Downtown Denver Cocktails Tour: A Taste of the Mile-High City’s Spirit
Imagine spending an afternoon wandering through Denver’s lively downtown, visiting some of the city’s top cocktail bars, and savoring expertly crafted drinks with delicious bites. For $89 per person, you get a lively two-hour experience that combines local history, vibrant neighborhoods, and a genuine taste of Denver’s emerging culinary scene. Led by a knowledgeable guide—like Barry, who earned glowing reviews—this tour offers a balanced mix of education, flavor, and fun.
What we love most about this experience is how it balances authentic local flavor with a relaxed vibe. You’ll start at the historic Union Station, a beautifully restored hub that’s become a symbol of Denver’s modern renaissance, and then make your way to the Dairy Block, one of the newest micro-districts packed with cool bars and shops. Plus, the chance to taste four different cocktails, each paired with a small dish, means you leave with a better understanding of Denver’s cocktail scene and some new favorite spots.
One little consideration to keep in mind: this tour doesn’t accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets, so if you have dietary restrictions, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Also, with just a couple of hours and under half a mile of walking, it’s perfect for those who want a quick, yet immersive experience without tiring themselves out.
This tour is best suited for foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, and curious travelers who enjoy learning about local culture through food and drink. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun way to explore Denver’s downtown, this experience offers a good mix of sights, flavors, and stories.
Key Points
- Good value for the price at $89, including cocktails, bites, and expert guidance.
- Visit iconic locations like Union Station and Dairy Block, gaining insight into Denver’s evolving food and drink scenes.
- Learn about Denver’s history through engaging stories from your guide about prohibition and local culinary renaissance.
- Sample four craft cocktails expertly paired with small plates, offering a variety of flavors.
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Perfect for those with limited time but who want an authentic, fun introduction to Denver’s downtown.
Discovering Denver’s Downtown on a Cocktail Tour
Denver’s downtown offers a blend of history, modern vibrancy, and a burgeoning food scene. This tour makes it easy to experience the city’s best cocktail bars while soaking in the sights and stories that make Denver unique. The experience is designed as a short, engaging journey that packs in flavor, culture, and local charm, all within a compact two hours.
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The Itinerary: From Historic to Trendy
The tour kicks off at Union Station, a beautifully restored train terminal that has become a hub of activity. Here, you’ll get to see Denver’s historic center, with its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. Inside, guides often share stories about the station’s past, its transformation into a boutique hotel, and its role in Denver’s growth.
After welcoming you in this iconic setting, the group moves on to two other top spots—one being the city’s oldest hotel and the other the Dairy Block, a newer, stylish micro-district that’s packed with trendy bars, boutique shops, and art installations. Each stop features a craft cocktail paired with a small plate, giving you a taste of Denver’s evolving culinary scene.
What You Can Expect at Each Stop
At Union Station, you might start with a refreshing spritz or a classic cocktail that highlights local spirits and ingredients. The guide, such as Barry, will share fun tidbits about the prohibition era and Denver’s cocktail history, making each sip more meaningful. The first pairing often includes a small appetizer that complements the drink, like a savory bite or a light snack.
Moving to the oldest hotel, the focus shifts to more refined, crafted drinks—think smooth Old Fashioneds or innovative twists like a Butter Pecan Old Fashioned. Here, the atmosphere might be a bit more intimate, perfect for savoring the flavors and learning about the local bartenders pushing Denver’s cocktail boundaries.
Finally, at Dairy Block, you’ll experience modern Denver—hip, colorful, and full of energy. The cocktails here tend to be more inventive, often featuring local ingredients or creative twists. Paired bites might be small, flavorful dishes served in vibrant settings, giving you a real sense of Denver’s latest culinary trends.
Authentic Local Flavors and Stories
One of the biggest draws of this tour is the knowledgeable guidance you receive. As several reviews mention, guides like Barry are not only friendly but well-versed in Denver’s history and food scene, enriching the experience with stories that go beyond the drinks. You’ll learn about Denver’s history of prohibition, its booming food scene, and how local ingredients influence cocktail creation.
We loved the way the tour mixes educational content with delicious tasting—each stop offering a different style of drink and a bite that enhances the experience. The pairing elevates the tasting from simple drink sampling to a full sensory experience.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Drinks and Bites
Expect four cocktail samples throughout the tour. These might include a light, crisp spritz or a more indulgent Butter Pecan Old Fashioned. Each cocktail is thoughtfully paired with a small plate—ranging from savory bites to more inventive small dishes. These pairings not only complement the drinks but give a glimpse into Denver’s creative food scene.
What makes this experience stand out is the quality of the cocktails and the local ingredients used. The guide might explain how Denver’s spirits, local herbs, and fruits influence the flavors, making each sip a little more meaningful.
Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go
The tour lasts around 2 hours with minimal walking involved—less than half a mile—making it accessible for most. Meeting near the Crawford Hotel check-in desk inside Union Station, the group is small, capped at 10 participants, which ensures a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Reservations are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to fit into your travel plans. Guides wear orange “Delicious Denver Food Tours” buttons, so they’re easy to spot.
Keep in mind that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, vegans, or those with gluten intolerance or dairy allergies, as the tastings are pre-set and cannot be modified.
Reviews and Authentic Experiences
Feedback from recent participants highlights the tour’s knowledgeable guides and stunning views. Chase, who did the tour for his honeymoon, called Barry “very knowledgeable” and recommended him highly. Others, like Andrea, a local, appreciated how they discovered new places and had a blast.
Participants also love the combination of delicious drinks and insights into Denver’s history, making it not just a tasting but an educational journey. The shared experiences foster friendly conversations, with many saying they would do it again or recommend it for visitors seeking a fun, relaxed way to explore downtown.
The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?
This cocktail tour is perfect for adventurous foodies and drink enthusiasts who want to explore Denver’s lively downtown without the fuss of a sit-down dinner. It’s well suited for those who enjoy learning about local history while savoring well-made cocktails and bites. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making it a great choice for couples, friends, or even solo travelers keen on meeting like-minded people.
While it’s not tailored for dietary restrictions or non-drinkers, the experience offers excellent value for money, combining education, flavor, and fun in just two hours. Whether you’re celebrating, visiting for a few days, or just looking to see Denver in a different light, this tour provides a lively, authentic taste of the city’s growing reputation as a foodie and cocktail destination.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those who do not consume alcohol?
This tour focuses on cocktail tastings, so it’s not suitable for non-drinkers. The set tastings are pre-arranged and cannot be modified for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions.
How much walking is involved?
The tour involves less than half a mile of walking over two hours, making it manageable for most participants. The stops are close together within downtown Denver.
What is included in the price?
For $89, you get four cocktail samples, three paired bites, guided commentary, and personalized recommendations for Denver dining and drinking spots.
Are the tours suitable for children or minors?
No, the tour is only for those 21 and over due to alcohol consumption regulations.
What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID or passport to verify your age. Comfortable shoes are advised, but minimal walking means you won’t need anything special.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.
In essence, the Downtown Denver Cocktails Tour offers a relaxed, engaging, and delicious way to explore the city’s heart. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of local history, culture, and craftsmanship—all in just a couple of hours.
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