Outpost Jackson Hole

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Eat/Drink

Romantic Getaway Guide to Jackson Hole

No matter how you feel about Valentine’s Day, we can all agree that Jackson Hole has been well below freezing lately, and it’s the perfect time to cozy up to your favorite companion —human, dog, or otherwise. Here’s your guide to finding romance in the chills of winter. 

Our team at Outpost has created a romantic getaway guide to Jackson Hole. No matter if you’re looking for a delightful staycation or visiting us from afar, we all deserve a little more love in our lives. After a rather interesting few years, Valentine’s Day 2022 couldn’t come any sooner. And hey, we get it… planning worthwhile couple activities can be challenging—we’ve got you covered. 

A couple ride the ski lift together during their romantic getaway to Jackson Hole, WY.

Plan a Romantic Getaway to Jackson Hole

No Valentine’s Day is alike, but there are certainly a few key places we like to enjoy with our sweethearts. You can pick and choose from the recommendations below, creating your personalized romantic getaway in Jackson Hole! 

For the Foodie

Start your mornings off right with an Indulgent breakfast (or coffee) date at Persephone. The cinnamon brioche and egg sandwich are our favorites! You can pick up a “Bake-At-Home” batch and share it with your loved ones (or not). 

We all can’t be early risers. It’s alright though; our favorite date night spots are perfect for you! Sit side-by-side at Sudachi’s sushi bar, located on Wilson Westbank, and indulge in a nightly chef’s tasting menu (omakase). Venture to the Town of Jackson and share some delicious hand-made pasta at Glorietta. Staying near Teton Village? Throw on your favorite ski sweater and go straight from the après at the Spur to elevated wood-fired pizza at Osteria. 


For the Adventurers

In addition to our appetite for good food, we love spending intimate time with our partners in the great Jackson Hole outdoors. Drive out to watch the sunset/sunrise in Grand Teton National Park – you can’t go wrong with the views from any of the main pullouts. Plan a fun ski day together at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) and create thrilling memories— be sure to ride on the cozy two-seater Marmot chair! 

Stay with Outpost

Your love deserves the world, and that’s exactly what a romantic Jackson Hole getaway provides! Gain a refreshing perspective and appreciation of one another when you stay in Outpost’s one and two-bedroom vacation rentals. These private retreats will only bring you and yours closer this winter.

Tired of Winter? Set Your Summer Plans with Outpost Now

Outpost is accepting summer reservations, just in time for all of us looking forward to warmer days. Start shaking off the winter blues and secure your summer plans now. We know all the odds and ends of the Jackson Hole valley and are here to help you enjoy the last of the Old West. 

Grand Teton, a wonderful Wyoming staple, is pictured during a summer with Outpost.

Wyoming summers are one-of-a-kind, and we’re grateful to be in the heart of all the action, located near beautiful Grand Teton National Park. With over 200 properties to choose from, there’s a summer home for everyone at Outpost. However, vacation rental planning is just one piece of the larger vacation experience puzzle. There’s no vacation without worthwhile activities! Many in-demand Grand Teton summer activities need to be booked in advance, so let’s get started—

Guided Fly Fishing 

Access all the major rivers in the Jackson Hole area when you enjoy a guided fishing trip with Fish The Fly Guide Service. The talented guides can cater to any ability level, from novice to expert. It’s a fun summer activity that takes you to scenic places around Grand Teton. 

Sunrise Scenic Float

Kick your feet up and meander on the park’s Snake River during a scenic float trip! Get an early start, cruising about as the sun rises, setting the sky ablaze with gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the incredible wildlife that lives in the valley – animals are frequently seen along the riverbank at this time of day. We recommend booking with Dave Hansen or Solitude. 

Sunset Wildlife Safari with EcoTours

Here at Outpost, we cherish Jackson Hole’s diverse wildlife and encourage our guests to experience it for themselves. Bask in the glorious Grand Teton ecosystem with an EcoTours Sunset Wildlife Safari. You’ll drive around the backroads, avoiding summer crowds, and be treated to uninterrupted observation of wildlife, from moose and elk to grizzly bears and bison. 

