A great day in Winter Park deserves a great drink. Raise a glass at award-winning distilleries, mountaintop bars, lively après-ski hangouts, and local favorites pouring stellar cocktails.
Nobody plans a mountain getaway around cocktails. In destinations like Winter Park, the obvious choice is to finish the day with another lap on the slopes, another hike, or another bike ride. But this Colorado mountain town has a great drinks scene, where creative bartenders, locally distilled spirits, and laid-back mountain hospitality make it kind of irresistible to wrap up a day of adventure with an evening pour.
In this blog post, I'll share everything you need to know about where to sip craft creations in Winter Park, from grain-to-glass distilleries producing spirits from Colorado-grown grains to mountaintop bars perched above the Continental Divide, lively après-ski hangouts, and intimate lounges pouring inventive house cocktails late into the evening.
But first, a little about us:
At Winter Park Lodging Company, you'll find a collection of stellar vacation rentals throughout Winter Park, including cozy condos, spacious mountain homes, pet-friendly stays, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Backed by local expertise, we're here to help you enjoy every moment of your stay.
Need more inspiration before your Winter Park escape? Visit our destination blog, where you'll find local tips on wildflower hikes, the best restaurants in town, pet-friendly things to do, and much more.
A Little sneak peek:
- Grain-to-Glass Distilleries: Locally distilled spirits, signature cocktails, and behind-the-scenes tours.
- Cocktails at 10,700 Feet: Scenic sips at Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge and Lunch Rock.
- Best Après-Ski Hangouts: Happy hour, Bloody Marys, and slope-side drinks at Derailer Bar.
- Where to Find the Best Margaritas: Local favorites serving classic, spicy, and mezcal creations.
- A Great Glass of Wine: Award-winning wine lists paired with Mediterranean-inspired dining.
- Where the Night Doesn't End: Live music, karaoke, comedy, and casual drinks at Devil's Craft.
- Classic Mountain Pubs: Irish hospitality, sports bars, draft beers, whiskey, and comfort food.
1. Winter Park's Homegrown Distilleries
Winter Park has fully embraced the grain-to-glass philosophy, producing spirits from 100% Colorado-grown grains before turning them into cocktails you simply won't find elsewhere.
Idlewild Spirits Distillery leads the way. Its whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and gin are all distilled in-house, giving bartenders complete freedom to build drinks around spirits they know inside and out. Its restaurant is a must-visit while in town. It features a full cocktail bar (voted Best Cocktails in Grand County) with a drink menu showcasing Colorado grain-to-glass spirits, local beer, and wine. One of the favorite picks among patrons is the Smoked Brown Sugar Old Fashioned. The best companion for your craft cocktail? One of the restaurant's New American gastropub specialties.
Just a few minutes away in Fraser, Fraser Valley Distilling follows a similarly handcrafted approach. Their lineup features favorite house cocktails like the Citrus Gin & Turmeric, Carrot Drank, and Fraser Mule. The latter is a refreshing combination of gin, ginger liqueur, lemon, and soda that's perfect for summer days. The distillery also offers tours where you can see the creation process and learn more about its grain-to-glass philosophy.
2. Sip Cocktails at 10,700 Feet
Sitting at 10,700 feet above sea level, Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge is one of the most spectacular places in Winter Park to enjoy a cocktail. Ride the gondola up, order a classic cocktail, wine, or craft beer, and settle in with sweeping views across the Continental Divide. Summer is perfect for enjoying craft creations on the outdoor wooden deck, while in winter, this is one of Winter Park's most beloved après-ski destinations. Mountaintop Happy Hour runs from 4–7 p.m. and features drink specials and live music.
For another high-altitude cocktail stop, visit Lunch Rock Restaurant & High Craft Bar. Located in the Mary Jane area of the resort, its outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip Colorado craft cocktails with panoramic mountain scenery. If you're skiing, it's also an excellent excuse to pause for lunch before heading back onto the mountain.
