Bartender’s Playground: Innovative Cocktails to Elevate Your Palate

Uncovering the Speakeasy Secrets of Denver’s Cocktail Scene

I recently had the good fortune to travel to Colorado, and my first-ever trip to the Centennial State took me to the bustling city of Denver. As a self-proclaimed cocktail connoisseur, I was eager to explore the city’s renowned drinking scene, and let me tell you – I was not disappointed.

Discovering the Elusive Green Russell

After spending a few days marveling at the majestic Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, I set my sights on Denver’s urban landscape. Armed with a friend’s recommendation, I ventured to the historic Larimer Square district, determined to uncover the secrets of one of the city’s most acclaimed cocktail bars – Green Russell.

Finding this subterranean speakeasy-style establishment was no easy feat. At first, I stumbled upon what appeared to be the entrance, only to realize it was the bar of a barbecue restaurant, Russells Smokehouse. Awkwardly, I approached the hostess, fumbling for the right words to convey that I was seeking the elusive Green Russell, not its more conventional counterpart.

Thankfully, the hostess graciously guided me beyond a pair of service doors, leading me to a dimly lit, partially finished basement-like space that exuded the distinct air of a true speakeasy.

Honoring the Past, Elevating the Present

As the bartender, Heather, explained, Green Russell takes pride in its pre-Prohibition roots, with a focus on classic cocktails and techniques that were in vogue before the so-called “Noble Experiment.” This commitment to history is evident in the bar’s rustic-chic decor, complete with rough-hewn stone walls, wooden posts, and vintage fixtures that evoke the Prohibition era.

But don’t let the speakeasy theme fool you – Green Russell is no mere gimmick. The heart of this establishment is a dynamic, highly contemporary beverage program that showcases a range of seasonal offerings, barrel-aged cocktails, and a bartender’s choice option for those willing to put their faith in the expert’s hands.

Elevating the Cocktail Experience

Settling into the cozy, not-too-crowded space, I was greeted with individualized attention from Heather, who seemed more like a personal guide than a typical bartender. She offered suggestions, answered questions, and engaged in lively conversation, elevating the cocktail experience to new heights.

Exploring the Innovative Menu

Heather’s first recommendation, the Castle Black, set the tone for the evening. This vibrant drink, inspired by the ominous Game of Thrones location, combined two types of 10-year-old scotch – Glen Grant and Laphroaig – with Amaro Lucano, black pepper, and citrus bitters. The result was a delightful interplay of smoky, peppery, and bright flavors that had me hooked from the first sip.

Emboldened by Heather’s initial success, I opted for the bartender’s choice, expressing a preference for bourbon. She responded with a creative variation on a Manhattan, blending Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, Amaro CioCiaro, and angostura bitters. The deep, bold sweetness of this drink was perfectly balanced by the distinct orange notes from the amaro and a touch of bitterness.

Embracing the Unexpected

As a self-proclaimed gin enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to sample the Mousse with the Fir, a concoction featuring St. George’s excellent Terroir gin, Pampelmousse grapefruit liqueur, black pepper, lemon, and mint. The sour, invigorating cocktail offered a complex yet well-balanced blend of herbs and botanicals, with just a hint of sweetness. Though the clever name got a chuckle out of me, I found myself stuck with that dreaded “boots with the fur” song in my head for the rest of the weekend.

Elevating the Dining Experience

Green Russell’s food menu, much like its cocktail program, is focused on elevating the traditional bar snack experience. Dishes like candied spiced nuts, brisket sliders, and pigs in a blanket showcase the kitchen’s penchant for inventive, upscale takes on classic pub fare.

For my own culinary exploration, I opted for the delicious charred octopus, served with hush puppies, smoked aioli, and a spicy chorizo salsa verde – a perfect pairing to complement the array of innovative cocktails I had sampled throughout the evening.

Elevating the Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Experience

As the cocktail renaissance continues to flourish, there’s been a growing demand for high-quality non-alcoholic beverage options. Recognizing this trend, Giffard, a renowned French liqueur and syrup producer, has introduced a line of non-alcoholic liqueurs.