Teton Views from Your Jackson Vacation Rental 

Even when you’re not physically in Grand Teton National Park, our rentals in the Town of Jackson and North of Town boast stunning Teton Views. Grab a fresh cup of coffee and feel the rising sun on the back of your neck as you stand on your spacious private mountain-facing patio. Outpost has the perfect summer home bases available for reservations today! 

Outpost’s Summer Quick Tips:

 
Road Closures 
  • Grand Teton National Park’s Granite Entrance park road will be closed during the summer of 2022 for maintenance. For visitors staying in Teton Village, please be aware that you will need to drive through the town of Jackson to access the park. 
  • If you’re coming in early summer, please note that the Jackson Hole Airport is closed April 11th – June 27th. Shuttles are available from Salt Lake City, UT, and Idaho Falls, ID, or you can enjoy a road trip out here.
Restaurant Reservations

Make sure to book restaurant reservations in advance, too! Check Resy/Open Table six to eight weeks before your vacation. We love the outdoor dining at Orsetto and Roadhouse Brewery in the Town of Jackson. Calico in Wilson is another favorite of ours. Wyoming summer nights are cool, so don’t forget a jacket!

Provisions: New Gourmet Meal Delivery Service

As restaurants around Jackson Hole remain shuttered, locals and visitors alike find themselves craving the dishes crafted by the valley’s celebrated chefs. But now, two of the area’s brightest culinary minds have created a new way for diners to enjoy restaurant-quality fare in their own homes. 

Chefs Clark Myers and Chas Baki – formerly the creative minds behind locally-loved Gather and Palette – have found new inspiration during the past few months. Together, they’ve created Provisions: a company that’s cooking and delivering gourmet meals to diners around Jackson Hole to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. “We wanted to provide the same quality that people would expect at a restaurant,” explains Chef Clark. And seeing as he was awarded the Silver for Best Chef in Best of Jackson Hole 2020, people expect a lot.

Inspired equally by their travels around the globe, and their deep appreciation for local ingredients, Chef Clark describes the Provisions menu as “Upscale Mountain.” The dinner menu changes weekly, and is full of mouthwatering options that reflect the chefs diverse influences as well as their unshakeable connection to this region. They ensure that dishes have a local twist – like the huckleberry bourbon syrup on baklava, or the elk pomodoro – and are every bit as delicious as a downtown restaurant would serve. 

Provisions makes it effortless to enjoy a gourmet dinner in the comfort of your own home – or your home away from home. Order from the online menu; select from their a-la-carte offerings including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Preheat your oven to 350°, and when your dinner arrives, pop it in for twenty minutes (or less!). 

“We want to provide people the excellent quality that they expect from us wherever they go,” reiterates Chef Clark. To that end, Provisions will soon be offering box lunches that make the perfect midday refuel during any Jackson Hole adventure. Don’t expect a sad brown bag with a soggy sandwich. Provisions is offering a variety of lunches, including bowls, wraps, a ground lamb kebab gyro, and more – all accompanied by fresh fruit, a side of housemade chips, and the chefs’ signature “PowerBalls” (a vegan treat for an extra kick of energy to finish that hike strong!).

Chefs Clark and Chas are also offering private chef and catering services in Jackson Hole. Easily able to accommodate any dietary restrictions, they can curate the perfect menu for your group or event. Whether it’s a local tasting menu, a hearty dinner for an enthusiastic crowd, or a special menu for a wedding, Provisions won’t disappoint.

So, while we all miss heading downtown on a summer evening, and pulling up a chair at our favorite restaurant, Chefs Clark and Chas are making sure we don’t have to ignore our cravings for excellent local food. Place your order now and fill your fridge with their delectable creations – you won’t regret it.

Please visit provisionsjh.com for more information!

