Of all the hours in a Glenwood Springs vacation day, cocktail hour is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing. Sip something extra special at local restaurants with these signature libations.
After engaging in all the activities that Glenwood Springs has to offer, going out for cocktails is a great way to wind down in the late afternoon. Take a respite from vacation or work hustle and bustle by stopping in at area restaurants for happy hour or pre-dinner drinks. While bartenders can mix whatever you’d like, these signature beverages are house hits.
A Timeless Drink
The Pullman is famous for its frequent menu changes that depend on the availability of quality ingredients each season. Despite a menu that is ever evolving, it’s precisely the unexpected, imaginative touches that keep diners coming back for more. For a cocktail that complements whatever the chef is serving, The Pullman suggests their Old Fashioned. This classic drink typically calls for whiskey—either rye or bourbon—along with simple syrup, Angostura bitters and a fruit garnish. What makes it a signature drink at The Pullman is the unusual addition of sweet Palisade Colorado peaches to the mix.
Exotic Martini
CO Ranch House features a western-inspired menu that relies on prime protein choices including locally sourced beef and elk, Rocky Mountain trout and sustainably raised salmon. CO Ranch House offers a relaxed, yet elevated setting that welcomes one and all. In addition to the cozy bar and restaurant seating at the front of the house, there are also two patios, one in front and the other out back for alfresco drinks and dinner. CO Ranch House recommends their Blood Orange Lavender Martini for a sipping starter. This concoction includes Colorado-made vodka, blood orange juice and house-made ginger and lavender simple syrup served in a martini glass rimmed with lavender sugar.
Shots Anyone?
Travel + Leisure voted Sweet Coloradough the Best Donuts in Colorado. The Glenwood Springs bakery located south of town makes satisfyingly delicious donuts that taste nothing like the store-bought version. From glazed, old-fashioned, cake and raised donuts to fritters, cinnamon rolls, twists, bear claws, and not-to-be-missed Cronuts, Sweet Coloradough donuts are made fresh daily and lightly sweetened with honey. In addition to doughy treats, the restaurant also serves sandwiches and deli foods. A full drink menu includes coffee, tea, craft beer, wine and spirits. What’s most unexpected though is that their signature drink is a taste of tequila—on the house! Because donuts pair so well with coffee and chai, adding a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream is another popular option.
Spice of Life
Turn up the heat with a Colorado Wildfire cocktail created by Chef Travis Owen of Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen. This pretty drink packs a tasty punch. Served in a rocks glass, it features a sriracha salt rim. Associated with Thai food, the spice mix typically contains red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, salt and sugar and is used to add heat to everything from soups to chicken wings, and in this case the Riv’s signature cocktail. The libation is a creative mix of chipotle-infused tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and raspberry puree garnished with a wedge of lime. After drinks, stick around for delectable meals designed around fresh and local ingredients.
Asian Influence
For a cocktail that flirts with exotic flavors, try a Ginger Martini. The signature cocktail at Zheng Asian Bistro is a sublime combination of vodka, fresh ginger, lemon and honey—spicy, zesty and sweet at the same time. Enjoy this lovely libation along with an appetizer at Zheng’s Happy Hour every day from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar area. The unusual martini happens to also blend well with the restaurant’s inspired lunch and dinner menus that includes Thai food, Chinese wok-fried specialties, fresh sushi and more.
Cheers to great beverages and sunny days in Glenwood Springs! Learn more and make plans to visit today!
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