Yosemite National Park, at Ahwahnee, the stunning historic, four-star lodge, has a celebratory climbers’ cocktail in honor of the first ascent in 1958 of Yosemite’s El Capitan, the death-defying granite monolith soaring 3,000 feet in the sky.
It took the first conquerors of El Capitan, Wayne Merry, Warren Harding and George Whitmore, 47 days over the span of a year to climb. Why did it take them a year?
According to legend, they kept running out of wine and would send one of them down the mountain to replenish the supply as Warren Harding was the most notorious tippler in the history of modern rock climbing. Harding preferred gallon jugs of cheap red wine, even naming the creaky ledge holding their hammocks on the mountain the “wino tower”.
I’m sure Harding is smiling from up above as not only being one of the world’s greatest climbers but having a drink named after his legacy.
The El Capitini cocktail does come with a carabiner, but best to leave the drinking and climbing to the professionals. Instead, take your cocktail and cozy up in front of the mammoth fireplace in the Grand Room of the Ahwahnee.
Here is the ‘rockin’ recipe:
El Capitini, Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite
2 Shots Vodka
1/2 Shot Cointreau
1/2 Shot Pomari Pomegranate Liquor (NOT pomegranate juice)
Splash Pineapple Juice
Combine the ingredients with ice in a martini shaker and shake. Pour into a chilled martini glass with white sugar on the rim.
Pour a float of sparkling wine or champagne on top. Garnish with mini carabiner and an orange twist climber’s knot.
Girls on Granite Yosemite Climbing Getaway
Want to get your climb on in Yosemite? Girls on Granite is a two night rock climbing summer vacation just for women in the heart of Yosemite National Park hosted by the Mountaineering School. Even if you’re a beginner, the climbing classes are divided up according to experience. Camping, climbing, and cocktails – here’s to the perfect girlfriend getaway in one of the most scenic national parks.
Besides being the most romantic stay in Yosemite, it pays to stay at Ahwahnee. With your stay at the Ahwanhee, you’re eligible for The Stay N Play Midweek pass for $50.
Fifty bucks goes a long way in Yosemite as it includes a one all-day lift ticket at Badger Pass, one all-day rental (choose one: skis, snowboard, or cross-country skis), one group lesson, one tubing session, one ice skating session including skate rentals and one Valley Floor Tour.
Photos by the author, with exception of El Capitini cocktail by Ahwahnee GM Brett Archer.