The Ultimate Guide to Cocktails in Denver

Le Rouge opened last Summer witha vengeance, spreading happy hour notices all over town. While it touts itself as a French restaurant and martini lounge, I was more excited about teh women’s champagne cocktail hour. I went a few times for the cheap bubbly and cheap eats. I suggest going for happy hour before a night out and checking out the sexy red vibe and decor.

Business men and bankers flock to the Palm after work for their martinis and money talk. So, if you’re looking for a few good men…this could be your place! One tv is set to the CNBC Money channel, and the other tv is set to sports. Go figure. Walls are adorned with charicatures of professional athletes, regulars and Denver socialites, so entertainment is never a problem. Great service and a great martini.

Ok, ok…so I’m listing a lot of Cherry Creek locales to get your drink on, but these people like to drink! Ocean ahs a lvoely bar that wraps around friendly servers. Order your martini and the sexy staff delivers a good one. Also think about ordering from the tasty,yet expensive starters menu….lobster tacos ,oh my!

This Martini bar in Cherry Creek is loaded with cushy velvet chairs, faux alligator booths and all teh trimmings to make it completely chic. Prepare to dress the part and throw down some bones, but if you’re in the mood to see and be seen, there’s no better scene.

While it may not be the nicest bar in town and the crowd can be iffy, it is the only bar I know of in town completely dedicated to Champagne. Hip hip hooray. That alone get’s it several points in my book. I love champagne. The tiny bubbles exploding on your tongue and the sharp, almost citrusy taste mkaes just about everything better. Think crystal chandeliers and hip decor, with a younger crowd starting their evening. Why not start or end yours their? I love dessert with champagne.

These guys have an excellent selection of wine and flights of wine that will allow you to linger over a few different glasses before picking your one final favorite before leaving. Small tables and nibbles make this an excellent date night location, or, in m y opinion, a fun place for a group wine tasting.

Ok, so $13 is more than I usually spend on a glass of grey goose on the rocks, but the atmosphere, people watching and appetizer menu make it completely worth it. This lcoation is Cougar central, so all you hot young studs be for-warned. Live piano music is not unusual and a $50 ticket for 2 drinks and an appetizer isn’t either. But hey, you only live once!

One word…glamorous. The legendary Brown Palace Hotel is home to the Palace Arms, which is just as well known to Denver foodies. The marble bar and plush seating are a welcome relief to travelers and Denver natives alike. Don’t expect to walk in in your bermudas and flip flops…this is fine dining adn drinking. Drinks aren’t cheap, but the atmosphere and serveice make it the best gin and tonic you’ve had in years.

Dazzle is great for brunch, dinner, jazz, appetizers and of course the ever popular cocktail hour. With specialty drinks or just your favorite whiskey (Stranahans anyone?), Dazzle is a fun, jovial environment perfect for a girl’s night out. Order your vodka cranberry and a side of onion rings…the salty and sweet are a perfect mix.

A little clubby for my tastes in the late hours, but if you go right at opening, it’s a super spot for an evening cocktail and some pretty teriffic small plates. This is a nice place to go on a date to start your night out, or fun for the gals to put on a pretty summer dress and get silly before heading to the dance club.