My Honest Review of the 2025 Denver Cocktails Tour

You know, I’d been looking at different ways to see Denver’s after-dark scene for a little while now. So, a walking tour that showcases some of the city’s finest drink-making spots felt like a perfect match, you know? It promised a curated look into the Mile High City’s libation culture, a world away from your typical pub crawl. The idea of learning the stories behind the drinks, instead of just drinking them, was, to be honest, really appealing. So, I went ahead and booked a spot on the 2025 ‘Denver Cocktails Tour’, pretty much full of anticipation for what the evening held. I was sort of hoping to find a few new favorite places, and, frankly, I was not let down in the slightest.

First Impressions and Getting Started

The meeting spot was, actually, right near Union Station in the LoDo district, which is a really historic part of town. Our guide, a fellow named Sam, had this very friendly and open kind of energy right from the start. He was apparently a local with a real passion for Denver’s history, and you could, like, just tell he loved talking about it. Our group was more or less small, just eight of us in total, which was a nice surprise. A smaller group, you know, makes everything feel more personal and less like you’re just part of a herd. There was this feeling of shared excitement as we all introduced ourselves. We were a pretty mixed bunch, actually—some couples, a few solo folks like me, and some friends out for the night. Sam, as I was saying, gave us a quick rundown of the evening’s plan, setting a relaxed and welcoming mood that pretty much lasted the whole night.

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The First Stop: A Taste of Classic LoDo Sophistication

Our first destination was a place called The Gilded Pony, just a short walk away. From the outside, you know, it was really unassuming. But stepping inside, you are transported, you know, to a different time period. The place had an air of old-world grace, with dark wood panels, deep leather chairs you could sink into, and very soft, low lighting. It really felt like a place with a ton of stories. Sam explained that the building was, as a matter of fact, over a century old and had seen Denver change in some amazing ways. It set the stage perfectly for our first drink, a really classic Old Fashioned. The bartender constructed it with a kind of serious focus, you know? The smell of the expressed orange peel was, honestly, the first thing I noticed. The drink itself was just so smooth, with a rye whiskey that had a nice little spice to it, balanced by a hint of sweetness and aromatic bitters. It was, at the end of the day, a proper introduction to the art of a well-made cocktail.

Moving On to RiNo’s Artsy and Modern Vibe

Next, we took a short ride over to the RiNo Art District, which has a completely different feeling, you know, from LoDo. The streets there are just covered in amazing murals and public art. Our second stop, Neon Cactus, was, in some respects, a total reflection of its surroundings. The interior was full of bright colors, unusual art pieces, and a sort of industrial-chic look. The change of scenery was honestly pretty refreshing and showed a more contemporary side of Denver’s bar scene. Here, the cocktail selection was more experimental. We were presented with something called the “Mountain Blossom.” It was a gin-based drink, obviously, that featured elderflower liqueur and a splash of lavender bitters. It was served in a cool, angular glass and topped with a single, edible orchid. The flavor was light, floral, and so very different from the robust Old Fashioned. It was a drink that really pushed the boundaries a bit, in a way, and was a super interesting contrast to our first stop.

The Grand Finale: A Speakeasy Secret

For our last stop, Sam led us down an alley I probably would have walked past a hundred times. We stopped at an unmarked door, and, you know, he gave a specific knock. The door opened into The Alchemist’s Study, a genuine speakeasy with an incredibly intimate feel. The space was pretty small, with bookshelves lining the walls and a ceiling painted to look like a night sky. It was honestly a magical sort of place. There were no menus here, you know. Instead, the bartender asked each of us a few questions about our flavor preferences—sweet or sour, bold or light, things like that. Based on my answers, he created a bespoke cocktail for me. It arrived in a coupe glass and had this wonderful mix of smoky mezcal, tart grapefruit, and a sprig of rosemary. It was literally a one-of-a-kind creation, and this experience, at the end of the day, was the real high point of the entire tour.

You know, the part where the mixologist crafts a drink just for you is a really special moment. It’s not just a drink; it’s more like a personalized piece of art, made just for you in that moment. It honestly makes you feel seen.

Read our full review: [2025 Denver Cocktails Tour Full Review and Details]

The Verdict: Is the Denver Cocktails Tour Worth It?

So, at the end of the day, would I recommend this tour? Definitely, yes. It’s so much more than just a bar hop. It is, you know, a very well-curated experience that gives you a genuine taste of Denver’s diverse cocktail scene, from the historic and classic to the modern and inventive. The quality of the drinks was just excellent across the board, and having a guide like Sam to add historical context and stories was really what made the evening. You pretty much get to visit three unique venues, try three amazing cocktails, and learn a whole lot without having to do any of the planning yourself. It’s arguably perfect for anyone who appreciates a good drink and a good story, you know, whether you’re visiting Denver for the first time or you’re a local wanting to see your city in a new light. The small group size just makes it feel special and friendly. I left feeling like I had genuinely discovered some new gems in the city.

You will actually experience three distinct and high-quality Denver bars.
The tour typically includes one full-sized cocktail at each of the three stops.
A knowledgeable local guide, you know, provides historical context and fun facts.
Group sizes are kept small for a more personal feeling.
It’s a really great way to discover new places you might want to return to later.