Whether you are a local or a visitor to Central Oregon, it’s a treat to go to the Sunriver Resort lodge for a drink or a meal. Built in 1969, the iconic building has been updated over the years, but the bones of the beautiful structure remain the same. Head up the stairs to the Twisted River Tavern—the bar offers great westerly views of the winter sky. After a day of hitting the slopes, trekking trails or sledding down hills, warm up with a hot drink in front of the tavern’s large rock fireplace. Try the S’mores Hot Cocoa—it’s a grown-up take on the favorite childhood treat. Steaming hot cocoa is poured over housemade marshmallow-infused vodka and hazelnut liqueur. Garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker dust, it’s a perfect drink to celebrate the winter holiday season. Just twenty minutes from Mt. Bachelor and even closer to good snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, the cozy lodge at Sunriver Resort is an ideal spot to recharge after a day outside, and to plan your next adventure.

S’mores Hot Cocoa

1 ½ oz. marshmallow vodka (infuse your own or buy it)

¾ oz. Frangelico hazelnut liqueur

Hot cocoa

Whipped cream

Graham cracker dust

Add marshmallow vodka and Frangelico to an eight-ounce mug. Fill remaining mug with steaming hot cocoa. Top with whipped cream and graham cracker dust. 

The Hotel Sisters was built in 1912 and is arguably the most iconic building on the town’s main drag—one of the original old West buildings that inspired an entire Western-themed town. It’s been home to the Sisters Saloon and Ranch Grill since 2016, properly restored to its vintage charm, and continues on as a favorite watering hole of locals and tourists alike.

Head to the patio on the west side of the building, a well-protected space with plenty of tables and heaters. Order an Elmer the Mule to drink—it’s the bar’s version of a Moscow Mule named for Elmer, the Rocky Mountain elk head, who, for years, has kept watch from the saloon’s wall. The local Cascade Street potato vodka gives good earthy character under the spice of the ginger beer and the sweet berry Humm Kombucha. Easy to suck down a few mules under the warm spring sun.

For food, the wonderfully crispy brussels sprouts are charred and tossed with a sharp, tangy balsamic reduction you’ll want to put on everything. Sirloin steak bites are marinated tender, grilled and served with a cool horseradish dip. And the roasted beet and goat cheese salad builds flavors and textures with rich red and golden beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy slivered almonds and apples, and a light, sweet orange vinaigrette.

Elmer the Mule

• 1.5 oz. Cascade Street potato vodka

• Splash of fruity Humm Kombucha

• Ginger beer

• Lime wedge

Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka and splash of kombucha. Fill the mug to the top with ginger beer. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.