Embark on a boozy adventure through downtown Denver, exploring the city’s top cocktail bars and indulging in delicious drinks and small plates. Discover the history of Denver’s cocktail scene and mingle with fellow foodies on this unforgettable tour.
Embark on a boozy adventure through downtown Denver, exploring the city’s top cocktail bars and indulging in delicious drinks and small plates. Discover the history of Denver’s cocktail scene and mingle with fellow foodies on this unforgettable tour.
- Denver Union Station - The Denver Cocktails Tour kicks off at Union Station, a stunning and historic venue in Denver. Originally constructed in 1881 and fully renovated in 2014, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece now serves as a vibrant social hub for travelers, locals, and visitors alike. Under its grand ceilings and chandeliers, the Great Hall is alive…
- Denver Union Station - The Denver Cocktails Tour kicks off at Union Station, a stunning and historic venue in Denver. Originally constructed in 1881 and fully renovated in 2014, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece now serves as a vibrant social hub for travelers, locals, and visitors alike. Under its grand ceilings and chandeliers, the Great Hall is alive with the energy of bars, cafés, and restaurants, showcasing Denver’s rich food and drink culture.
As guests gather to meet their guide, they will learn about Union Station’s pivotal role in shaping the city—from its origins as a railroad hub to its revival as a downtown centerpiece. The tour begins here because it embodies Denver’s essence: timeless architecture, warm hospitality, and a spirit of innovation. After introductions and a brief orientation, the group will venture into the city to explore the cocktail bars that define Denver’s modern mixology scene.
-
Tavernetta - The first stop is Tavernetta, a renowned Italian restaurant in Denver, ideal for easing into the evening. With its warm, elegant, and inviting atmosphere, it captures the relaxed sophistication of northern Italian dining, complete with an open kitchen and views of passing trains near Union Station. Guests will start with a Brachetto Spritz, a refreshing twist on the classic aperitivo, blending lightly sparkling red Brachetto wine with citrus and a hint of bitterness. Paired with housemade focaccia—golden, soft, and fragrant with olive oil—alongside garlic conserva and marinated olives, the flavors are simple yet deeply satisfying: bright, herbal, and balanced, awakening the palate for what’s to come. As the guide shares the story of Tavernetta’s James Beard Award-winning team, guests will understand why this stop represents the best of Denver’s elevated yet approachable dining scene—timeless hospitality with a local flair.
-
The Oxford Hotel - The second stop is the Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest continuously operating hotel and a living piece of the city’s history. Opened in 1891, just a few years before the Brown Palace, the Oxford has welcomed cowboys, railroad tycoons, and even movie stars. As guests enter, the guide shares tales of the city’s early days—when Union Station had just opened across the street and this hotel was the pinnacle of frontier luxury.
The lobby feels like a journey back in time: rich wood paneling, art deco details, and century-old tilework that has been meticulously restored. The guide paints a picture of 19th-century Denver—a booming, dusty town on the edge of the Rockies where whiskey and railroads shaped fortunes. This stop is not just about the drinks to come; it’s an opportunity to see how Denver’s cocktail culture began, in the same building where travelers once exchanged stories over glasses of bourbon more than a century ago.
- Urban Farmer Denver - The next stop is Urban Farmer, a contemporary steakhouse that reimagines farm-to-table dining in downtown Denver. Sleek yet welcoming, its bar offers a polished and relaxed setting—the perfect backdrop for the featured cocktail: the Butter Pecan Old Fashioned. This house favorite starts with bourbon infused with toasted pecans and browned butter, then stirred with demerara syrup and bitters to create a smooth, nutty twist on the classic. It’s rich yet balanced, with a touch of warmth that suits any season.
As guests sip, the guide explains how the Old Fashioned remains one of America’s most enduring cocktails—simple, adaptable, and deeply tied to craftsmanship. The drink reflects everything Urban Farmer stands for: respect for tradition with a modern, local sensibility. It’s a moment to slow down, savor the layers of flavor, and appreciate how Denver’s cocktail scene blends creativity with classic roots.