3. Join the Après-Ski Crowd at Derailer Bar
Beyond Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge, Winter Park has another après-ski gathering spot you should definitely include in your itinerary. Derailer Bar is located right at the base of the resort, and it's famous for its affordability, Signature Bloody Mary, and draft beers. Make sure to grab a seat on the sunny south-facing deck to watch skiers descend. Daily happy hour runs from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. Don't Leave Town Without Ordering a Margarita
If margaritas are your drink of choice, The Ditch on 40 serves, according to locals, the best margaritas in town. To create The Famous Ditch Margarita, the bartenders mix traditional blanco tequila, Patrón Citrónge, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar. They then shake it vigorously and serve it with or without salt or Tajín. Their menu also includes Mezcal Margaritas, which are also worth trying.
Another local recommendation for refreshing margaritas is Lime — An American Cantina. Some of the most popular include the Mighty Margarita, Jalapeño Margarita, Lime's Signature Coin, and Mezcal Seduction Margarita. Their daily happy hour runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and to make it even better, order some classic Mexican favorites like street tacos and nachos.
There's also Pepe Osaka's Fishtaco Tequila Bar & Grill, where Mexican flavors meet Japanese influences. They have one of the largest selections of tequilas and mezcals in town, their house margaritas are excellent, and the Sushi Burrito is an unexpected dish you should definitely try.
5. What About Some Wine?
Having been a town favorite for over 45 years, Deno's Mountain Bistro isn't known for crafting cocktails, but one of its most celebrated features is its impressive wine selection from around the world. Exceptional bottles are only half the story. The kitchen has an equally stellar reputation for serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
6. Stay Out After Dinner and Head to Devil's Craft
When locals are not quite ready to call it a night after dinner, they head to Devil's Craft for a few extra cocktails. This local institutio functions as acocktail bar, music lounge, comedy club, and neighborhood gathering place. Live music takes over on weekends, with the Grand County Blues Society regularly performing here, and karaoke nights are one of the best ways to enjoy the place if you come with a group of friends. Don't expect fancy cocktails. Devil's Craft is all about draft beers, ciders, and a small selection of wines.
7. Don't Overlook the Classic Mountain Pubs in Town
Randi's Grill & Pub brings traditional Irish pub warmth to Winter Park, serving a broad cocktail menu alongside classic comfort food in a laid-back setting that's especially inviting after a full day outside. Their drink menu includes a great variety of draft beer, wines, whiskeys, and popular cocktails such as the Irish Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, and Harvest Sangria.
Located in the heart of town, Derby Grill takes a different approach. It's popular with sports fans thanks to its multiple televisions, pub fare, pints, and wines.
FAQs About Cocktails and Après-Ski in Winter Park
1. Is it worth making reservations for bars and cocktail spots?
If you're visiting during Christmas, New Year's, Presidents' Day weekend, or Spring Break, yes. Many of Winter Park's most popular restaurants and cocktail bars fill up quickly between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m., especially on weekends. Reservations are a good idea if you're planning dinner alongside drinks.
2. What's the best drink after skiing or hiking at high altitude?
At nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, alcohol tends to affect people more quickly than at lower elevations. Start by drinking plenty of water, have something to eat first, and consider ordering a lower-alcohol cocktail, beer, or spritz before moving on to stronger spirits.
3. What's the legal drinking age in Colorado?
The legal drinking age is 21 years old. You'll likely be asked to show a valid photo ID when ordering alcohol, even if you look well over 21, so it's worth carrying one with you.
4. Do bars in Winter Park stay open late?
Most restaurants wind down by late evening, but a handful of neighborhood bars and music venues stay open later, particularly on weekends. If you're looking for live music, karaoke, or a more energetic atmosphere after dinner, plan to head out after 8:00 p.m.
5. Should you tip bartenders in Winter Park?
Yes. Tipping is customary throughout Colorado. Around $1–2 per beer or cocktail is common, while 18–20% is the standard for table service if gratuity hasn't already been included on the bill.
6. Is it easy to get around after an evening out?
Yes. Winter Park's free public shuttle, The Lift, connects many of the area's neighborhoods, lodging properties, and the resort during the ski season. Ride-sharing services are also available, though wait times can be longer late at night or during busy holiday weekends.
Time to Plan Your Winter Park Escape
Mountain adventures come in all shapes and sizes, and having the right place to return to makes every day even better. At Winter Park Lodging Company, our collection of more than 100 vacation rentals offers something for every type of traveler, backed by local expertise and friendly guest services every step of the way.
Happy planning, and we'll see you in Winter Park soon!