By Rachel Feinblatt By Rachel Feinblatt | October 8, 2024 | Food & Drink, Food & Drink Feature, Food & Drink, Food & Drink News Latest,
From lounges to cozy mountain hideaways, here are the top spots that will elevate your Aspen adventure, one drink at a time.
Aspen Public House is all about building community, welcoming families to a laid-back haven where pub-inspired interiors set the relaxed tone. As evening falls, the space transforms into a buzzing bar scene with a full bar service, offering local brews, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list—we’ll clink to that. 328 E Hyman Ave., Aspen,publichouseaspen.com
Raise a glass to timeless tradition at Bad Harriet’s, where the cocktails are simply extraordinary. Step into the sultry speakeasy vibes of Hotel Jerome and dive into a menu packed with playful, one-of-a-kind flavors. Each sip is a tribute to bold women of history—including Jerome’s wife, Harriet, who inspired this unforgettable spot. With drinks this delicious, you’ll be toasting the past and savoring the moment all night. 330 E. Main St., Aspen,aubergeresorts.com
Get ready to meet your new favorite hangout—BUCK (aka Bar Under Cooper and Kitchen) is breathing life into the basement with wallet-friendly drinks and a drool-worthy bar menu. Think apps, juicy burgers, French onion soup, chicken sandwiches, lasagna, and nightly specials that’ll keep you coming back for more. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Last Dollar cocktail or BUCK’s twist on a Whiskey Mule. 508 E Cooper Ave., Aspen
With over three decades of cocktails and culinary creations, Cache Cache is undoubtedly worth a shot. Illuminating its restaurant is its brimful bar, boasting an impressive selection of sips. With bar manager Sammy Sandall shaking things up, the cocktail menu is always fresh, seasonal and totally worth the trip. Patrons can also clink with a pour from the impressive wine selection, creating the perfect blend of fun, flavor and good times. 205 S Mill St., Aspen,cachecache.com
Casa Tua offers an exquisite dining experience inspired by Italian cuisine. The restaurant, envisioned by architect Michele Bonan along with Miky and Leticia Grendene, presents a refined menu available for lunch and dinner. Venture to its patio for the ultimate drinking and clinking experience, where visitors experience “amore” with a setting that merges elegance with the rustic charm of the mountains. 403 S. Galena St., Aspen,casatualife.com
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar is like your living room, only better, with a menu mashup of timeless favorites and creative spins on classic cocktails. Check out their Reserve Manhattan List, packed with vermouth-based gems. Try the Mizunara Manhattan for a daring vermouth-sake fusion, or savor the Happy Pappy, a delightful mix of Pappy 10-year and Vermouth Di Torino Pio Cesare. 301 E. Hopkins Ave., Aspen,hoochaspen.com
indulge in an array of cocktails at Hotel Jerome
Saddle up for some wild history at the J-Bar, where cowboys once rode through the doors. During Prohibition, they snuck bourbon into vanilla milkshakes—now the famous Aspen Crud. Today’s version mixes Woody Creek bourbon, demerara syrup, vanilla ice cream, and ice, topped with a Luxardo cherry. Feeling curious? Ask the bartender to show you the original till with a secret drawer, etched with every bartender’s initials since 1889. 330 E. Main St., Aspen,aubergeresorts.com
Appreciation for fine spirits, especially amber whiskeys, has been a longstanding tradition in the historic ambiance of the Old West. This tradition continues at the Silver City Saloon in Aspen, welcoming visitors with a friendly atmosphere. The spot offers premium whiskeys, top-notch tequilas, assorted beers, wines and mixed cocktails. Adding to the experience, Silver City hosts live music performances, featuring both touring acts and local favorites, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. 210 S Galena St., Aspen,silvercityaspen.com
For days that forecast the après-ski scene after a day on the slopes, The Snow Lodge has revamped its iconic lodgings to ensure a flurry of fun. Feast your eyes on linear banquettes, crystal bubble midcentury sconces, an art deco chandelier and French honeycomb floor lamps while you toast to a perfect day with your favorite cocktail in hand. 315 E Dean St, Aspen,thesnowlodge.com
Aspen’s newest après ski hot spot combines rich history with stunning mountain views. At the base of the Rockies, this lodge offers indulgent bites, creative cocktails and stylish interiors for the perfect après experience. Guests can enjoy rare whiskeys, including lodge-exclusive bottles, while staff share insights on production and flavor. Proceeds from special bottles support local first responders, honoring the friendship that inspired Stranahan’s legacy. 307 S. Mill St., Aspen,stranahans.com
Get ready to dive into a world where chill vibes meet high-energy thrills at The Sterling. Start the night lounging in style, sipping on craft cocktails and savoring premium bottle service. As the night heats up, the space transforms into a pulsating nightclub to burn up the dance floor and let loose. With a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, The Sterling promises an unforgettable mix of relaxation and rave. 301 E Hopkins Ave Unit 001,thesterlingaspen.com
The Wine Bar is the ultimate aprèsski spot, now featuring stylish Alpine decor and flexible seating. From Thursday to Sunday, enjoy DJ-spun vinyl, a full menu of wines, craft cocktails, and light bites. New this ski season are two cocktail hours with special drink offers. At its core, The Wine Bar shines with its acclaimed wine program, led by wine director Chris Dunaway, boasting over 20,000 bottles from top vineyards worldwide. 675 E Durant Ave., Aspen,thelittlenell.com
Photography by: PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRAND; acclimatestudios;