Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
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Guide imbibe back to basics OUR TOWN'S COCKTAIL CULTURE DEFTLY MIXES ORGANIC INGREDIENTS AND RETRO RECIPES. by lolli johns Ajax Tavern L ocated at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern's patio is a haven for people-watching and classic cocktails. Try the refreshing Rocky Negroni, created with CapRock Organic Gin, sweet vermouth, Aperol, and fresh orange. 675 E. Durant Ave., 970-920-6334; thelittlenell.com Aspen Brewing Company A spen's only brewing company, this local favorite has tapped into perfecting innovative microbrews. Standouts include the Ajax Pilsner, Conundrum Red Ale, and Independence Pass IPA. Drink in the killer view from the deck. 304 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-920-2739; aspenbrewingcompany.com Caribou Club S erving up style for more than 20 years, the Caribou Club sets the standard for elegance and sophistication. A new summer cocktail menu includes the innovative Salad Shooter Martini: organic cucumber vodka, St-Germain, and fresh grapefruit juice served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with refresh- ing cucumber. Bottoms up! 411 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-925-2929; caribouclub.com J-Bar L eah Stroup, lead bartender at Hotel Jerome's legendary bar, serves up the Sassy Granny Tea. 164 aspenpeak-magazine.com It features 10 Cane rum and Grand Marnier, mixed with freshly squeezed lemonade and tropical vanilla iced tea, and topped with organic blackber- ries. This twist on a summer classic will liven any afternoon. 330 E. Main St., 970-920-1000; hoteljerome.com St. Regis Aspen T his popular spot is mixing seasonal and locally inspired cocktails. Top picks include the Mojito Organico made with VeeV Açai Spirit, organic agave nectar, lime wedges, and mint leaves topped off with club soda, and the Peach and Colorado Cherries Spritzer, featuring Square One organic vodka, a dash of lemon juice, organic agave nectar, and club soda garnished with organic peaches and a Colorado cherry. 315 E. Dean St., 970-920-3300; stregisaspen.com Viceroy Snowmass I nspired by the iconic Russian cocktail, this hip resort has created the ultimate Moscow Mule. Mixed with vodka, house-made ginger syrup, and lime juice, and served in a copper mug, this nod to the original is oh-so-tempting. 130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, 970-923-8000; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com Woody Creek Tavern A n eight-mile bike ride from Aspen along the gorgeous Rio One of the best alfresco patios in town, Ajax Tavern sits at the base of Aspen Mountain. Grande Trail, this famed tavern was a favorite haunt of Hunter S. Thompson. Its world-famous Fresh Lime Margarita, mixed with Herradura Blanca, 100 percent blue agave, and freshly squeezed limes, is a true taste of summer. 2858 Upper River Road, Woody Creek, 970-923-4585; woodycreektavern.con Six89 C arbondale's Six89 has earned the respect of foodies for its farm-to-table menu, yet their cocktail menu is just as inspired. Stop by this charming Victorian outpost for a New Fashion. Mixed with Leopold's local blackberry whiskey, Lillet blanc, and cherry bitters, and finished with muddled orange, this powerful flavor profile screams summer. 689 Main St. Carbondale, 970-963-6890; six89.com The Meatball Shack T he newest addition to the Aspen restaurant circuit, The Meatball Shack serves an unbelievable Shack Bloody Mary from its Skinny cocktail list. Mixed with Effen cucumber vodka and a specialty Shack-made spicy Bloody Mary mix, it's finished with a pickle and a slice of whiskey-barrel-smoked bacon from Rocky Mountain Bacon Co. This chilled, spicy Mary packs a punch—and, perhaps best of all, is light on calories. 312 S. Mill St., 970-925-1349; themeatballshack.com AP SCENE STEALER 39 Degrees at the sky hotel is a summer favorite. mixologist Denis Côté credits his signature drinks to fresh local products. Why the current obsession with local ingredients? Using fresh products promotes our healthy lifestyle, and we always have been committed to quality ingredients for our drinks and food. plus, the more local, the better! What is your favorite summer ingredient to incorporate into cocktails? Fresh local peaches. How do you toast summer? champagne anywhere, any time of the day, is always welcome, or a nice pint of beer from aspen brewing company. Caption will go here . The atmosphere is always warm at 39 Degrees.