3 Aspen Mixologists and Their Favorite Drinks

BY Linda and Kelly J. Hayes | March 15, 2017 | Feature Features

Bar none, Aspen's top cocktail connoisseurs concoct some of the best—and most original—libations on the planet. Here, three gurus of mixology share their favorites, along with the passion and spirits that make them come alive in the glass.

The Ancho Libre at Ellina pairs exceptionally well with the equally sweet and spicy calamari fritti.

ELLINA
Drink: Ancho Libre
By Bartender Kelly Young
Kelly Young’s discovery of Ancho Reyes Ancho chile liqueur, a slightly sweet, smoky, spicy liqueur made in Puebla, Mexico, inspired this sinful sipper that’s a twist on a dessert to which she’s partial. Rimmed with cinnamon, ancho powder, sea salt and raw sugar, it’s a surefire hit. $16, 430 E. Hyman Ave., 970.925.2976

1 oz. silver tequila
1 ½ oz. Ancho Reyes chile liqueur
1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
oz. fresh lemon juice
oz. fresh lime juice
oz. agave nectar
In a shaker, combine tequila, Ancho Reyes, juices and agave. Rim a highball glass with a blend of ground cinnamon, ancho chile powder, sea salt and raw sugar, and fill with ice. Strain drink into glass. Garnish with a touch of freshly grated cinnamon and a grapefruit twist.

JIMMY’S
Drink: Morning Droplets of Dew on Frozen Grapes
By General Manager Jessica Lischka and Bar Manager Chris Kelner
Part of a new collection of cocktails called Turning Japanese, which is featured on the drinks menu at Jimmy Yeager’s beloved watering hole, Morning Droplets (for short) was inspired by the restaurant team’s recent visit to Japan. $14, 205 S. Mill St., 970.925.6020

1 ½ oz. Tozai Living Jewel Junmai sake
¾ oz. Woody Creek gin
¾ oz. Dolin Bianco vermouth
½ oz. yuzu juice
½ oz. Dolin dry vermouth
5-6 frozen green grapes
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Muddle grapes slightly to break up. Shake to chill with grapes. (Do not shake with ice. The frozen grapes are the chilling agent.) Double strain over clear cocktail ice.

CARIBOU CLUB
Drink: Harley’s Manhattan
By Bartender Scott Sherry
Among the glitterati, there is no more famous place for a cocktail than the Caribou Club, founded by the legendary Harley Baldwin. This classic drink, his favorite, is an homage to his spirit, which longtime staffers say lingers in the restaurant when the doors close for the night. 411 E. Hopkins Ave., 970.925.2929

3 parts Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
1 part sweet vermouth
1 maraschino cherry
Chill a martini glass. In a shaker, combine the bourbon with sweet vermouth. Shake with ice and strain into the glass. Drop in a maraschino cherry and serve.

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3 Aspen Mixologists and Their Favorite Drinks