Sip in style: Creative cocktails for winter in Aspen

Editor’s note: A version of this story appears in this year’s edition of the Winter in Aspen/Snowmass magazine.

In a town that embraces a work-hard-play-hard mentality, it’s no surprise that Aspen has one of the best winter cocktail scenes. From breweries to distilleries and everything in between, there have always been many places to imbibe both on and off the mountain. But in the last few years, Aspen has seen an evolution in craft cocktails and the art of mixology, with the below establishments leading the way.

Bad Harriett: D Lady

---

---

With the luminous bee blinking outside, guests make their way to Bad Harriet, a speakeasy-style bar, to savor an array of drinks and delectable bite-sized treats.

The menu features 24 cocktails divided into three categories. The first, STYLE, offers drinks designed for those seeking extravagance and flair. The second category, POWER, pays homage to influential women, with cocktails crafted to embody the essence of the powerful figures after which they’re named. Finally, CLASS showcases favorite modern classics, all with a unique Bad Harriet twist.

---

---

While all Bad Harriett’s cocktails are delicious, The D Lady stands out as a signature drink. The cocktail is a delightful gin sour inspired by Princess Diana, and it exudes a sense of royalty. It blends the citrus and botanical notes of Empress 1908 Gin with the aromatic, floral essence of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Shaken with freshly squeezed lemon, house-made English tea cordial, and a touch of egg white, this frothy beverage cascades into a purple hue, garnished with a decorative array of micro flowers.

Betula: Espresso Reishini

Laurent Cantineaux, chef and owner of Betula Aspen, has a clear vision when it comes to his restaurants. The Paris native, who is also the chef and owner of Bonito Saint Barth, showcases his elevated, yet approachable, sensibility both in the restaurant’s space and within its menu.

Catineaux’s food philosophy is uniquely his own. Best described as French Pan-American, the menu showcases French technique with Latin American and Caribbean influences and is comprised of dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients packed with flavor.

His philosophy extends to the bar menu, which highlights creative cocktails in whimsical glassware.

One standout is the Betula Mule, a twist on a Moscow Mule, made with Aspen Vodka, homemade ginger syrup, lime beer, and mint. Another is The Snowfall, a Snow Tequila-based martini with Italicus (bergamot liqueur), a spray of vermouth, and an orange twist.

If you need an extra kick, the bold and fresh Espresso Reishini — made with Lalo Tequila, Kahlua, Licor 43, and coffee infused with Ganoderma reishi mushroom, all served in a mushroom cocktail glass — is about the most unique take on an espresso martini in town.

MOLLIE Aspen: MOLLIE Old Fashioned

The bar program at MOLLIE strives to make creative, fun, interesting, and yet accessible cocktails. Unique combinations of ingredients and masterful execution make it stand apart. The MOLLIE is also working to educate the community about what a good cocktail should be through its cocktail masterclasses and soon-to-be pop-up bars in the rooftop lounge.

MOLLIE’s cocktail menu fuses innovation with classic techniques, appealing to the sophisticated tastes of Aspen’s visitors and residents. The artisanal craftsmanship reflects the town’s luxurious and outdoor adventurous vibe, attracting those seeking both elegance and authenticity.

The MOLLIE Old Fashioned is a delicate mix of overproof bourbon, sweet potato shochu, salted maple, and bitters. It’s a classic approach to the old fashioned with a modern twist. The sweet potato shochu brings a lychee flavor to the cocktail, which plays off of the salted maple very well. Fresh orange on top heightens the aroma, rounding out this beautiful cocktail.

Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.