Denver Cocktails Tour
From$95
2 hours
Denver, USA
About this activity
Discover Denver's historic LoDo district on a guided walking tour, visiting three local bars and tasting unique cocktails while learning about the city's rich history and vibrant nightlife.
Highlights
- Explore Denver's historic LoDo district
- Visit three local bars with unique cocktails
- Learn about Denver's rich history
- Enjoy a guided walking tour
- Experience Denver's vibrant nightlife
Full description
Join the Denver Cocktails Tour for an unforgettable evening in the city's historic LoDo district. This guided walking tour takes you through charming streets, stopping at three local bars where you'll savor unique cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Denver's rich history and vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or just looking to explore the city's best bars, this tour offers a fun and engaging experience that combines history, culture, and delicious drinks. Don't miss out on this exciting adventure through Denver's nightlife!
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Denver's historic LoDo district
- Visits to three local bars with cocktail tastings
- Insight into Denver's rich history and cocktail culture
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Itinerary
1
We begin the Denver Cocktails Tour inside Union Station, one of Denver’s most beautiful and historic spaces. Originally built in 1881 and completely restored in 2014, this Beaux-Arts landmark now serves as the city’s social hub — a place where travelers, locals, and visitors all cross paths. Beneath its soaring ceilings and chandeliers, the Great Hall buzzes with energy from the bars, cafés, and restaurants that have turned the station into a showcase of Denver’s food and drink culture. As guests gather here to meet their guide, you’ll hear the story of how Union Station helped shape the city — from its railroad beginnings to its rebirth as a centerpiece of downtown life. The tour starts here because it captures the essence of Denver: classic architecture, warm hospitality, and a spirit of reinvention. After introductions and a quick orientation, we’ll step out into the city to explore the cocktail bars that define Denver’s modern mixology scene.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Our first stop is Tavernetta, one of Denver’s most celebrated Italian restaurants and the perfect place to ease into the evening. Warm, elegant, and welcoming, it captures the relaxed sophistication of dining in northern Italy — complete with an open kitchen and a view of passing trains just steps from Union Station. Here, we start with a Brachetto Spritz, a refreshing twist on the classic aperitivo that blends lightly sparkling red Brachetto wine with citrus and a touch of bitterness. To pair, the kitchen serves housemade focaccia — golden, soft, and fragrant with olive oil — alongside a garlic conserva and mix of marinated olives. The result is simple but deeply satisfying: bright, herbal, and balanced flavors that wake up your palate for what’s to come. As your guide shares the story of Tavernetta’s James Beard Award–winning team, you’ll experience why this stop embodies the best of Denver’s elevated yet unpretentious dining scene — timeless hospitality with a local touch.
Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Our second stop brings us inside the Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest continuously operating hotel and a living piece of the city’s history. Opened in 1891, just a few years before the Brown Palace, the Oxford has hosted cowboys, railroad tycoons, and even the occasional movie star. As we step through its doors, your guide shares stories of the city’s early days — when Union Station had just opened across the street and this hotel was the height of frontier luxury. The lobby feels like a step back in time: rich wood paneling, art deco details, and century-old tilework that’s been carefully restored. Your guide paints the scene of 19th-century Denver — a booming, dusty town on the edge of the Rockies where whiskey and railroads shaped fortunes. This stop isn’t just about the drinks to come; it’s a chance to see how Denver’s cocktail culture began, in the same building where travelers once swapped stories over glasses of bourbon more than a hundred years ago.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Our next stop is Urban Farmer, a modern steakhouse that reimagines farm-to-table dining in the heart of downtown Denver. Sleek yet welcoming, its bar feels both polished and relaxed — the perfect backdrop for our featured cocktail: the Butter Pecan Old Fashioned. This house favorite starts with bourbon infused with toasted pecans and browned butter, then stirred with demerara syrup and bitters to create a smooth, nutty twist on the classic. It’s rich but balanced, with a touch of warmth that fits perfectly in any season. As you sip, your guide explains how the Old Fashioned remains one of America’s most enduring cocktails — simple, adaptable, and deeply tied to craftsmanship. The drink reflects everything Urban Farmer stands for: respect for tradition with a modern, local sensibility. It’s a moment to slow down, taste the layers of flavor, and appreciate how Denver’s cocktail scene blends creativity with classic roots.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
