish). After all, a refined sport calls for a refined cocktail.

Hiking + Chili Chile Vodka Margarita

Whether you’re climbing Quandary Peak or taking a mellow stroll in an open space park, the foothills offer endless Instagram-able moments. Follow your hike with a Chili Chile Vodka Margarita. Just add lemon, lime, Kaffir lime simple syrup and a dash of Sriracha. Serve it over ice in a glass rimmed with honey and Arbol Chili Salt, and don’t forget the lime. Garnish with a Thai Chili and this mix may earn you more Instagram likes than the mountains.

SUP Yoga + The Whole Damn Garden

There’s nothing more refreshing than an afternoon on the lake, paddling out to a quiet cove and moving through yoga poses. Nothing except a post-paddle refresher, and this one might be the perfect substitute for your green juice. Made with Breck Pear Vodka, celery, cucumber and apple, it’s a heathy cocktail, right? SUP, stretch, sip. Ahhhhh …

Rafting + Breckenridge Burro

Colorado’s whitewater rafting comes in all shapes and sizes: relaxed float trips, fun rapids and major whitewater. No matter which you choose, it’s only natural to toast a great day on the river with friends. Celebrate with a Breckenridge Burro, a mix of Breck Bourbon, simple syrup, and ginger beer, served with a squeeze of lime. It’s easy to make in camp and smooth enough to have a few.

Photo by Dustin Farrenkof

Fly fishing + Breckenridge Whiskey Port Cask Finish

Tying a fly, casting, and reeling in a beautiful brown trout, not to mention finessing a boat into the perfect eddy – fly fishing requires both skill and patience. So why not pair it with an artfully-crafted whiskey? When Breck Bourbon gets some final grooming in 59-gallon Tawny Port casks, the results are pure art. Each release is unique and totally worth the wait.

Camping + Espresso Vodka and Coffee

When the sun drops behind the peaks and mountain temperatures dip, mix up Breck Espresso Vodka and coffee. It pairs perfectly with s’mores and gives tired bodies just enough of a caffeine boost to stay awake for the real show – billions of stars coming out to shine in the nighttime Colorado sky.

Visit BreckenridgeDistillery.com for recipes, restaurant hours and tours.

Header image by Dustin Farrenkof