Eat, Ski, and be Merry

Locals and out of towners will both agree that Jackson Hole Food & Wine is a festival to look forward to —and luckily for us it takes place in both the winter and summer. While both are epic, the winter fest takes place slopeside at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Think an apres ski event with Pappy Van Winkle’s grandson, a multi-course dinner at 9,000 feet in elevation, the best après-ski party, and much more — scheduled accordingly so you can have the best of both worlds: skiing and festival time. 

 

 

Get intimate with Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski 

Kicking off the 3rd annual winter fest is Big Wines, Small Plates, an OG event that’s been a part of the festival (both winter and summer) since day one. Epic small plates, standout wines, chefs and industry insiders collide in one cozy, intimate space at Rendezvous Lodge. Michael Britton of Piste Mountain Bistro is in charge of the kitchen where he’ll execute dishes by way of direction of Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions, Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle, Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, Matt Bean of Sunset Magazine and Laely Heron of Heron Wines. It’s like being part of a live storybook where panelists bring culinary memories to life with each bite and sip. 

 

 

Learn tips and tricks from the experts 

In addition to Big Wines, Small Plates, this dynamic duo will be involved in events throughout the festival, including an intimate cooking class inside Il Villaggio Osteria’s private dining room. If you haven’t eaten at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco you’re missing out. Brioza has the power to turn even the most picky eaters on to anchovies (or at least me, after their private dinner during Jackson Hole Food & Wine’s 2018 summer festival). The two (if you can tear Brioza off the slopes! will demo several hit recipes from State Bird Provisions: A Cookbook and teach handy tips and tricks for making these dishes at home — plus beautiful wine pairings from Peay Vineyards. 

 

 

The best apres ski bang for your buck 

For après enthusiasts Taste of Teton Village is the place to be. The $165 ticket equals hours of endless fun inside the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Jackson Hole’s fancy ballroom. Local West Bank chefs dish up their favorite, warming, wintry dishes while there’s no shortage of wine, local brews and libations — plus tunes from DJ Rocky Vertone to set the après tone. It’s basically the equivalent of eating at 13 restaurants in one setting. Bonus: hit the after party at Continuum to keep the party going. 

 

 

A notable happy hour 

What pairs well with a day on one of the country’s best ski resorts? Pappy Hour. And we’re talking Pappy, as in Pappy Van Winkle, kind of Pappy Hour. Lucky attendees who scored a ticket get the chance to embark on an exclusive tasting with Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, aka the great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle. Expect a flight of neat pours of some of the country’s most sought after bourbons with a side of family history inside Hotel Terra’s Murie Ballroom. 

 

 

A dinner collaboration at 9,000 feet 

While we think all events are noteworthy, Wine Dinner at 9,000ft takes the cake. Dressed to the nines, arrive via Bridger Gondola to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and take in unobstructed views of the valley for cocktail hour via Piste Mountain Bistro’s floor to ceiling glass windows. For one night only Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski will cook an extraordinary tasting menu paired with Peay Vineyards wine. If you’ve participated in this affair before you’re well aware that unexpected bites and sips take place all night long. 

 

 

Aside from Wine Dinner at 9,000ft, Jackson Hole Food & Wine’s winter fest is arguably one of the most fun, intimate and chill — meaning come as you are, even in ski garb — festivals that exist. Locals like to dabble in one or two events while out of towners have been known to enhance a ski vacation by tackling them all. In the case an event you see is sold out email info@jhfoodandwine.com to be added to a waitlist and we’ll send you all the good vibes. 

 

 

Written by Jenn Rice

Photos by Lindley Rust

Top 10 (really 11) Things to do Before Check-In:

If it’s not time to check in to your mountain home away from home just yet, let us offer a few suggestions! Here are some ways to start your visit to Jackson Hole on a great note. 

Do you have a car? 

Yes! We’ve got a car!

(Even if you don’t, you can always grab a taxi!)

 

1.  Get up close and personal with the largest elk herd in the United States. Settle into a cozy horse drawn sleigh for a tour of the National Elk Refuge, and venture close enough to hear their conversations (listen above). Note: this is available for winter only!

