Best Cocktail Spots in Aspen & Snowmass: A Concierge Insider Guide

Aspen and Snowmass both deliver unforgettable cocktail experiences, from mountaintop lodges pouring bacon-garnished Bloody Marys to Italian hotspots where espresso martinis keep the après crowd dancing. Here’s where to go — and what to order — when you want your drink to be part of the story.

One of the best places for a Bloody Mary is Ullrhof, a small mountain lodge in Snowmass opposite Big Burn. Skiers know it as the place to stop mid-run for a break that’s more about flavor than speed. Look for Craig, the head honcho in a Grateful Dead shirt. He has been mixing Bloody Marys for years, and they’ve become something of a legend — strong, spicy, and loaded with bacon, pickles, and all the extras. It’s a ritual for many who consider it the quintessential Snowmass cocktail stop.

For margaritas, Los Montañas has quickly become the spot. Located in downtown Aspen, it offers a rooftop patio with heaters where you can sip strong, well-poured cocktails while taking in the views. Inside, the décor leans turquoise and playful, with a quirky vibe that keeps the atmosphere light and social. The staff are consistently friendly, and their happy hour menu makes the margaritas even more enticing. This is where friends gather for laughs and strong pours that set the tone for the night.

Campo de Fiori is where you’ll find one of Aspen’s most famous espresso martinis. This Italian restaurant is always buzzing, with energy spilling out into the après hours. Staff are lively, the music is upbeat (they bump 50 Cent if it’s your birthday), and the scene often tips into dancing on tables or passing around shot skis. It’s the espresso martini spot that combines quality with chaos — and that’s exactly why people love it.

For a more polished cocktail experience, Catch Steak’s bar is where Aspen leans toward its LA side. This is where friends and families visiting from out of town gather, where conversations spill across tables, and where you’re as likely to see familiar faces as new ones. The cocktails are refined, the vibe is upscale, and it’s the kind of place that feels central to Aspen’s nightlife rhythm.

Hooch offers something very different. Tucked downstairs, it’s dark, moody, and filled with quirky artwork. The lighting is deliberately low, almost to the point where you’re navigating by candlelight, but it works — the atmosphere feels secretive and stylish. The cocktail menu is creative and playful, filled with clever names and unexpected flavors, making it a destination for those who want their drinks to be part of the entertainment. Bonus tip: ask for the paper bag cocktail. It's a secret menu drink that'll put your mom in her dancing shoes.

Clark’s Oyster Bar is Aspen’s East Coast transplant, where the white-tiled interiors and raw bar transport you straight to Cape Cod. It’s cozy, welcoming, and known as much for its excellent wine and cocktail program as for its oysters. Their happy hour is one of the best in town and it’s always a strong recommendation for anyone looking for a mix of comfort and refinement. Ask for a seafood tower to crank up the vibe – it's the Aspen version of ordering the sizzling fajitas at Chili's.

Ajax Tavern is perhaps Aspen’s most iconic place to spend a sunny afternoon. Perched at the base of the gondola, it’s an outdoor scene unlike anywhere else. The music is loud, the DJ keeps the tempo up, and skiers pour off the mountain to join the fun. Reservations often require a minimum spend of around $2,000, so the better move is to put your name on the waitlist and circle back after enjoying another happy hour elsewhere. Outside seating is the real experience — even with snow on the ground, Aspen’s bluebird skies can make the patio feel like a spring party. Inside is cozy, but outside is where the town gathers to celebrate.