Rose Laudicina/Courtesy photo
Summertime in Aspen means there is no shortage of activities. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a day filled with leisure activities, or a fancy evening event, most days are packed with opportunities for fun.
For some, summertime shenanigans also mean enjoying a drink or two — maybe it’s toasting with friends après hike, sipping an ice-cold beverage while lounging by the pool, or starting an evening out in town with the right cocktail in hand. And for those in this camp, Aspen still has plenty of activities for you to indulge in that also include a drink.
Now that we’ve reached the mid-to-late summer crunch where we are all trying to squeeze the most out of summertime as possible, here’s a roundup of some Bar Talk style experiences to add to your summer to-do list:
Education + Libations – MOLLIE Aspen
Every other Wednesday (at least through August), the MOLLIE Aspen is putting on a two-hour Cocktail Master Class where attendees can learn how to “shake, stir, and sip your way to cocktail mastery.” With a food and beverage program run by Gin & Luck, the hospitality group behind the acclaimed Death & Co. cocktail bar, and one of my favorite bar programs in town, the mixology team at the MOLLIE is certainly equipped to guide a group in the art of cocktail making.
Tickets are required for the class (and they do sell out) at $90 per person, but it include all the supplies you’ll need and tools that you can also take home. If you go back for seconds, the next class is $45 if you bring the cocktail mixing set you were given the first time around.
Music + Whiskey – Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge
A spacious patio and Aspen summer are two things that go hand in hand, and Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge has one of the best in town, located on the walking mall right near the dancing fountains. Add in a refreshing summer cocktail menu and live music, and you’ve got an extra winning combination. Every Thursday afternoon this summer, the Whiskey Lodge is hosting live music on the patio for patrons to enjoy while sipping on one of the bar’s new summer cocktails. Think of it as a nice music and drinks alternative if you don’t feel like heading to Snowmass and hanging out on Fanny Hill.
Aperol + Activations – W Aspen
The W Aspen has been going strong all summer with a slew of events from pool parties to rooftop yoga to a growing live music program, and the hotel shows no signs of slowing down in August. The “Townie Trailer” partnership with Aperol Spritz this summer continues to be popular as a walk-up outdoor Aperol bar pouring everyone’s favorite summer drink. And on Aug. 17, George Clooney’s tequila brand Casamigos is back in the Grotto at the W for another After Dark party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cinema + Cocktails – The Little Nell
Three chances remain to enjoy a movie al fresco at the base of Aspen Mountain this summer. The Little Nell has partnered with Aspen Film to bring back its popular Cinema Under the Stars program, and there are options on how to enjoy ranging from spendy to gratis. VIP seating is available for $200 for two people, which includes set seats, a bottle of champagne, and movie snacks, while GA seating is free and first-come, first-served with some blankets and chairs available, but it’s recommended you bring your own. Popcorn and snacks are of course available for purchase along with cocktails and other libations to help enhance this already special movie-going experience.