 

2.  Drive to the north side of the dike, and walk over the Snake River via the pedestrian bridge. Explore the beautiful and creative R Park; it’s full of unique features for playing and interacting, as well as locally-made art installations. And be sure to keep your eyes open for bald eagles! It’s one of their favorite hangouts, too.

 

 

3.  View the world-renowned collection at the kid-friendly National Museum of Wildlife Art. The impressive collection includes paintings, photography and sculptures from around the word, all of which celebrate the unparalleled beauty of nature. Kids will love the interactive Children’s Gallery, and everyone will enjoy lunch at the museum’s excellent restaurant, Palate.

 

4.  Head north into Grand Teton National Park to Dornan’s to sip a pint while enjoying one of the valley’s best views of the Teton Mountain Range and Snake River. A family-friendly establishment with great pizza and pasta, it’s the perfect spot to unwind from travel and make a game plan for all of your Jackson Hole adventures.

 

5.  Brush up on local history at the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum. This family-friendly spot will give you a whole new level of appreciation for what life was like in the early days of Jackson Hole! 

 

 

No car – we’re hoofin’ it!

Drop your bags at our office (105 E. Pearl Ave) – all of these recommendations are within walking distance!

 

6.  Take a photo under the Town Square’s iconic Antler Arches. It’s one of those can’t-miss spots in Jackson Hole, and makes for a perfect “Welcome to Town” activity! You can also hop on the authentic stagecoach for a horse-powered ride around the Town Square for a taste of the Wild West. (Summer only!)

 

7.  Stroll over to the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum to give your kids the chance to explore, learn and play. The interactive exhibits are exciting for kids of all ages, and locally-sponsored rotating topics make sure that there is always something new and fun for kids to discover. 

 

8.  Grab a latte and croissant at the chic Persephone Bakery. Tucked into a historic Jackson Hole building among towering cottonwood trees, it’s a favorite local hangout. Choose from the daily selection of fresh pastries, artisan tea and coffee, or settle in and enjoy a hearty sandwich or salad featuring locally-grown ingredients. 

 

9.  Ride a scenic chair lift up Snow King Mountain and get your bearings of Jackson Hole and the valley around town. You’ll get stellar views of the Teton Mountain Range, and a bird’s eye view of the town below. 

 

10.  Sit down for lunch at Local and dig into a juicy burger made with locally pastured grassfed beef. Or head next door to the Cowboy Bar and saddle up (literally!) for an adult beverage in true Western style.

 

11.  Blow some froth off a locally crafted beer at Roadhouse Brewery’s Pub & Eatery on the Town Square, and nibble on some innovatively reimagined bar food. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of travel and start soaking up pure Jackson Hole magic. 

 

 

Feel like shopping? 

Got the itch to do some shopping? Let us guide you with a few downtown suggestions – here are a few of our favorite spots, all located in downtown Jackson.

Habits – designer clothing and shoes (35 West Deloney Ave.)

Made – handmade gifts (125 North Cache St.)

Lee’s Tees – Wyoming t-shirts (10 East Broadway Ave.)

Stio – Jackson born and bred activewear and outdoor clothing (10 East Broadway Ave.)

Altitude – designer clothing, accessories and shoes (48 East Broadway Ave.)

Skinny Skis – cross-country ski rentals, patagonia and activewear (65 West Deloney Ave.)

Teton Mountaineering – climbing gear, ski gear, clothing, camping gear (170 North Cache St.)

 

 

Photos by Lindley Rust

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Blanketed in a pristine layer of crystalline snow, Jackson Hole is one of the most romantic spots to spend a day appreciating your sweetheart. Whether you plan to celebrate with a full day of ski runs, a luxurious couple’s day at the spa, or a romantic dinner, we have some suggestions to make sure your gift game is on point. 

Here are some of our favorite things this year – all from local makers and stores. So, if you’re looking to get your sweetie something unforgettably Jackson Hole, we’ve got you covered.

