Three cocktails, one Denver story. I love the way this tour pairs three drinks with a guided timeline of how cocktails evolved, and I love the small-group size (up to 12) that makes it easy to hear your guide and ask questions. It’s a 2.5-hour walking experience that turns downtown Denver into a real-life drink history lesson.

I also like that the stops are picked for atmosphere, not just convenience: you start with the big-hall feel of Union Station, then move through LoDo’s bar scene and end around Larimer Square’s craft-cocktail energy. One drawback to flag: it’s mainly drinks-only, so don’t assume there’s food built into the ticket—plan to eat before you go.

Key things to know about this Denver cocktail tour

• Three drinks included across the route, so you’re paying for the story and the sips
• Up to 12 people keeps the vibe friendly and lets you actually talk with your guide
• Prohibition-era focus, with a pre/during/post arc tied to specific spots downtown
• Union Station to LoDo to Larimer Square, so you walk through different eras of Denver nightlife
• Mobile ticket and a straightforward meet-up at 1701 Wynkoop St

Getting Oriented at Union Station’s Big Downtown Feel

Your tour starts at 1701 Wynkoop St, right where Denver Union Station towers over the street. This is an easy place to find, and it sets the tone fast. In about 15 minutes, your guide brings you up to speed on the early Mile High City connection to alcohol—less textbook, more stories that explain why drinking culture took root here in the first place.

Union Station matters because it’s a landmark people recognize. That means you’re not wandering around lost before the fun starts. You also get a sense of what Denver wants to project: a city with confidence, routes, and visitors—exactly the kind of environment where bars and cocktail culture can take off.

Time note: with a 4:00 pm start and an overall ~2 hours 30 minutes, this feels like a great “get the city under your skin” plan before dinner.

LoDo’s Brick Streets, Speakeasy Corners, and a Pre–Post Prohibition Timeline

Most of the tour happens in LoDo (Lower Downtown), where the walk is the whole point. You’ll move through brick-lined streets that feel more like neighborhoods than marketing zones. Your guide steers you to a few favorite local places—some classic, some moodier—and the goal is to connect each drink to a moment in Denver’s cocktail evolution.

Expect a mix of settings. One stop can lean toward an older-style bar vibe, and another may include a subterranean speakeasy feel, complete with references to Denver’s founding pioneers. The point isn’t just the drink. It’s what your guide tells you about ingredients, inspiration, and what changed when Prohibition hit.

This is also where the tour becomes most engaging for history-minded cocktail people. You’re guided through the kind of timeline you can’t get from a menu board: pre-prohibition, during-prohibition, and post-prohibition—each period explained through what people were actually drinking and why.

What you’ll do while you’re tasting

At each establishment, you’re not stuck standing silently with your glass. Your guide shares the background of the cocktail you’re sampling and how the recipe connects to the era. And if you want a tour that doesn’t feel like you’re being lectured at, this format helps: you’re walking, tasting, and hearing the story in short bursts.

Many people also like the way they can choose what to order. One review-style detail you’ll likely appreciate: at two stops, there are choices of three cocktail options, and at the third stop there are additional options available. That flexibility makes it easier to find a drink you’ll actually enjoy—even if you don’t usually order the classics.

A heads-up about pace and style

This isn’t a nonstop stumble. It’s a curated walk, with distinct chapters. You’ll cover a decent amount of ground, though, so wear comfortable shoes. If snow or slush is in the forecast, LoDo sidewalks can get slick—this is a good time to dress like you’re going for a walk, not like you’re heading to dinner in one outfit.

Larimer Square to Close: Craft-Cocktail Recommendations for After the Tour

The final stop is Larimer Square. The time block is short—about 15 minutes—but it’s a smart finish. This is where you shift from tasting history to using what you learned.

You’ll explore the Larimer Square area while your guide wraps up the arc with a bigger-picture look at the modern craft cocktail scene in Denver. Then comes the part that often matters most for your trip: your guide gives recommendations for what to order next, plus pointers for great local beer and a bite to eat around town.

That last bit is where a good cocktail tour earns its keep. You don’t just leave with three drinks; you leave with a short list of where your new interests might take you after the tour ends.

Price and Value: $99 for Three Drinks and a Tight, Guided Walk

At $99 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to spend an afternoon. But you’re also not buying a random night out.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in practical terms:

• Three alcoholic beverages included
• A local, English-speaking guide who connects each drink to Denver’s cocktail timeline
• A small-group format (max 12) that keeps the experience personal
• A route that hits Union Station, LoDo, and Larimer Square rather than repeating the same kind of bar environment

If you were to do it on your own, you’d still need to pay for cocktails. The difference is that this tour gives you the story and the order—plus guidance on where to go for the next round (and how to think about what you’re ordering).

One other value signal: this tour is typically booked about 16 days in advance on average. It’s usually smart to plan a little ahead so you can lock in the time that works for your schedule.

What’s Actually Included (So You Can Plan Your Night)

Here’s the clean, no-surprises breakdown:

• Included: three drinks total and a local, English-speaking guide
• Not included: additional food and drink and souvenirs/personal shopping

This is where you should adjust expectations. If you like to structure your evening around food first, then pair drinks later, this tour may feel like it’s missing a snack component. Some people have flagged that there isn’t food, only the three drinks—so I’d treat it as an alcohol-focused activity and eat ahead of time.

It’s also a good idea to think about timing. Starting at 4:00 pm, you’ll likely be hungry by the time you finish in the LoDo area. Plan a dinner stop after, using your guide’s recommendations as a shortcut.

Small Group Comfort: Up to 12 People Means Real Conversation

One of the best parts of this experience is the size limit: maximum of 12. That’s big enough for a lively group, but small enough for the guide to keep control of the pace and conversation.

In practice, it tends to feel more intimate than a typical pub crawl. You get room to hear the backstory for each drink, and you’re not stuck yelling across a crowd. If you enjoy chatting with the guide and the people in your group, this format is built for that.

It’s also easier to ask questions when the group isn’t huge. If you’re the sort of person who wonders why one variation of a classic cocktail tastes different, you’ll probably enjoy how the guide explains ingredients and evolution in plain language.

Who This Denver Cocktail Tour Is Best For

This tour makes the most sense if you’re:

• a cocktail connoisseur or history buff who enjoys the how and why behind recipes
• the type who prefers a focused walk to a chaotic bar crawl
• visiting Denver for a short stay and want a quick orientation to downtown cocktail culture

It’s also a great fit if you don’t want the whole evening to be about loud nightlife. The structure—three stops, distinct time periods, a clear rhythm—keeps it from turning into random wandering.

If you’re not interested in alcohol history and you only care about drinks without the context, you might feel like something is missing. This experience is built around explanation, so it’s at its best when you lean in.

Should You Book This Denver Small-Group Cocktail Tour?

I’d book it if you want a smart, story-driven Denver night out. For $99, you get three drinks, a guided timeline through pre/during/post Prohibition, and a route that takes you from the grand feel of Union Station into LoDo and then out to Larimer Square.

You might skip it if you need food included as part of the experience. Plan to eat before, and you’ll feel much more comfortable during the tasting portion. Also, because it’s a walking tour, make sure you’re good with footwear and outdoor temps.

If your idea of a perfect trip includes mixing atmosphere with a bit of spirited education, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Union Station, Denver, CO 80202, in the LoDo area.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What time does it start?

The listed start time is 4:00 pm.

How many drinks are included?

You’ll enjoy three drinks during the tour.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.