Save Water, Drink These Instead: Spring Sips Around Arvada
Arvada just hit Stage 1 drought status—so yes, save water where you can. Lawns can wait. Your spring drink lineup, on the other hand, cannot.
Once the sun’s out and patios start calling, it’s officially time to trade in the heavy winter pours for something a little brighter. Luckily, Arvada bars are fully leaning into spring right now, whether you’re in the mood for something bubbly, frozen, or even zero-proof.
Take Colorado Tap House, for example. They’re leaning all the way into the season with the Summit 75, a lavender-kissed twist on a French 75 that feels made for patio sipping. Light, citrusy, a little floral—it’s the kind of drink that disappears quickly. And if you’re pacing yourself, they’re more than capable of mixing up something spirit-free with lemon, soda, and herbs that still feels just as refreshing.
Over at School House Kitchen and Libations, things get a little more playful. Their frosé is exactly what you want when it’s warm—rosé, strawberry, peach, white grape, all blended into a perfect frozen situation. The strawberry hibiscus margarita is right there with it if you’re going all in. Not drinking? A strawberry-lemonade style mocktail or a hibiscus soda still hits the same springy notes without the alcohol.
If your vibe is more “fresh and a little fancy,” Bluegrass (Olde Town and Candelas) has you covered. Their Spring Forward—with cucumber vodka, aloe liqueur, lime, strawberry, and mint—is basically a garden in a glass. And the best part is, those flavors translate really well into a zero-proof version. Think cucumber, mint, citrus, maybe a splash of soda—clean, bright, and just as patio-ready.
Then there are the spots that lean into pure fun. Secret Level’s Sunburn (yes, it involves a Capri Sun and a vodka shooter) is chaotic in the best way. But even here, you can keep it simple and nostalgic with just the Capri Sun or ask for a dressed-up version with fresh citrus or soda to make it feel a little more grown-up.
If you’re chasing that “I should be on a beach somewhere” feeling, Odyssey Beerwerks’ orange creamsicle-style beer and cerveza del mar lager do a solid job. Or skip the alcohol and go for something citrus-forward and fizzy—think orange, vanilla, and soda—for that same creamsicle vibe without the buzz.
The Arvada Tavern keeps things interesting with rotating seasonals like Sage Advice or Garden Fatale, bringing in herbal, botanical flavors. And that’s kind of the theme across the board right now—spring drinks are all about herbs, citrus, and lighter profiles, which also happen to make really great mocktails if you ask for them.
And if you’re leaning more zero-proof these days, you’ve actually got some fun options around Arvada—not just the usual soda fallback. Spots like New Image Brewing and LUKI Brewery regularly carry solid non-alcoholic beers, while Denver Beer Co. in Olde Town is a great go-to for easy-drinking NA options. Even at places without a dedicated menu, bartenders are more than happy to mix up something thoughtful—fresh citrus, herbs, maybe a little ginger or lavender—so you’re still getting a drink that feels intentional (and very spring), just without the alcohol.
And if cocktails aren’t your thing (or you’re mixing in a slower pace), Flights Wine Café is always a good stop. Their “Reds of Summer” flight leans lighter and more seasonal—but it’s also the kind of place where you can sit back with something non-alcoholic and still feel like you’re part of the experience.
At the end of the day, spring drinking in Arvada isn’t about one perfect drink—it’s about being outside, trying something new, and staying a while. Whether that’s a lavender champagne cocktail, a frozen margarita, or a really well-made mocktail, you’ve got options.
So yeah—save water where you can. Just maybe not at the bar. 🍹