The Classic: Flowers and Chocolate

It’s a classic combination for a reason, right? Everyone loves a bright bouquet and sweet treats. Some of the most beautiful (and eco-friendly) arrangements in the valley bouquets come from the Jackson Hole Flower Company. Order an arrangement ahead of time if you have something special in mind, or if you’d like it delivered. If you’re running a little late, you can always pick up a gorgeous bunch at the Jackson Whole Grocer.

Skip the grocery store chocolates, and instead show your sweetheart how much you love them with irresistible sweets from award-winning Atelier Ortega. Showcasing innovative flavor combinations – like Tahitian vanilla and fresh lime, or caramelized banana with walnuts – Chef Ortega’s assortment of bon bons and truffles are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

 

 

The Perfect Card

Whether you’re seeking something heartfelt and genuine, or perhaps a card with a sassy or humorous flair, Paper & Grace has exactly what you’re looking for. Their selection of artisan Valentines range from simple and elegant to quirky, and are perfect for not only your significant other, but anyone you’d like to show a little extra love. 

 

 

For the Cocktail Connoisseur

We can’t get enough of these classic hand-blown rocks glasses at local shop Mountain Dandy. They’re perfectly heavy in your hand, and take any pour up a notch – the perfect addition to any beverage aficionado’s bar cart. Wrap them up with a handmade shaker in silver or gold, and take your pick from the impressive array of artisan mixers and bitters to assemble cheers-worthy Valentine’s surprise.

 

 

For the Ski Town Fashionista

Harkening back to our rodeo roots, the belt buckle has long been a quintessential accessory in the West, and is still a chic way to boast some Jackson Hole flair. One of MADE’s original items, every single one of these handmade fused glass belt buckle is unique. Each buckle is crafted by owner and artist John Frechette, and come in an array of JH-inspired styles.

 

 

For the Insatiable Foodie

Local ceramic artist Jenny Dowd’s handmade pottery is a one-of a kind addition to any kitchen. From hand painted cups and dishes to pitchers and serving platters, her work is elegant with a touch of whimsy. Visit the Market at Vertical Harvest to peruse the selection, and be sure to top it off with one of her adorable ceramic micro-bouquets! 

 

 

For the Ravenous Reader

While there is no shortage of tempting titles at the Wilson Book Gallery, shop manager and local celebrity Andy Munz has a few top recommendations for your sweetie this year. Twenty One Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks is a hilarious and relatable novel, while The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose is a more profound and serious examination of relationships in an ever-busier world. If the bookworm of your heart is a bigger fan of non-fiction, Andy is quick to recommend renowned environmental author Terry Tempest Williams’ newest work, Erosion.

 

 

For the Experience Enthusiast

Perhaps your sweetie is one who prefers an unforgettable adventure to a wrapped gift. If that’s the case, there are few places better than Jackson Hole to seek a one-of-a-kind experience together. Give your love a new and breathtaking perspective on the Tetons from the cabin of a private, romantic Alpenglow Tour with Fly Jackson Hole. We promise – no matter how many times you’ve seen the mountains, you’ve never seen them like this.  

 

 

Images © Lindley Rust & Taylor Glenn

Persephone’s Cinnamon Brioche

If you’ve been to Jackson, you’ve most likely visited one of the cutest little bakeries of all time. Persephone Bakery is a stone’s throw away from our quaint Town Square, and it’s home to the best cinnamon brioche of all time. Don’t believe me? Well try it for yourself. From the comfort of your own home. That’s right, Persephone sells their cinnamon brioche frozen & unbaked so you can enjoy them straight from your own oven. Even better, they’ve shared a recipe for a delicious orange glaze to coat them with!

 

Orange Glaze for Cinnamon Brioche

2 cups of confectioners sugar

3 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice

Whisk the confectioner’s sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Drizzle atop slightly-cooled rolls. 

 

Bake, drizzle, relax, enjoy, and pretend you’re in your favorite cafe in Jackson Hole. You can thank us later.

Place your order for pick up here! 

