Celebrate the return of summer (and the start of the weekend) with an easy, cool cocktail to soothe your palate: sangria. This wine-based fruity punch is all over Denver in the warmer months; here are our favorites.
LimĂłn: This downtown eclectic Latin American lounge carries a palate-pleasing red sangria with a Latin twist. Created with four types of wine (merlot, cabernet, shiraz and white zin), there are also eight kinds of liquor -- including Bacardi rum, peach schnapps, apricot brandy, gin and grand Marnier -- along with fresh oranges, apples, mangos, bananas, citrus, watermelons and pineapples. Then they ferment it for nearly three weeks before serving. Yum.$5/glass, $20/carafe1618 E. 17th Ave.; 303-322-0898
LoLa: While LoLa also offers a Sangria Rojo, we’re sending you here for the Fall Rosé Sangria, made with Domaine de Canton ginger liquor, peach brandy, apple cider, rosé wine and seasonal fruit topped with a cinnamon dusted orange.$9/glass1575 Boulder St.; 720-570-8686
Max Gill & Grill: The white sangria at Max’s offers more of a fruity peach tone than the average punch, using Colorado peaches from Palisades when in season. This white wine mixture also includes peach brandy; fresh-cut fruit, like pineapple, green apple and oranges; as well as a few secret ingredients that keep us happily guessing.$6/glass, $4 on Wednesdays1052 S. Gaylord St.; 303-722-7456
Eight Rivers: Enjoy the islands at this Caribbean-themed LoDo restaurant with citrus sangria made up of pineapple, lime, orange, dark rum, orange liqueur and red wine.$5/glass, $3 during happy hour 1550 Blake St.; 303-623-3422
Black Pearl: You may not find it on the menu of this Pearl Street eatery, but that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. Special order the white sangria: It’s made with a seasonal fruit white wine -- usually a pinot grigio – plus St. Germaine’s elderflower liquor and simple syrup.$11/glass1529 South Pearl St.; 303-777-0500
Rioja: Larimer Square’s Spanish bar does not disappoint with its classic sangria containing red wine, marinated fruit, brandy and crème de cassis, a dark, sweet liqueur made of black currants.$8/glass1431 Larimer St.; 303-820-2282