It’s “spooky season” – and there are quite a few exceptionally spirited spots across the Denver metropolitan area serving a limited-time lineup of festive brews with and without boo(ze). Don’t miss these bewitching destinations where you can eat, drink, and be scary, this fall!
The Martini Bar at The Curtis Hotel
The Curtis Hotel in downtown Denver’s spooky sips are free for guests who book the property’s seasonal #StayHaunted Package — but anyone who pops into the corner office for a “spell” can indulge in one of these not-so-happy-hour treats as part of their Halloween festivities. Stop into the property’s on-site watering hole, The Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar, to check out one of their signature spooky cocktails. The Great Pumpkin Sour is made with amaretto, bourbon, spiced pumpkin syrup, lemon, and egg whites. The Vampire’s Elixir is made with sparkling wine, Sprite, and pomegranate syringe. The Nightmare Fuel is made with Stoli vanilla, blackberry liqueur, ginger syrup, lemon, and activated charcoal. The Haunted Oasis is made with Tequila, Cointreau, coconut cream, lemon pomegranate syrup-chamoy and a black salt rim.
Poka “Luna” Social Club
Across downtown, Poka Lola Social Club invites those who dare, to step into the shadows as it becomes Poka Luna—an elegant, yet eerie, escape where exceptionally “spirited,” seasonal cocktails take a dark delicious turn in a festive environment. This popup will cast a spell on you, when you “come for the boos” but ultimately become immersed in an entire world offering a special, limited-time menu with elevated sips and savory bites amongst a chillingly chic atmosphere. Try seasonal sips such as “The Conjuring” made with Michter’s Rye, Chai, Allspice Dram, Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, and St. George Absinthe Verte — or the “Holy Water” (such a fan favorite last year it was continued into this year’s lineup of boozy brews) made with Cream Cheese-Washed Ketel One Vodka, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Dolin Dry, and House Olive Brine. And be sure to come out for Poka Luna’s regular special themed events including “Witching Hour” (much more fun than happy hour!), as well as Ouija Wednesdays, Disco Mystique and Tarot Tuesdays.
Black Lagoon at Lady Jane
In Northwest Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood, visit the Black Lagoon – an acclaimed Halloween pop-up that’s officially taken over Lady Jane, in a darkly immersive atmosphere featuring a lineup of spine-chilling cocktails. Try the “Griselda’s Revenge” – a tropical, herbaceous cooler fit for a swamp queen, or the “Nocturna Colada” a twist on the piña colada, but from swapping white sand for black sand beaches. There will be drag performances every Friday and Saturday night throughout October, starring local favorite Pigeon. It’s a month-long experience adding smoke and sinister mirror to make each sip feel exceptionally supernatural in this fully immersive experience, complete with hauntingly detailed décor and a creatively crafted cocktail menu with Halloween-inspired originals (including ample N/A options).
“Nightmare in Paradise” at Adrift Tiki Bar
Adrift on Broadway is known as Denver’s classic, go-to tiki bar — but this season, the island outpost is trading daydreams of sand, sunshine and palm trees for foggy visions of pumpkins, skeletons and spider webs with the launch of “Nightmare in Paradise.” The tropical temperatures dip down during this chilling Halloween takeover from September 30 through November 1, hosting an entire month of ghoulish decorations, creepy cocktails, and bewitching events that blend Adrift’s traditionally warm, tiki-themed atmosphere with a special spark of spooky Halloween magic. Try one of the seasonal “Creepy Cocktails,” each of which swoops in at $17.
Take a bite of the “Poison Apple,” made with Jamaican Rum, Apple Brandy, Blended Scotch, Madeira, Spiced Pear, Demerara, and Citrus. Or, sip on the “Frog’s Breath,” made with Puerto Rican Rum, Overproof Jamaican Rum, Green Herbal Liqueur, Pineapple, Basil, and Lime. Adrift is also hosting fun community events like “Red Rum Wednesdays,” where classic Halloween films take over the big screen. Guests can enjoy discounted Creepy Cocktails and shots while watching a collection of favorite frightening flicks. Those who dare to get competitive can attend the Tiki Carving & Cocktails event, taking place on October 23rd from 7-9 p.m.— a classic Halloween tradition paired with tiki flair, including a pumpkin carving contest, with provided tools and prizes to be earned.
Other High “Spirited” Halloween Happenings Around Town
If you’re seeking another spooky spot to celebrate the season, Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood is hosting its fabulously frightening, highly anticipated annual Halloween bash on Saturday, October 25, from 8:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. at The 13th Floor. Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy an unforgettable night of live performances, tarot readings, photo opportunities, costume contests, festive cocktails, light bites, and more. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