These innovative offerings enable bartenders to elevate their non-alcoholic cocktails, providing a touch of taste refinement and individuality. Crafted using the same traditional maceration techniques as their alcoholic counterparts, the non-alcoholic liqueurs from Giffard capture the essence of various fruits and botanicals, without the alcohol content.

Whether you’re the designated driver, a mindful drinker, or simply someone looking to explore new flavors, these non-alcoholic liqueurs open up a world of possibilities for crafting elevated mocktails and enhancing your favorite beverages. The options are endless for the creative bartender or at-home mixologist seeking to elevate their non-alcoholic offerings.

Embracing the DIY Cocktail Revolution

As the cocktail culture continues to evolve, some establishments are empowering their employees to showcase their own bartending skills and creative flair. Take, for instance, the story of a company that used to have its boss whip up a quartet of new craft cocktails for their weekly cocktail hour.

However, as work demands increased, the boss decided to scale back this tradition, much to the dismay of the employees. One brilliant staff member suggested turning the dropped Friday into a DIY Cocktail Hour, giving the rest of the team an opportunity to flex their mixology muscles.

The result? Some truly impressive and unexpected concoctions, including a “shockingly tasty” Moxie Sazerac and other “fun-yet-regrettable” creations. Not only did this empower the employees to showcase their bartending talents, but it also freed up the boss to enjoy a little more pool time on those Fridays.

Elevating the Seaport’s Cocktail Scene

Inspired by this DIY cocktail revolution, I decided to venture out to the Seaport district of Boston, where a new restaurant called Chickadee had caught my eye. Boasting three alumni from the renowned No. 9 Park, I knew this establishment was worth a visit.

Discovering Innovative Cocktails and Flavors

As I stepped into Chickadee, the ambitious cocktail menu immediately grabbed my attention. Ingredients like Grüner Veltliner white wine, grapefruit cordial, tomato, golden beets, roasted red pepper, and plum shrub showcased a daring willingness to venture beyond the typical cocktail flavors.

Intrigued, I opted for the Shearwater, a gin-based creation featuring rhubarb-infused gin and Salers, a gentian root-based apertif. The result was an elegant and different take on a 50/50 martini, with a creamy, vegetal, and subtly bitter profile that had me yearning for more of that elusive rhubarb flavor.

Tapping into the Expertise of Seasoned Bartenders

As I continued to explore Chickadee’s cocktail offerings, I was fortunate to be served by Kate, a talented bartender with connections to some of the industry’s most renowned names. With a fondness for Will Thompson, a former beverage manager whom she described as a great mentor, and a close relationship with the equally impressive Katie Soules, Kate’s expertise and creative flair were evident in the drinks she crafted.

When I requested a mezcal cocktail, Kate delivered a Will Thompson original called the Teenage Bart Simpson, featuring mezcal, mole bitters, lime, and green chartreuse. Intrigued by the quirky name and the promise of bold flavors, I eagerly sipped this concoction, reveling in the unexpected yet delightful combination.

Embracing the Pub and Restaurant Experience

As I made my way through the innovative cocktails at Chickadee, I couldn’t help but appreciate the holistic approach the establishment takes to elevating the dining and drinking experience. From the creative menu to the knowledgeable and engaging bartenders, every aspect of the Chickadee experience is designed to captivate and delight the senses.

And that’s the kind of experience we strive to offer at The Up & Under Pub – a place where the cocktail culture meets the comfort of a neighborhood watering hole. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic libation or an avant-garde creation, our team of passionate bartenders is always ready to guide you on a journey of flavor exploration.

So, the next time you find yourself in the mood for an elevated cocktail experience, venture beyond the typical and step into the Bartender’s Playground, where innovative concoctions and a touch of whimsy await. From Denver’s speakeasies to Boston’s Seaport, the possibilities for elevating your palate are truly endless.