Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Goldfinch
Denver, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Goldfinch's cocktail program is the centerpiece, with original drinks like the mezcal-forward Goldfinch and the LAWS Whiskey collaboration Pink Panther. House-made touches, including a six-week-steeped Limecello and sous vide pineapple gomme, show real craft. Wine and beer play supporting roles, while a Sunday spirits menu offers value shots.
- What should I order?
- Start with The Goldfinch, a mezcal cocktail with habanero and bell pepper syrup, pineapple, lime, and egg white. The Saffron Gibson offers a gin-forward change of pace. For a collaborative twist, try the Pink Panther with Laws Four Grain Bourbon. Sunday brings $5 spirit shots.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking original, well-balanced drinks will find a lot to like. Those who appreciate house-made ingredients and local collaborations will also be drawn in.
- When should I go?
- The Sunday Afternoon menu offers a distinct lineup of spirits and cans.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $14 to $20, with the Saffron Gibson at the top end. The Bird's Nest Cocktail Service costs $40 for two, and Sunday spirit shots are $5 each.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list is built on house-made ingredients and unusual combinations, such as the fat-washed rye in the Gilded Age and the gelatin shot paired with Island Vice. The Pink Panther collaboration with LAWS Whiskey House adds a local distillery tie-in.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A creative cocktail list with house-made syrups, fat-washed spirits, and a local collaboration. The Goldfinch and Saffron Gibson are standouts, while the Pink Panther shows distillery collaboration.
Menu strengths
- — House-made ingredients like Limecello steeped for six weeks and sous vide pineapple gomme.
- — Collaboration with LAWS Whiskey House for the Pink Panther cocktail.
Standout selections
- — The Goldfinch: Prolijo Mezcal, habanero and bell pepper syrup, pineapple, lime, egg white; $18.
- — Saffron Gibson: NoCo Distillery Saffron Gin, Carpano Dry Vermouth, orange bitters, saline; $20.
- — Pink Panther: Laws Four Grain Bourbon, Chinola Passion Fruit, Aperol, pomegranate, lime.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $14.00 to $20.00, with the Saffron Gibson at $20.00 and Limecello at $14.00.
Wine
Wine is used sparingly but effectively within cocktails, such as Prosecco splits in the Bird's Nest and a sparkling wine sidecar for Midnight Sun. The House-Made Sangria uses Piattelli Reserve Cabernet.
Menu strengths
- — Integration of wine into cocktail service adds celebratory touches.
- — Use of Piattelli Reserve Cabernet in sangria and as a float.
Standout selections
- — Francis Coppola Prosecco splits in the Bird's Nest Cocktail Service.
- — Sparkling wine sidecar with Midnight Sun.
Pricing: No individual wine pricing is available; wine appears only in cocktail service.
Beer
A focused canned beer and cider selection appears on the Sunday Afternoon menu, including local Colorado options like Odell IPA and Hazer Tag, plus ciders from Stem.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local Colorado brands like Odell.; Variety of ciders, including hibiscus and pear.
Pricing: No individual beer pricing is available.
Spirits
A well-priced spirits list on the Sunday Afternoon menu covers bourbon, rye, gin, vodka, tequila, mezcal, and rum, offering a broad range for $5 each.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection across categories.; Very accessible pricing at $5 per shot.
Standout selections
- — Prolijo Mezcal; Cimarrón Reposado; Green River 1885 Bourbon
Pricing: All spirits on the Sunday Afternoon menu are $5.00 per shot.
How it sits with the food
The Bird's Nest Cocktail Service pairs cocktails with food for two, and the menu includes items like tacos and deviled eggs, though the beverage focus remains on the cocktails.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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