Cinco de Mayo Recipe: The Margarita 47

Over the years, our Margarita recipe has changed, influenced by different bar managers and mixologists making their mark on the classic cocktail. A few years ago, we made our Margarita 47 (named as such since the price per drink was $47 apiece), with dry ice as part of the mixing process and edible silver leaf… Read more

The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe Ever

The Nell’s Hot Chocolate is the perfect treat this ski season. Hailed by Travel + Leisure as “America’s Best Hot Chocolate,” by Buzzfeed as “Best Hot Chocolate Ever,” and tastemakers of all ages as their go to drink at The Nell, our cocoa has made waves for quite some time and in every season. Pastry… Read more

The 10 Master Somms Who Make Up The Nell’s Wine Legacy

The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in April 1977 to encourage improved standards of beverage service, particularly wine + food pairing, in hotels and restaurants. The Little Nell opened on Thanksgiving of 1989 and in our 30-year history, 10 staff members have earned the esteemed Master Sommelier diploma, more than any other establishment in… Read more

Mountain Mojito Recipe

At The Little Nell, we love fresh ingredients in our cuisine and cocktails, from vegetables and herbs to edible flowers. To complement our complimentary weekly garden tours in the summer, our bartenders at element 47, created the “Mountain Mojito”, which can be made as a cocktail or mocktail (sans the rum). For this summer drink,… Read more

The Recipe for Our Most Popular Cocktail: Xavier’s White Cosmo

Inspired by the eponymous cocktail from bartender Xavier Herit at Daniel in New York City, we adapted this popular recipe with permission from the Manhattan establishment. It’s served year-round in Aspen, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, alcohol and acidity, capped by floral aromas from the wildflowers in The Little Nell’s summer gardens. Recipe (makes… Read more

Growing Goods: How The Little Nell Serves up Freshness

As spring turns to summer, The Little Nell comes to life with a bounty of fresh flowers, locally grown produce, farm-raised products, and edible organic herbs — all used to create a one-of-a-kind experience when visiting or dining at the Nell. Begin by experiencing the living wall. First created in 2015 and reinstated every summer… Read more

Learning from the Masters: Wine Academy

How The Little Nell Wine Academy Can Elevate Your Wine Game Wines were tasted. Toasts were made. Friendships were forged. And, at the end of the 2019 Little Nell Wine Academy, a group of 14 wine connoisseurs from across the country celebrated their graduation from what has quickly become a cornerstone of wine education. The… Read more

A Toast to Spring: Clicquot in the Snow

“This is the way to après-ski …” A simple, but oh-so-true statement overheard recently on the sun-drenched Ajax Tavern patio. The reason is simple: Clicquot in the Snow. An unparalleled celebration of all that après-ski in Aspen — and The Little Nell — have to offer, this unique toast to spring is a not-be-missed happening…. Read more

Ski-Day Nutrition: Staying Fueled on the Slopes

With ski season in full swing, many of our guests are gearing up for long, thrilling days schussing through Aspen’s famous powder. But life at 8,000 feet—especially if you’ll be burning an average of 350 calories an hour—requires special attention to nutrition and hydration. At the Little Nell, we’re dedicated to helping you embrace every… Read more