A Warm Cocktail Recipe and a Miracle on Ice from Lake Placid, New York

“Do you believe in miracles?!” That’s what’s ringing through my mind as I traverse Lake Placid, New York.

True to its calming moniker, it’s the peaceful community in the mighty Adirondack Mountains in the north of the state. Home to a handful of rustic hotels and quality watering holes and fine country dining, tonight I’m staying at one that combines both.

Last year, the local Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa celebrated its 100th anniversary. And the hotel, like the town, reverberates that entire history with a sense of cool zen.

It’s a local history that includes the famous Miracle on Ice, the iconic hockey game where the United States trounced Russia during the 1980 Winter Olympics; a game occurring at the very height of the Cold War, which led announcer Al Michaels to proclaim that aforementioned phrase.

It’s a sense of pride for the community here, with nods to the historic games and that famous moment all over. Here at the Inn which in case you were wondering is called that because it sits on its namesake lake, the resort served as an epicenter for those games with athletes and dignitaries staying in its rustic confines.

Even though it’s been over 40 years since that closing ceremony, it’s a tradition that continues every winter (with it still a hotbed of winter activities like skiing, ski jumping and snowboarding), summer (where visitors take advantage of the glistening lake and mountainous terrain) and fall (where the autumn colors are eye-popping).

And, did I mention the drinks?

Before I explore the Inn, a short walk away from the property lies The Cottage. Situated on the eponymous Lake, seems like a bustling hub for locals on the Monday I visit.

Alongside roast beef sandwiches and pulled pork, the drinks here reflect the environment: the Maple Martini, which features pink vodka and maple syrup.

Meanwhile, the simultaneously refreshing, sour and sweet Lavender Gin Martini is made with NOLET’S Gin, shaken with lavender simple syrup and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Back at the Inn, I walk up a tall white staircase and waltz into a lodge-lobby fever dream: a massive stone fireplace roars below a moose head mounted to the wall as the warm wooden room is accented by fluffy couches. After the drive north and my Cottage cocktails, I promptly kick back on one that has a luminous view of the lake outside.

Around the property, there are all sorts of nooks to chill out like this. Downstairs is an indoor underground pool and hot tub, surrounded by lounge chairs and decorated with elaborate stonework and even a tiny wooden bridge to get from one side of the water to another. Walk across the street and the Mirror Lake has its own beachfront with lounge chairs and umbrellas where the only sounds are the water lapping on the shore and the birds up ahead, ideal for when the north gets cold.

Just off the lobby-lodge (which, it should be noted, features Olympic memorabilia including medals because I told you the community leans into its Olympiad-heritage) I even read that the Inn is even hosting a ski course for guests in April 2026 with local slope ace Andrew Weibrecht who has a more recent Olympic history. He competed in three games, including 2010 in Whistler and 2014 in Sochi, where he secured both the bronze and silver medals.

Along with the immaculate views outside, my room is outfitted with a cozy bed, electric fireplace ideal for cozy nights while it’s frigid outside, and a table to sip the piping coffee and hot chocolate available for the taking in the lobby. Don’t mind if I do.

I’m feeling as lethargic as a moose, and thirsty too, albeit before our friend’s head was nailed to the wall. Luckily, I didn’t have to travel far.

It’s dinnertime and the Inn’s pride and joy is The View, which boasts its AAA Four-Diamond status. It also boasts an electric American-focused menu, which is handed to me with my name and date printed up top. Sure, it’s a gimmick, but it’s a nice touch for a souvenir on special occasions.

On the day I visit, there’s hand-made bucatini, a harvest salad made with gooey local honey along with ancient greens and apples, as well as glorious filet of beef.

And, if you were wondering, The View is true to its name. I sip a glass of German wine as I gaze at the Northern sun setting over the lake.

By the end of the meal, I complete the experience with a sip of the property’s namesake cocktail, concocted by Corey Pandolph, the lead bartender here.

It exudes country vibes: warm and cozy. So before you visit, you may as well make yourself one at home to hold you over.

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