In celebration of the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, and the new batch of powder that has just fallen in Lake Tahoe, several bars in the area are pouring some splendid winter cocktails with distinct Olympics themes and flavors.
Cutthroat's Saloon at the Hyatt Regency in North Lake Tahoe will be the hub of the games as they air a full schedule of events on their 17 HD flat screen TVs. The restaurant and bar will also be offering a special app at each table to allow guests to listen to the sport of their choice. Flags and Olympic torches will decorate the restaurant and children can receive "gold medals" during meals. For the adults, the bar is offering themed cocktails such as a Vanilla Winter White Russian, the Good Luck Charm (Cinna-sugar vodka with hot apple cider), the Ice Queen Martini (Kahlua and peppermint schnapps in a chocolate swirled glass), and The Olympic Cocktail – the Games’ official, colorful surprise beverage.
Squaw Valley and Rocker@Squaw are also joining the Games with viewing parties, daily ski and snowboard giveaways, and wintery cocktails. The Chute 75 (named after the infamous Squaw ski run) contains Piper Sonoma sparkling wine, Hendricks gin and St. Germain served in a champagne flute with a lemon twist. The Shane McConkey, named after the late legendary Squaw Valley athlete, contains Seagrams Vodka and Red Bull in a commemorative glass. $6 from the proceeds of each drink will be donated to the Shane McConkey Foundation.
If you're inspired by the Sochi athletes enough to compete in your own sport that includes alcohol, the Beacon Bar & Grill at Camp Richardson will be holding its hilarious free snowshoe cocktail race on February 15 and March 15 at 7 p.m. Attempt to race across the snowy beach in snowshoes while holding a tray of cocktails and you just might want to stay glued to the TV. The event will also include happy hour food and drink specials and prizes for race winners and losers.