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Top Spots For Holiday Cocktails In Denver

Acorn(credit: Acorn)

The cold weather and obligatory family gatherings ensure that the holiday season calls for a stiff drink. Luckily, there are many classy lounges in Denver that cater to the cocktail connoisseur, and in various locales and venues. Ensure those difficult conversations and awkward conversations go down really smooth with a holiday drink at one of the following lounges.

Bar Red
437 W. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80204

(303) 573-0223
www.barreddenver.com

Bar Red, a hidden gem downtown, has not only the ideal holiday ambiance mixing homey comfort with elegant class but also the mixology experts manning the bar, making every drink perfect. The large and diverse cocktail menu embodies the warmth required for the perfect holiday beverage and they are known to cater to special occasions, ensuring some holiday specials pop up on the menu. The Dark Crown, comprised of whiskey, balsamic, house-made cherry bitters and basil or the Pomegranate Martini nods to the season and the top shelf wells ensure that every drink is the best it could be.

Epernay Lounge
1080 14th St.
Denver, CO 80202

(303) 573-5000

www.epernaylounge.com

Epernay Lounge is as swanky as it comes. The light and airy atmosphere matches the champagne-heavy drink list. But they aren't all bubbly. The signature cocktails represent the holiday season in taste and color. The Royale Mojito made with Bacardi Superior, Veev Acai Spirit, fresh lime, cane sugar, mint and blueberries is as rich as it sounds and the Champagne Cadillac comprised of Ketel One Citron, Grand Marnier St. Germaine, fresh lime, cranberry and Prosecco sparkling wine mixes seasonal flavors with signature drinks.

The Living Room
1055 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203

(303) 339-6636
www.coclubs.com/the-living-room

The décor is what makes The Living Room a must for a holiday drink. Large enough to gather with a group of friends or family while lounging on the chic couches ensures it is perfect for holiday parties. Whether your order off the large menu, lounge by the fire pit or listen to live piano music (or DJ on some nights), enjoying a holiday wine or a signature cocktail has never felt so festive.

Related: Top Sports Bars In Denver

Acorn
3350 Brighton Blvd.
Denver, CO 80216

(720) 542-3721
www.denveracorn.com

Acorn, located in Brighton Boulevard's The Source, is a fine-dining and upscale lounge that makes its patrons feel oh so classy. Whether stopping in for a meal or to taste one of its impeccable drinks, you won't leave disappointed. Come holiday season, most want a Warm Welcome, which at Acorn is a cocktail made of rittenhouse rye, fernet branca, averna, grenadine and cocktail punk cherry bitters. The menu boasts many seasonal selections as well, as the weather cools.

Green Russell
1422 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202

(303) 893-6505
www.greenrussell.com

Post-prohibition bars are all the rage, and really, the concept never gets old. The dark charm of Green Russell mixed with the upscale prestige of Larimer Square makes it a swanky lounge option. The speakeasy vibe and expertly crafted drinks gave it its tagline, "chef driven cocktail joint." Pick a seasonal option or a standard favorite to truly enjoy the vibe.

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Nicole Cormier is a hip-hop head with business ambitions who stumbled awkwardly into journalism in 2007 as Colorado Music Buzz's hip-hop editor. She is the publisher and editor of the Colorado hip-hop e-magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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