Rumplesnuggler

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

After a long day on the slopes, it’s time to warm up in the ski lodge with a Rumplesnuggler or two.

Anything that’s even remotely related to mountains, snow and skiing, and I’m drawn to it like a magnet. As a child, my family lived in Germany and I was taken to the top of the Zugspitze in the Bavarian Alps before I had even turned two years old. My memories are, admittedly, a little hazy. But there are plenty of pictures from those times, so while I might not remember, I was definitely there.

My parents were really into skiing, and spent the first few years of my life taking me up and down a number of slopes throughout Germany and Switzerland. I myself wasn’t thrown down the bunny slope—at least that’s what my mom and dad say—but from what my parents have told me I was sleeping soundly with the friendly Fräuleins in the ski lodge, all snuggled up and waiting for my folks to return and enjoy an après-ski, which is a drink or meal that one has “after skiing”.

Tonight’s cocktail is one of these. The Rumplesnuggler not only has an adorable and fun name to say, but the mixture of hot chocolate, Irish cream liqueur, and the potent, minty Rumple Minze schnapps, will have you grabbing your skis and hoping for a fresh snow, just for an excuse to imbibe one of these strong and relaxing beverages.

I haven’t gone skiing myself since high school. Now that I can enjoy a few adult beverages, it might be high time to grab a lift ticket and do a little schussing.

What Is Rumple Minze?

The eye-opening ingredient in the Rumplesnuggler, and where the drink gets its name from, is the very potent and cool-tasting Rumple Minze. At around 100-proof, this German peppermint schnapps is fairly exhilarating when sipped neat. A rush of fresh and minty flavor gives one the feeling of flying down the snowy and powdery Alps upon the first taste.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Rumplesnuggler?

Once you’ve procured yourself a bottle of Rumple Minze, you’ll need some Irish cream liqueur in order to make a proper Rumplesnuggler. Baileys is the most common brand, and is both easy on the wallet and easy enough to find on store shelves. Kerrygold and Saint Brendan’s make a fine Irish cream, and I’ve recently discovered Five Farms, which is sold in a very cool-looking milk bottle marked with a blue label. If you see any while out shopping, grab one for yourself.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

You’ll want a sturdy glass hot chocolate mug for this beverage. Once your drink is poured and mixed, decorate the top with a hefty dollop of fresh whipped cream.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE MADE WITH COFFEE INSTEAD OF HOT CHOCOLATE?

It can. The taste will still be creamy and minty, but with the strong and bitter bite of coffee taking the place of the hot chocolate.

Similar Drinks To The Rumplesnuggler

You don’t have to spend all day out in the snow, weaving in and out of slalom flags to appreciate a hot and strong Rumplesnuggler as the sun dips behind the mountains. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be snowing, or cold out, to enjoy the fresh and chocolatey flavors that tonight’s cocktail offers. And there are more than a couple of other drinks out there that would be in good company if they were also ordered at the ski lodge.

• Classic Mudslide – Sweet and strong, this favorite drink is another recipe that features Baileys.
• Chocolate Martini – Have your next dessert served up in a martini glass with this tasty treat.
• Baileys Espresso Martini – A sweeter and creamier version of the popular and trendy cocktail.
• Frozen Mudslide – Whether you’re by the fireplace or sitting poolside, this concoction will keep you company.