An Evening with Waterford at Hotel Jerome in Aspen

True indulgence isn’t easy to find. It’s something you uncover—waiting for those who appreciate the difference, recognized in an instant, and felt in every detail. Waterford × Hotel Jerome offers a peek into that world for those who know where to find it.

Since 1889, Hotel Jerome has been the social heartbeat of Aspen: a gathering place for tastemakers and those who seek out the art of a well-crafted experience. From its storied past as a refuge for creators and explorers to its present-day role as one of Aspen’s most exclusive settings, Hotel Jerome has always been a place where comfort and luxury meet, where each element is intentional, and where the best moments unfold behind closed doors.

In partnership with Waterford, this tradition of elevated entertaining continues—bringing together two legacies that combine artistry and modern refinement to create something lasting for a select few.

This month, we invited guests to an evening of cocktails and fine dining, marking the debut of a hidden menu, crafted to be experienced only in Waterford crystal.

Behind Closed Doors

For one evening at Hotel Jerome’s legendary speakeasy, Bad Harriet, guests sipped on four bespoke cocktails from the Waterford × Hotel Jerome secret menu.

Each drink—named for our shared legacies: Lady Charlotte, River Crossing, Furnace and Flow, and Legacy Cut—offered a nod to the love and history of craft, inspired by and served in Lismore Essence Coupes and Lismore Double Old Fashioned Glasses designed to enhance every sip.

Signature food pairings topped the evening off, adding to the intentional indulgence of the experience. Every element—down to the plating, lighting, and cut of the crystal—was curated for maximum impact. Throughout the night, a live engraver personalized Waterford pieces, allowing attendees to take home a lasting mark of the event.

Beyond a celebration of craft, this was an introduction to a collaboration that showcases what modern entertaining can feel like at its best.

Crafted for the Cut

Each secret menu item focuses on the interaction between form and flavor that’s defined craft cocktails for generations. Discover the history behind these iconic drinks and explore the recipes to create your own Waterford moment at home.

River Crossing

An updated take on the Pegu Club or “gin margarita,” this cocktail offers a bright mix of gin, orange curaçao, lime juice, and bitters to deliver a sharp, refreshing hit of citrus that lingers into a more complex finish.

Most likely created at the beginning of the 20th century, this drink is among the earliest pillars of the Daisy or Sour category—its vibrancy staying grounded thanks to the sturdy, faceted feel of the Lismore Double Old Fashioned glass.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • .75 oz Orange curacao
  • .5 oz Lime juice
  • 1 dash angostura 1 dash orange bitters

Method:

  • Add all ingredients into shaker with ice
  • Shake
  • Double strain into Lismore Double Old Fashioned Glass and serve

Furnace & Flow

This grounded offering takes notes from the Mint Julep, one of the oldest known cocktails dating back to the late 1700's. With so few ingredients, the glassware used is essential and ultimately becomes a key component of this classic.

Served over crushed ice and played against the Lismore Double Old Fashioned glass’ intricate cuts and heft, its harmonious simplicity should be savored and celebrated.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 5 Mint leaves
  • .25 oz Sugar

Method:

  • Add ingredients together with crushed ice
  • Mix with a bar spoon
  • Transfer into a Lismore Double Old Fashioned glass with crushed ice and mix
  • Garnish with mint sprig and serve

Lady Charlotte

Detailed in Jerry Thomas's 1862 book "How to Mix Drinks," the original champagne cocktail was known to be sipped throughout the mid-nineteenth century.

Inspired by this classic pairing of champagne with angostura and sugar for a crisp, sparkling profile with a hint of aromatic depth—its delicate balance is elevated by the Lismore Essence Coupe’s refined silhouette and rim. The ultimate aperitif or nightcap.

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz Champagne
  • Sugar cube
  • 4 dashes Angostura

Method:

  • Add 4 dashes of bitter onto a sugar cube
  • Place the sugar cube in a Lismore Essence Coupe glass
  • Cover with 5oz of champagne and serve

Legacy Cut

Riffing on the lesser-known Corpse Reviver No.1, Hotel Jerome’s mixologists drew on the rich, vibrant tones of Calvados, a Cognac base, and sweet vermouth.

Similar cocktails were popular throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, traditionally consumed as hair-of-the-dog, or hangover relief. However, this style faded after prohibition until a recent revival alongside the craft cocktail renaissance.

This spirit-forward drink unfolds slowly, ending in herbaceous notes that echo the Lismore Essence Coupe’s sense of presence.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Calvados
  • 1 oz cognac
  • .5 oz sweet vermouth

Method:

  • Add all ingredients together with ice and stir
  • Double strain into a Lismore Essence Coupe
  • Garnish with orange peel and serve

For Those in the Know

The experience doesn’t end with the event. For a limited time, the Waterford × Hotel Jerome secret menu remains available across all the hotel’s bars and restaurants, offering guests an opportunity to discover these custom cocktails.

This secret menu is an ode to rituals of quality—a collection of drinks served in crystal, each ingredient and glass chosen to highlight the intention behind every pour.

Think of it this way: some moments deserve to be savored, and some details make all the difference. And this is just the beginning. Later this spring, together with Hotel Jerome our collaboration will offer guests a new taste of Waterford.

Step Inside the Experience

The Waterford × Hotel Jerome experience isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s about what lingers after the last sip. It’s proof that some nights, if you’re lucky enough to be included, can change how you see entertaining.

This feeling lives tied to specific moments, perfect company, and special places. When correctly executed, a well curated space and menu can elevate an evening into something extraordinary.

Simply being present is enough to feel the intention behind every moment, to create a sense of belonging for those who understand and a story that continues long after the experience ends.

This is your invitation to join us—discover what’s waiting for you.