The 5 Best Restaurants/Bars For Craft Cocktails Around Vail Valley

A well-crafted cocktail can transform familiar spirits into something memorable through fresh citrus, house-made infusions, aromatic herbs and unexpected flavor combinations. Bartenders draw inspiration from mountain ingredients, international traditions and contemporary mixology to create drinks ranging from inventive margaritas to sophisticated whiskey cocktails. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes restaurants and bars that bring creativity, thoughtful preparation and distinctive flavors to the region's cocktail scene.

Mountain Fish House

Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar in Edwards combines fresh seafood with a cocktail program that emphasizes bright flavors and imaginative ingredients. Its Butterfly Effect features vodka, lavender, fresh lemon and butterfly pea flower, while the Beach Body blends pineapple-jalapeño tequila with cilantro, ginger, lime and soda water. Guests can also try the Sun Survivor with mezcal, grapefruit and lime or an oyster shooter prepared with jalapeño-infused tequila and Bloody Mary mix. Founded by Brian Nolan and Lily Doran, the restaurant pairs its specialty drinks with oysters, lobster rolls and other coastal-inspired dishes.

Social Oak Wine Bar

Social Oak Wine Bar in Eagle Ranch combines a curated wine program with craft cocktails and a scratch kitchen. The establishment emphasizes thoughtfully prepared beverages alongside food made with ingredients from suppliers such as Tender Belly and Gotham Greens. Its combination of cocktails and wine gives guests opportunities to explore different drinks while enjoying a meal or gathering with friends. Social Oak offers a neighborhood setting for an evening centered on creative beverages and carefully prepared food.

Westside Cafe

Westside Cafe in West Vail complements its American comfort food with a cocktail program featuring house-infused spirits and Colorado distillery partnerships. Its barrel-aged whiskey Manhattan combines bourbon from Vail's 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co. with Aperol and sweet vermouth, creating a variation on the traditional whiskey cocktail. The restaurant also prepares several signature Bloody Marys, including a bacon-infused version and a spicy variation featuring habanero and jalapeño-infused vodka. Established in 2002, Westside Cafe pairs its creative drinks with hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner selections.

Del Toro Mexican Cuisine

Del Toro Mexican Cuisine in West Vail brings Mexican culinary traditions together with a beverage program centered on tequila, mezcal and handcrafted cocktails. Its margaritas provide a refreshing complement to the restaurant's flavorful dishes, from carne asada enchiladas and chicken mole to seafood specialties. The restaurant's approach to Mexican dining emphasizes traditional ingredients and distinctive regional preparations, creating opportunities to explore agave spirits alongside familiar flavors. With its full-service dining room and bar, Del Toro offers a setting for cocktails before dinner or drinks shared over a leisurely meal.

Lookout Bar at The Westin

Lookout Bar in Avon's Riverfront Village draws inspiration from Nordic culture and Rocky Mountain ingredients, creating a cocktail menu filled with unusual combinations. Its Leav the Beav blends dill- and birch-infused vodka with aquavit, basil syrup and lemon, while Cabin Fever combines bourbon, walnut liqueur, maple syrup, green Chartreuse and rum. Other creations include Ember & Bloom with rye whiskey, hibiscus and lemon, and Mountain Velvet with mezcal, tequila, agave, lime and Rioja wine. The bar complements its inventive drinks with Nordic-inspired small plates and expansive Vail Valley views, creating a distinctive setting for an afternoon cocktail or evening gathering.

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