Denver has been well known for a long time as one of the best destinations for beer and spirits. Along with the rest of Colorado, Denver is home to many craft breweries and distilleries, but also houses a ton of great local bars and restaurants that pride themselves in serving local brews and cocktails made from local distilleries.

University Park, the neighborhood surrounding the University of Denver also has its reputation for local bars and hip cocktail spots. These destinations have been well established in the University Park neighborhood and have contributed charm and character into the cute streets lined with coffee shops, bookstores, and quality bars.

Whether you are coming home after a long day at work, wanting to catch a drink with your friends, or wanting to hit the streets on a Friday night, there is no better place than to start than at Arboretum! At Arboretum, you will be living in a central location that allows for walkability to all of the hip cocktail spots of University Park, let’s dive into our favorites!

Asbury Provisions

At Asbury Provisions, you will find your new regular destination, just 2-blocks away from your front door at Arboretum. They feature 25+ local craft beers on tap, a variety of wines, and handcrafted cocktails. Asbury Provision prides themselves on their house-infused vodka, gin, and moonshine. Putting a twist on your classic drink, Asbury Provisions has it down, from sophisticated to classy to fun there will be a drink for whatever to mood is.

THE ASBURY
House-Infused Citrus Vodka – Raspberry – Blackberry – Lemon Juice – Apple Bitters – Prosecco – Sage Garnish

THE GREY WOLFE
Earl Grey Infused Gin – Honey Simple Syrup – Lemon Juice – Served Up With a Sugar Rim

THE BROTHERS THREE
Bourbon – Basil – Balsamic Simple Syrup – Ginger Beer

Spanky’s Roadhouse

Spanky’s is a University Park favorite, located right on Evans— well known around the neighborhood for their hospitality and amazing happy hour. Take a 10-minute walk from your front door at Arboretum, take a stroll up Evans, and when you get to Spanky’s pick the bar, dining room, or patio and wind down with a refreshing cocktail in hand! Whether you’re looking for a unique refreshing cocktail or boozy bucket for the night Spanky’s is the place to be.

KENTUCKY SIDECAR
Woodford Reserve Bourbon – Torres Magdala Orange Liqueur – Fresh Lemon

CUCUMBER MINT GIMLET
Tanqueray Gin – Muddle Cucumbers – Fresh Mint – Fresh Lime – Agave

ROSEMARY-GRAPEFRUIT MULE
Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka – Rosemary – Fresh Lime – Ginger Beer

Crimson and Gold Tavern

This signature destination in the University Park neighborhood has been around for over 15 years and brings the DU pride outside of the campus. Just a 5-minute walk from your door and you’re at Crimson and Gold ready to have the funkiest drinks in the neighborhood! They take a turn to your normal drink and spice it up!

PURPLE TURTLE
Deep Eddy Cranberry – Black Raspberry Schnapps – Lemonade

C & G BLOODY MARY
Pickle Infused Vodka – House Made Bloody Mary Mix

SPICY-RITA
Altos Tequila – Jalapenos – Sour Mix – Splash of OJ

Wind down, have some fun, and meet new people!

These hot cocktail destinations all walking distance from your home at Arboretum will make you feel more at home in your neighborhood and will help find those connections that will last a lifetime. Get out and explore all there is around Arboretum!