P.O.V. at the W Hotel is rightly famous for the sweeping views off the rooftop terrace – but that may not bring it immediately to mind for a wintertime tipple. It should though because – as was on display at this week’s “apres-ski” themed party presented in conjunction with Gilt City DC – the terrace is heated and so are the tasty cold-weather drinks. There are even cozy W-branded blankets if needed to help you keep the nip of cold off as you sip on your cocktail.
Prior to the opening of the party, media guests were invited to sample the seasonal menu: Hot Apple Buttered Rum, Pumpkin Cider, Sheridan’s Coffee, and the Whiskey Skin. A chocolate soda and Blood Orange Old Fashioned are also available for the holidays, but we were there to focus strictly on steamy things served in mugs.
My favorite of the tipples was the Whiskey Skin, a hot toddy variant made with blended Scotch. There was a big slip of lemon peel, hot water, and little else. Simple, light, and very aromatic. Compared to some of the more “dessert” oriented offerings, this was one I could easily see myself having a few of while lounging on the terrace for a while.
The Sheridan’s Coffee was also very tasty. Jameson, coffee, brown sugar, whipped cream – what could there be to complain about? The worst I can say is I might have had too much of the fluffy housemade whipped cream, so on a return visit I might see if I could cut back on that a bit (and maybe get a bit more of the main cocktail, instead). Otherwise, it was a total after-dinner winner.
The apres-ski party was clearly a hit, with a crowd gathering soon after the doors opened – many decked out in sequins or furry ski-bunny ensembles. Small bites were passed including the most decadent tater tots I have ever tasted, served in individual paper frites cones with teeny forks, flavored with truffle oil and fresh ground black pepper. I have to look into getting the made-to-order s’more station to come to my holiday party – along with the photobooth stocked with skis, googles, and other slope paraphernalia for guests to don.
