As the autumn days grow shorter, an exciting trend is emerging in Denver’s cocktail culture, with bartenders pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Establishments like Poka Lola, The Family Jones, Riot BBQ, and NADC Burger are captivating locals and visitors alike with audacious concoctions that promise to delight the palate.
At Poka Lola Social Club, located at 1850 Wazee St., the cocktail menu showcases unconventional flavors and adventurous pairings.
Highlights include the Hollaback Girl cocktail, featuring a delicious blend of brûléed banana-infused bourbon, pineapple, cacao, and tiki bitters for a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth.
The Bad Spray Tan offers an equally surprising experience with its mix of Mount Gay “Eclipse” rum, red curry, pineapple, and coconut cream, delivering a smooth and golden sip that surprises and excites the taste buds.
For those looking for a refreshing, icy drink, the Hot Swirl Summer is a must-try, blending house strawberry daiquiri with Zacapa 23 Piña Colada in a layered frozen treat that feels both nostalgic and novel.
Meanwhile, The Family Jones, located at 3245 Osage St., presents a menu infused with the essence of Colorado.
The Blucifer Martini, inspired by Denver’s iconic blue sculpture, combines blue cheese-infused gin with lavender and blue spirulina, finished off with the heat of piri piri olives.
The miniature porcelain bathtub presentation of the Juniper Soak—melding gin, bergamot, strawberry, cucumber, and probiotic ginger beer—offers a refreshingly quirky experience.
Not to be missed is the Daq N’ Chips, which pairs a bright, herbaceous rum daiquiri enhanced with avocado fat-wash with house-made chips and salsa—a combination that is simply delightful.
Over at Riot BBQ, located at 2180 S Delaware St., the cocktails reflect the casual vibe of the restaurant, particularly enjoyable on their back patio.
The Bourbon Peach Smash captures the essence of Palisade Peach season with juicy peach notes, bourbon’s warm embrace, and a refreshing touch of fresh mint and lemon.
The Clementine Margarita provides a zesty alternative, featuring vibrant clementine juice and crisp lime, perfect for cutting through the fall heat.
However, the standout is undoubtedly the Spicy Cucumber Margarita, showcasing jalapeño-infused tequila, crisp cucumber, and agave sweetness, elegantly paired with a Tajín-rimmed glass that adds a fun kick.
Lastly, NADC Burger at 1441 Larimer St. keeps its doors open daily from 11:30 a.m. until midnight, offering intriguing cocktails alongside tantalizing burger options that round out the dining experience.
As Denver’s cocktail scene continues to evolve, these establishments are perfect examples of innovative bartending that embraces the bold and unconventional, ensuring that there are always new flavors to explore before the season draws to a close.
image source from：303magazine
