A Taste of Winter in Every Glass
When the chill of winter settles over Denver, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a seasonal drink. Personally, I love dark beer and mulled wine this time of year. We’ve rounded up some must-try Denver spots serving libations that will warm your spirits this winter. Cheers to discovering your new favorite!
Tip: Keep an eye on the menus of your favorite spots—they often update their offerings seasonally.
Denver Beer Co.
A Denver staple, DBC is passionate about brewing good beer. They pride themselves on premium, small-batch brews made with fresh ingredients, offering seasonal brews alongside fan favorites.
Graham Cracker Porter: As I mentioned, I love dark beer in the colder months. While this Porter is available all year, it's undeniably seasonal in spirit. With hints of of vanilla, smoked cedar, and mulled spices, it's a great cozy brew. The Graham Cracker Porter delivers a decadent journey of velvety chocolate that transitions into a semi-dry finish of roasted malt and biscuit.
Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Porter: Building on the OG Graham Cracker Porter, the Peanut Butter version adds a something new. Available from January-February, this delightful drink includes a rich blend of malt flavors—biscuit, caramel, and chocolate—perfectly paired with real peanut butter and graham crackers.
West Main Taproom + Grill
West Main, located in Parker, CO, loves "celebrating the best of Colorado". Check out a few of their seasonal drink offerings!
Sweater Weather Martini: Did I mentioned I've also developed a deep love for espresso martinis in the wintertime? It's one of my fav après drinks! You can choose between Chai Espresso or Cinnamon Espresso for this martini. The drink also contains Ironton Coffee Liquor, Mythology Vodka, Simple Syrup, and Cream Liquor.
Mile Chai Mule: If you're a chai lover but aren't interested in the martini, this mule might be the right move for you! With Family Jones Vodka, Chai Liquor, Lemon Juice, and Ginger Beer, it's a fun seasonal twist on the classic mule.
Snowmass Sour: I'm not much of a vodka girl (espresso martinis are an exception), so I'm here for this whiskey cocktail. Since moving to Colorado, I've developed a real appreciation for whiskey—it just feels fitting here. Anyway, this drink features Tincup Whiskey, Amaretto, Lemon Juice, and Turbinado Syrup. Can we also take a minute to appreciate the name? Throw a ski resort in the title and I'm definitely more likely to buy it. I love good marketing!
4 Noses
4 Noses has taprooms in Broomfield and Park Hill. They have a lot of yummy (and strong) beer! You can view the whole tap list here.
El Jefe Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential winter beverages. So, it's only fitting to enjoy a hot chocolate inspired beer this season. This Imperial Stout has Cinnamon, Sweet Bloom Coffee, Cacao, and Marshmallow. Watch out when ordering this one—it packs a punch at 8.5%!
Nitro El Jefe Con Leche: This Nitro Imperial Milk Stout features flavors of cinnamon, coffee, vanilla, and lactose sugar. This beer is also 8.5%.
The Pooka: With an even higher alcohol content of 14.2%, The Pooka is served in an 8oz glass only. The Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout delivers a bold and distinctive kick, thanks to the whiskey barrel.
B&GC
This spot in Cherry Creek, located in a former post office, offers a true speakeasy experience. To visit, you'll need to make a reservation via text and uncover its discreet location. They have an extensive offering of holiday drinks.
Irish Toffee: This indulgent drink features Angel’s Envy Rye, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Stella Rosa Brandy, Heath Toffee Syrup, and Drip Coffee. I'm ordering this for dessert!
Choco Kiss: Sticking with drinks that have a dessert vibe, the Choco Kiss features Bourbon, Giffard Crème de Cacao, Raspberry Syrup, and Bitter End Mexican Mole Bitters. I love the sound of this!
SAM | YAM: B&GC definitely makes some super unique cocktails! This one features Ron Zacapa 23 Rum, Sweet Potato Puree, Apple Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Sweet Potato Simple, and Egg White.
Winter's Eve: I'm a tequila girl, so this one also stuck out to me. It includes Cinnamon Tequila (interesting!), Eggnogg, Cinnamon Simple, and Giffard Vanilla De Madagascar.
Denver Christkindl Market
A great place to find seasonal drinks is at the various holiday markets in Denver! The Christkindl Market is a really fun German-style market at Civic Center Park. Check out the full beverage menu here.
St. Christopher Glühwein: I love mulled wine in the winter. Enjoy a warm cup of traditional German mulled wine as you wander through the festive holiday market. There are various flavors to choose from, and you can even add a shot!
Lebkuchen Eierlikör: How holiday-sounding is Gingerbread eggnog? You can choose between brandy or rum for your spirit.
Toast to Winter
Winter the perfect season to explore and indulge in unique beverages that capture the cozy, festive spirit of the colder months. From rich and decadent beers to inventive and warming cocktails, the options are endless. It's time to grab a drink and soak up the warmth of Denver’s vibrant winter libation culture. Cheers!
