As the days grow shorter, Denver’s bartending scene is stepping up its game with inventive and bold cocktails that are as wild as they are delicious. Key players include Poka Lola, The Family Jones, Riot BBQ, and NADC Burger, each offering unique concoctions you won’t want to miss before summer slips away.

Poka Lola Social Club

Location: 1850 Wazee St., Denver
Hours: Sunday 2 – 9 p.m., Monday 3 – 9 p.m., Tuesday – Wednesday 3 – 10 p.m., Thursday 3 – 11 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Poka Lola brings a playful twist to Denver’s cocktail culture. Their Hollaback Girl mixes brûléed banana-infused bourbon with pineapple and cacao, delivering a sweet yet toasty finish. The Bad Spray Tan, a daring blend of Mount Gay rum with red curry and coconut cream, offers a smooth and interesting flavor profile, while the Hot Swirl Summer combines a refreshing strawberry daiquiri with a decadent piña colada.

The Family Jones

Location: 3245 Osage St., Denver
Hours: Sunday 4 – 10 p.m., Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Thursday 4 – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 – 11 p.m.
The Family Jones Distillery embodies Colorado’s spirit in their cocktails. The Blucifer Martini, infused with blue cheese and blue spirulina, pays homage to the city’s famous blue statue. They also serve a refreshing Juniper Soak in a charming bathtub-inspired glass. Their Daq N’ Chips features a deliciously herbaceous rum daiquiri that is paired with house-made chips and salsa.

Riot BBQ

Location: 2180 S Delaware St., Denver
Hours: Sunday – Monday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Tuesdays, Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Riot BBQ’s cocktails aim to thrill. The Bourbon Peach Smash highlights the season’s juicy peaches and meets bourbon’s warmth with mint and lemon. The Clementine Margarita delivers a zesty flavor, while the standout Spicy Cucumber Margarita combines jalapeño-infused tequila with cucumber for a refreshingly spicy sip.

NADC Burger

Location: 1441 Larimer St., Denver
Hours: Open Daily 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
NADC Burger channels tropical vibes in its cocktail selection. Try the Night Fever, which combines smoky mezcal with melon and cucumber for a cooling effect. The Deathwish cocktail mixes rum, allspice, and boba for a blend of richness and sweetness. Their Tokyo Fishhouse Punch is aromatic and layered with Japanese whisky and coconut, making for an intriguing drinking experience.

These establishments reflect the adventurous spirit of Denver’s cocktail culture, serving drinks that are memorable in both flavor and creativity.