Bulla Mule at Val d’Anna

After a long, adventurous day on the slopes of the Dolomites, there is nothing better than enjoying apres-ski in the setting sun. The longest ski piste of the Val Gardena ski area runs from the top of Seceda to Ortisei, conveniently right in front of Cafe Val d’Anna, which sits directly in the path of the warm Italian sun at the end of the day.  If you get there by 3pm, you can enjoy a few cocktails before the sun is hidden behind the mountain and it is time to move closer to a fire pit or ski down to Ortisei.

During our recent trip to Cafe Val d’Anna we were introduced to a refreshing local cocktail- the Bulla Mule, which is a twist on the traditional Moscow Mule, but made with Gin that is distilled locally, Bulla 13 Gin.  The Gin is made from 13 mountain herbs from Alpe di Siusi, hence the 13 in the name.   The Bulla Mule is made with fresh lime juice, brown sugar, mint, Bulla 13 Gin, ginger beer, a dash of Angostura and a lot of ice- the perfect apres-ski cocktail to quench your thirst.

To find Cafe Val d’Anna look for the “La Longia” sign, a Red Piste marked #2 and follow down toward Ortisei. It will be hard to miss the narrow spot in the piste, where a jovial crowd of skiers are sitting in the sun enjoying their Bulla Mules or huddled around the fire pit drinking warm cocktails. .