- Dairy Block - From the Oxford Hotel, the tour proceeds to the Dairy Block—one of downtown Denver’s most vibrant destinations for food, drink, and art. Once home to the Windsor Dairy, this historic block has been transformed into a modern micro-district filled with cocktail bars, restaurants, and local shops, all connected by a lively alleyway adorned with lights and murals. As the group walks, the guide shares how this redevelopment helped spark the city’s transformation into a culinary hub while honoring its industrial past.
Inside the block, every detail tells a story—from the preserved brick walls and iron beams to the artisan stalls offering small-batch goods. It’s a place where locals gather after work, travelers discover hidden bars, and chefs experiment with flavor and form. The Dairy Block perfectly captures the spirit of the tour: old Denver bones with new Denver flavor. Here, the group will pause to explore a few favorite spots and enjoy the next stop on the cocktail journey.
- The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block - The next stop is inside The Maven Hotel, a sleek, art-filled boutique property anchoring the Dairy Block. The Maven is not just a place to stay—it’s a celebration of Denver’s creative spirit. As guests step into the lobby, surrounded by bold murals, reclaimed wood, and sculptures from local artists, the guide shares how this building helped redefine the city’s downtown hospitality scene. The name “Maven” itself means an expert or connoisseur—a fitting stop on a cocktail tour centered around craftsmanship and connection.
The hotel’s airy lobby opens into a network of bars and eateries that highlight Denver’s collaborative culture. Guests will hear stories of the artists, chefs, and bartenders who helped shape the block into the lively destination it is today. The Maven perfectly bridges the city’s past and present—industrial roots polished with modern creativity. It’s a brief stop to soak in the energy, design, and personality that make this part of Denver so unique.
- Poka Lola Social Club - The Denver Cocktails Tour concludes at Poka Lola Social Club, a vintage-inspired bar nestled inside The Maven Hotel. With its marble bar, patterned tile, and playful nods to soda fountains of the past, Poka Lola feels both classic and modern—a place where craftsmanship meets fun. Here, the bartenders craft two exclusive cocktails for the group, each reflecting the season and showcasing the creativity that defines Denver’s mixology scene. No two visits are quite the same; the menu evolves with local ingredients, trends, and inspiration.

- Italian Marinated Olives
- 2 Craft Cocktails Made Daily
- Brachetto Spritz from James-Beard Award-Winning Restaurant
- Housemade Focaccia
- Butter Pecan Old Fashioned
- Italian Marinated Olives
- 2 Craft Cocktails Made Daily
- Brachetto Spritz from James-Beard Award-Winning Restaurant
- Housemade Focaccia
- Butter Pecan Old Fashioned
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Embark on an exciting journey through downtown Denver, exploring some of the finest cocktail bars the city has to offer.
Whether you prefer a refreshing spritz or a rich Butter Pecan Old Fashioned, this Denver cocktail tour has something to delight every palate.
Explore three top-notch cocktail bars and restaurants, enjoying four expertly crafted…
Embark on an exciting journey through downtown Denver, exploring some of the finest cocktail bars the city has to offer.
Whether you prefer a refreshing spritz or a rich Butter Pecan Old Fashioned, this Denver cocktail tour has something to delight every palate.
Explore three top-notch cocktail bars and restaurants, enjoying four expertly crafted cocktails paired with small plates at two of the stops.
The adventure begins at the iconic Union Station, moves to the city’s oldest hotel, and concludes at the Dairy Block, one of Denver’s trendiest new micro-districts. At each location, savor a craft cocktail (or two!), discover insights into Denver’s burgeoning food and cocktail culture, and connect with fellow culinary enthusiasts.
An experienced local guide will share fascinating cocktail history and tales from Denver’s prohibition era, as well as insights into the city’s recent culinary renaissance, which has made Denver a hotspot for food and drink lovers nationwide.
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Vegetarian tastings are available
- Mocktails are available upon request
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.