 

Boogie Down and Eat Local

There’s nothing like a Saturday at a farmer’s market in the summer, but what about winter? Here in Jackson, the Winter People’s Market is how we do local food throughout the colder months. It’s a must visit — you’ll get your first sweet smells before you even walk in from the hot food stand where Artisan Melt cooks up grilled cheese and other comfort food, then you’re likely to be greeted with live music from a tiny stage when you get inside. Don’t be shy — jump in to a homegrown dance floor and bust a move if you’re feeling it.

Graze along the tables to get your fix — be it delicious ready-made food after a ski at Snow King, or fill up your shopping bags (bring your own, this is a no-waste event) with everything from Rosemary and Thyme Creamery’s cut-to-order cheese to Cosmic Apple Farm’s happy chicken eggs and seasonal produce to Purely By Chance Farm’s non-GMO sausages and brats (and full chickens). Strike up a conversation and you’ll learn just how local this food is; it’s well worth getting the play-by-play process each of the vendors use in their products.

Like any good farmer’s market, go in hungry so you can sample ev-er-y-thing. One of my favorite activities on earth, free sampling is like Christmas all year round, and do not — I repeat, do not — skip out on the condiments. Browse your taste buds through sweet mustard with a kick to all-things-sauerkraut, and I don’t recommend forgoing the CBD (or non-CBD) cookies for the betterment of your health and self, frozen in a resealable bag so you can attempt to not eat a whole batch in one sitting (good luck). You’ll want to wash everything down with something to drink — check out the locally made kombucha or have a cup of Alpine Air’s organic small batch coffee (and chat up the owners about how they got from New Zealand to Jackson). For those of us who enjoy a little kick, head on over to JH Stillworks and grab some of their vodka or gin for the night ahead — and get the full distillation lowdown from owners Travis and Chas.

 

The market isn’t just about food — you’ll also be able to browse jewelry, handmade clothing, essential oils, and art — all the staples of your classic farmer’s market. And if you’re not too full, you’ve got to try one of Glory Bowl’s soups — or sign up for a “soupscription” that gets you a hot delivery every Wednesday.

We’re barely scratching the surface here, so be sure to check out the slow food website for the next opportunity to hit up the market (it runs every other Saturday). We promise you’ll leave with a cozy belly and the heart of the community in your back pocket.

Pictured above: Patrick Chadwick & Lucas Nash. Hear their tunes by following this link.

 

OYG’s Secret Sauce

It must be the grappa in these chicken wings, because they’re making my tastebuds simmer and scream for more. Deemed the “#1 Breaded Wing Dings,” I agree. Then the dining room manager, Blythe Wisniewski, tells me the #1 stands for “1 full pound.” I suppose it does look a little like more of a sharing plate (though I’m not sharing).

We’re sitting at Old Yellowstone Garage — better known as OYG — at Teton Village after a sunny day on the slopes. After a hiatus where all of us locals lived in desperation for a decade, Chef Paulie O’Connor brought his Italian-with-a-twist comfort food back to Caldera House in Teton Village with Chef De Cuisine Jeremy Williamson for the perfect pairing.

After I finish the giant dollop of the remaining Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Dressing from the wings, my taste buds keel over in a reunion with real poutine. The gravy stays put like butter on the tater tot rather than slipping into a soupy mess at the bottom of my bowl. And yes, I did say tater tot. The oversized chunks of local squeaky cheese curds from Reed’s Dairy transport me back to the best days of elementary school lunch. How can tater tots and gravy be this divine? Jeremy tells me it’s because they toss them still hot with the rest of the ingredients. “If you let the tots cool a little and then toss them, it wouldn’t be the same.”

Then comes the Father Guido Sarducci flatbread. It’s become increasingly clear we aren’t enjoying reheated frozen pub food here. This place cares about ingredients, and they reduce waste wherever possible down to the fruit in their cocktails. Which reminds me, bartender Jordan Schleicher has just delivered me their go-to cocktail, the Pîna & Tonic, a house-made infused pineapple mezcal with green chartreuse, fresh lime juice, and club soda. It’s precisely the version of a Pîna Colada you’d want on a ski hill — it comes head-freeze free without losing the light, floaty feeling of vacation in the tropics. As I head out on a quick trip to a tropical paradise, the flatbread arrives.

