8 Ho Ho Ho Cocktails to Enjoy in Denver This Holiday Season
‘Tis the season to be jolly and to drink holiday cocktails. Here are eight ho ho holiday cocktails to try from places all around town or try them at your own holiday parties. Either way Denver holidays will be scrumptious.
Bacio-tini: This holiday martini features vodka with St. Germain, Aperol and lemoncello from Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza. Bacio is Italia for “kiss.” Pucker up, baby! (2129 Larimer St.; 303-296-7000).
Bright Eyes: Jax Fish House downtown offers this sensational seasonal drink. Made with thyme-infused Brokers Gin, St. Germain, grapefruit and charred thyme, this drink is guaranteed to make holiday eyes glow brighter (1539 17th St.; 303-292-5767).
The Grinch: You’ll be seeing green with this unique holiday cocktail from Simms Steakhouse in Lakewood. The Grinch features Dancing Pines Sugar Cane Rum with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, DeKuyper Green Crème de Menthe and a crushed Oreo rim. It may not be easy being green, but it sure is delicious (11911 W. 6th Ave.; 303-237-0465).
Ponche Navideño: Sweet holiday greetings come from Richard Sandoval’s Zengo and La Sandia restaurants with this
traditional Mexican Christmas fruit punch. Enjoy at the restaurants or try the recipe at home: Use one peeled, cored and sliced red apple, half a mango also peeled and diced, quarter cup each of raisins and cranberries, one cup of diced pineapple, 4/5 tablespoon of brown sugar and six and half tablespoons of sugar, one cinnamon stick, three cups of water and 3/8 cup of blanco tequila. To make, combine all ingredients except tequila in a large pot and simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes, then mix in tequila stirring often. This recipe makes one liter of punch and chill before serving (1610 Little Raven St.; 720-904-0965).
Santa’s Wake Up Call: Along with warm coal-fired pizzas, the folks at Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza have this warm cocktail to pick you up on cold Colorado days. The drink features hot coffee, Bailey’s, Rumpelmintz and Frangelico. Bring on the cold because with this drink, we can handle it (2129 Larimer St.; 303-296-7000).
What the Dickens: The Corner Office is getting into the festive spirit with punch bowls for the holidays. This punch, created by bar manager Ben Anderson, uses Gray Eclipse Rum, E&J Brandy, special bitters, pineapple juice and black tea. Punch bowls are $45 and serve 10-12 glasses per bowl, great for groups of four or more (1401 Curtis St.; 303-825-6500).
The odd-ly wonderful folks at Oddka flavored vodkas have some fun seasonal cocktails you can make at home for the holidays. Try these apple-licious treats.
The Applenog: Use two ounces of Oddka Apple Pie flavored vodka, one whole egg, half ounce A-grade maple syrup, two dashes of chocolate bitters, three ounces of whole milk and grated nutmeg to taste. To mix, pour all ingredients and ice into a shaker and shake well for about 30-45 seconds. Pour into a glass with a handle and sprinkle with coconut flakes and cinnamon. Yummy!
The “Last & First” Cocktail: The ingredients are two ounces of Oddka Apple Pie, our favorite, with one ounce fresh lemon juice, ¾ ounce of simple syrup, 1 ½ ounces of fresh pineapple juice and three each raspberries and blackberries. To mix, pour all ingredients plus ice into a shaker and shake well for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh berry. Happy New Year!
