Although staying hydrated is the number one important rule when traveling long distances on the trail, sometimes a celebratory drink when you reach camp can really hit the spot. After all, nothing is more satisfying than taking a sip of a cool refreshment after a long and hard day on the trail. However, nothing is worse than having to carry bulky and heavy mixes to make your drink, and that is why you need to choose your beverages wisely.
Anyone can carry a couple of beers up to camp, or a flask filled with whatever booze you choose, but it takes a true backcountry bartender to mix up a mean camp cocktail. With these 5 simple recipes that are lightweight in your pack (and delicious) you will be the life of the party on your next backcountry trip.
Mountain Margarita
(Recipe by backpacker.com)
Once you reach the summit, or peak, of the day, a citrusy kick will be sure to match your lively spirits. Make sure to use 100-percent de agave tequila for the best citrusy flavors. Serves 2.
- Ingredients
- 3 oz. 100-percent de agave tequila
- 1 lime
- 1.5 oz. Cointreau
- Directions
- At home: Combine tequila and Cointreau.
- At camp: Chill booze mixture. Squeeze 1.5 oz. fresh lime juice into the bottle. Shake and drink.
Backcountry Bourbon
(Recipe by bearfoottheory.com)
On a cool night in the backcountry, nothing warms you up better than sitting around a warm fire sipping on some hot apple cider. Makes one 8-oz cocktail.
- Ingredients
- Instant Hot Apple Cider Packets
- Boiled Water
- Favourite Bourbon, rye or whiskey
- Directions
- At camp: Boil hot water on camp stove. Mix hot water with 1 instant hot apple cider packet. Add desired oz. of favourite bourbon, rye or whiskey. Stir and enjoy.
Spicy Spiked Hot Chocolate
(Recipe by backpacker.com)
Hot Chocolate is a great way to heat up your insides and relax after a day exploring the backcountry, but HOT hot chocolate is even better. With a touch of cayenne, or more depending on your taste buds, you will surely enjoy sipping on this spicy spiked hot chocolate, paired perfectly with a toasted marshmallow or two.
- Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Hot Cocoa Mix
- 6 oz water
- ¾ oz 1921 Crema de Tequila
- ¾ oz Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
- ¼ oz agave nectar
- Dash of cayenne powder
- 1 marshmallow
- Directions
- At home: Add hot cocoa mix and a dash of cayenne powder to a zip top bag and seal. Add 1921 Crema de Tequila, Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka and agave nectar to a separate zip top bag and seal as well. Roll up baggies and store in a wide-mouth water bottle.
- At Camp: Add hot cocoa/cayenne mix and water, heat until warm. Add 1921 Crema de Tequila, Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, and agave nectar to a glass with the hot cocoa. Stir, float a marshmallow on top, and for a little extra spice add another dash of cayenne on top of everything.
Tart Trail Treat
(Recipe by bearfoottheory.com)
Sipping on a sour sweet treat is the perfect way to unwind after a summer’s day hiking in the backcountry. With only two ingredients, this recipe is as light in weight as it can get.
- Ingredients
- Vodka of choice
- 1 package Crystal Light Lemonade Mix
- Directions
- At Camp: Mix 1 packet crystal light with cold water. Add in desired amount of vodka. Shake and enjoy.
Fresh Forest Fruit Sangria
(Recipe by backpacker.com)
Nothing says summer like a refreshing glass of sangria to sip on by the fire. What is even better? Enjoying one with fresh forest fruit after a long day of hiking!
- Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 oz Light, dry, fruit-forward red wine
- ¾ oz Simple syrup
- Splash of pineapple, orange, cranberry juices
- Fruit (2-3 of your favorite berries like raspberries or strawberries, orange slices, lime slices)
- Directions
- At Home: Measure ingredients and add them to a zip-top bag.
- At Camp: After a few hours in your pack, the Sangria will become well-mixed and the fruit will absorb enough alcohol without completely losing its flavor. When you’re ready to unwind, chill the Sangria in a cold stream while you’re setting up camp (ten minutes or so should do it depending on the water temperature). If you are lucky enough to have access to wild fruits like blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries, throw them in the bag before chilling for a great last-minute addition to the cocktail.
Please enjoy all your camp cocktails responsibly, and do not operate any vehicles or machinery after consuming alcohol. Be sure to hydrate afterwards before another day on the trail.
Did you try one of these tasty drinks, or do you have one of your own that we missed?
Leave a comment below and we will be sure to add it to our list. Or, share your cocktail concoction on Instagram and tag #brmblife for a chance to win great prizes and be a part of the exciting community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Cheers!
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You can navigate your way through these and many more BRMB Adventures with the help of our Western Canada GPS Maps and Newfoundland & Labrador Mapbook. We hope we have inspired you to gear up and head outdoors! With the most up-to-date outdoor recreation information including topographic contours and summits, routable industry and forest service roads, campsites, trails for hikers, bikers, ATVers and snowmobilers, paddling routes, hunting and fishing hot spots, parks and wildlife viewing areas.