I get my first of taste of Esposito’s (yes, the NYC institution for sausage), spiced-prolone sausage, soft and assertive mixed wild mushrooms from Washington state, and house-made mascarpone topped with wild arugula. And the flour from Naples truly melts in my mouth, and I have a new love in my life.

So what’s their secret to this spread of comfort? “Simple and delicious,” Jeremy tells me with a laugh. “When you take three things that are delicious all on their own, there’s nothing to hide behind.”

And with that, I sit back and enjoy the last tidbits of tater tots to the sounds of Jordan shaking up cocktails amidst afternoon sun and shadows, dogs romping around in the snow outside, and layers getting stripped off as the tables fill up with today’s newfound friends.

To check out Old Yellowstone Garage’s winter menu follow these links: Lunch/Dinner

 

 Images ©: Lindley Rust

Great Grey Gin Old Fashioned

For those of us who find an old fashioned to be a touch on the sweet side — or perhaps you’re trying to lay off the whiskey and bourbon families for awhile (no shame, my friends, we’ve all been there), Jackson Hole Still Works’ Great Grey Gin Old Fashioned may be the perfect spin on tradition you’ve been desperately looking for. With six different dried herbs and spices, the Great Grey proves to be a strikingly flawless balance of bright and tart flavors topped with hints of cinnamon for a cozy winter drink.

While the classic old fashioned calls for bourbon or rye whiskey, the Great Grey version highlights the floral and spice elements found in the more approachable style of Still Works’ spirit, where they (respectfully) exploit infusion and botanicals throughout the distillation process. Since they combine both saturation and vapor infusion for their secret sauce, owners Chas Marsh and Travis Goodman are adamant this spirit is to be stirred, not shaken. If you can embrace the stir, you’ll experience the definition of what it means to prolong the essence of botanicals while supercharging your tastebuds.

Still Works doesn’t stop at a smooth final product — they stick to their mantra of high quality ingredients and the local food movement (not to mention local art featured on the interior of all their bottles). I urge you to arm yourself with this extra credit material at your next party, where you can tout their non-GMO, Wyoming farmed grains directly sourced from the Bighorn Basin. Want to know just how small batch we’re talking? Goodman and Marsh do it all themselves as a two-man team. Oh, and did I mention it’s naturally gluten free?

Sure, it may be daring to call a gin’s delicate, juniper berry base a realistic substitute for a burly, barrel aged whiskey, but I double-dog-dare you to pull this recipe out of your hat during the next snowfall. As Still Works “Cocktail Creationist” Zach Isler describes it, this simple style cocktail uses lemon oleo syrup made from the peel of a lemon combined with Lillet for a subtle layer of softness to highlight the deeper flavors of the gin. Go ahead, stir up a batch and depart on a heady trip to winter’s wonderland you won’t soon forget.

 

 

Ingredients (single serving)

1.75oz Great Grey Gin

.25oz Lillet Blanc

2 Barspoons of Lemon Oleo

1 Dash Aromatic Bitters

 

 

 

Instructions

Combine Great Grey Gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon oleo, and aromatic bitters over lager ice cubes into a large glass or cocktail shaker. Stir to mix & chill the cocktail. Strain & pour into a rocks glass. Zest a large piece of lemon skin, gently rub it around the rim of the glass then drop in to garnish.

 

 

 

Lemon Oleo Recipe

Remove zest from a 5 large lemons in wide strips with a vegetable peeler, leaving behind the white pith. Add 1/2 cup white sugar. Gently toss the sugar into the peels in a medium bowl. Then, using a muddler or wooden spoon, lightly press the lemon peels and sugar until peels begin to express their oils. Cover & let sit for at least 3 hours, but up to one day (flavor will intensify over time). Add 1/4 cup water. Stir & strain into an airtight container, pressing on solids to extract as much oil as possible; discard zest. Cover oil and chill. 

 

For more on all the awesome things these guys are doing check out www.jhstillworks.com.