Craft cocktail bars just keep popping up downtown. With elevated cocktails and stylish vibes, here are five cocktail bars in Colorado Springs where you should definitely raise a glass.
Chiba Bar
Quirky and fun, this cyberpunk cocktail lounge has a drink and dinner menu with an Asian fusion twist. Try a Lychee Buck, a gin mule with lychee fruit, or a Saketini. There’s also a great Japanese whisky menu to choose from. Drop in at dinner for a drink and nigiri, or after 9 p.m. for a live DJ.
19 E. Kiowa St., facebook.com/chibabarcos
Shame and Regret
One of prolific restaurateur Joe Campana’s more recent ventures, Shame and Regret is an alleyway watering hole where cocktails are named after bad dates and remorseful nights. The Swipe Right is made with bee pollen-infused Spring44 Vodka, fresh lemon juice, honeysuckle simple syrup, crème de rosé and rose flower water. Or try the It’s Not Me It’s You, a gin cocktail created with butterfly pea flower-infused gin, fresh lime juice, fresh mint and club soda.
15 E. Bijou St., shameandregret.com
Brooklyn’s on Boulder
Step inside the “haberdashery” and ring the doorbell for access to the speakeasy that serves as Lee Spirits tasting room. You’ll find an intimate environment, where the bar almost seems to act as a stage for Brooklyn’s few bartenders, who mix drinks exclusively with the delicious Lee Spirit’s gin and whiskey. Ask for fan favorites Carlos Garcia or Philip Taylor who will give you a perfect cocktail and a good laugh. Our favorite is the Aviation, built with Lee Spirits gin and crème de violette. But even a classic like gin and tonic at Brooklyn’s won’t disappoint.
110 E. Boulder St., brooklynsonboulder.com
The Archives
Though it’s not hidden, you’ll get a Prohibition feel when you head underground to The Archives for a craft libation. Owner Dylan Currier—formerly of Cowboy Star and Sakura Speakeasy—is often behind the bar, creating artfully classic cocktails, as well as other interesting options. Try the Aphrodisiac, made with pear-infused vodka, fresh lemon juice and brown sugar-cinnamon syrup. Drop by this spot late, as the atmosphere tends to get better as the night goes on.
15 S. Tejon St., thearchivescos.com
District E11even
From Mood Tapas Bar, follow the hallway art gallery to the heavy bank safe door, or enter District E11even through the back alley. Once inside, dark lighting and eclectic wall art gives off a sexy vibe. While there is a large whiskey list, Bar Manager David Frink has created a unique cocktail list with creative drinks like Lord of Bones, an Old-Fashioned made with bone marrow-washed whiskey, or a martini made with olive oil-washed gin.
218 N. Tejon St., districtelleven.com
This article was originally published in February 2020.
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