From the Oxford Hotel, we make our way to the Dairy Block — one of downtown Denver’s most vibrant destinations for food, drink, and art. Once home to the Windsor Dairy, this historic block has been transformed into a modern micro-district filled with cocktail bars, restaurants, and local shops, all connected by a lively alleyway strung with lights and murals. As we walk, your guide shares how this redevelopment helped spark the city’s transformation into a culinary hub while honoring its industrial past. Inside the block, every detail tells a story — from the preserved brick walls and iron beams to the artisan stalls serving small-batch goods. It’s a place where locals gather after work, travelers discover hidden bars, and chefs experiment with flavor and form. The Dairy Block perfectly captures the spirit of the tour: old Denver bones with new Denver flavor. Here, we’ll pause to explore a few favorite spots and enjoy the next stop on our cocktail journey.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Our next stop is inside The Maven Hotel, a sleek, art-filled boutique property that anchors the Dairy Block. The Maven isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a celebration of Denver’s creative spirit. As we step into the lobby, surrounded by bold murals, reclaimed wood, and sculptures from local artists, your guide shares how this building helped redefine the city’s downtown hospitality scene. The name “Maven” itself means an expert or connoisseur — a fitting stop on a cocktail tour built around craftsmanship and connection. The hotel’s airy lobby opens into a network of bars and eateries that highlight Denver’s collaborative culture. You’ll hear stories of the artists, chefs, and bartenders who helped shape the block into the lively destination it is today. The Maven perfectly bridges the city’s past and present — industrial roots polished with modern creativity. It’s a brief stop to soak in the energy, design, and personality that make this part of Denver so unique.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
We end our Denver Cocktails Tour at Poka Lola Social Club, a vintage-inspired bar tucked inside The Maven Hotel. With its marble bar, patterned tile, and playful nods to soda fountains of the past, Poka Lola feels both classic and modern — a place where craftsmanship meets fun. Here, the bartenders curate two craft cocktails exclusively for our group, each one reflecting the season and showcasing the creativity that defines Denver’s mixology scene. No two visits are quite the same; the menu evolves with local ingredients, trends, and inspiration.
Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- The tour is stroller accessible.
- Service animals are allowed on the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as the tour is conducted outdoors.
- Bring a valid ID to verify your age at the bars.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Vegetarian tastings are available
- Mocktails are available upon request
Traveler reviews
5.0131 reviews
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Barry was an excellent...
Barry was an excellent guide and had some solid suggestions on where to get the best food and drinks! The old fashioned was very delicious and the variation of drinks was fun! I would gladly recommend this cocktail tour to a friend!
Yaneth_CJul 2, 2026VIATOR
Exceptional Denver Cocktail Tour
Barry was an outstanding tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about cocktails and Denver history. He was also very knowledgeable of the Denver restaurant scene.
Don_BJun 20, 2026VIATOR
Great drinks and conversation
My husband and I had a wonderful time! Barry was a great guide. We learned a great deal about the Denver restaurant scene while enjoying 4 cocktails. Be careful with those last couple. They hit hard. I definitely recommend not planning to drive after the tour.
Dawn_MJun 7, 2026VIATOR
Awesome cocktail tour, but the fun, interesting facts, and history were big bonuses! Also lots of local restaurant recommendati
This tour exceeded my expectations. Not only were the cocktails excellent, the information and history about the restaurants and hotels we visited were interesting and helpful. I have learned a lot that will help me in my visit here in Denver. I have been here many times but learned so much more in this tour!
Betsy RMay 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Denver Cocktail Tour
The Denver Cocktails tour exceeded my expectations. Not only were the cocktails excellent for a mixed crowd, the information and history about Denver were way more value added than I expected. I would do this again for sure!
Betsy_RMay 26, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Vegetarian option is available. We are NOT able to accommodate gluten-free or dairy-free diets on this tour.
Mocktails are available upon request