The Grand View, the revered restaurant and bar at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in Colorado Springs, recently recognized as the #18 Resort in the Mountain West by Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards, joins in on the progressive wave of “buzzless” zero-proof bars in the area. GOG’s appropriately named, Dry Bar, operates from sun up into the late night hours with a rotating menu of seasonal mocktails, “off the vine” wines and NA brews. Popular NA options include an Espresso Martini (with Lyre’s Coffee Originale, Seedlip Spice 94 and vanilla) or the Lavender Haze (with Seedlip Spice 94, lavender, lemon, elderflower tonic) as sought after sippers while relaxing on the scenic patio overlooking Garden of the Gods‘ illustrious red rocks.
RMFR connects with Jesse Murillo, Food & Beverage Manager, who describes the inspiration behind Dry Bar, touches on happy hour incentives and dispels the common misconception that patrons must be members or hotel guests to enjoy GOG’s award-winning food and beverage service.
“The dry bar menu is inspired by our want to create an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for all guests,” says Murillo. “Our industry has normalized this practice from a culinary standpoint by adapting to the need for gluten-free or plant based options, but very few bars make an effort to incorporate their craft into a non-alcoholic program.”
Murillo advocates for the importance of dry bar offerings due to the heightened awareness of the negative effects alcohol can have on your wellbeing. She cites a recent poll that estimates up to 30% of the U.S. population does not drink alcohol and stipulates that even “those that do, no longer drink as regularly as people have prior.”
“I myself am more of a hybrid drinker,” says Murillo. “In the sense that I enjoy both cocktails on occasion but on evenings where I need to be up early the next morning, I will typically opt for something non-alcoholic, yet still enjoyable.”
GOG’s inclusion of non-alcoholic options does not discredit or take anything away from their established cocktail program and for those wanting to partake, they still offer the same great drink specials with or without the sauce.
“The happy hour menu is focused on all of the guest favorites,” says Murillo. “Whether it be a refreshing Aperol spritz or our House margarita crafted with additive-free tequila and fresh squeezed lime juice, we feel like it is the best way to start off an evening if a patron can enjoy their go-to at much better price.”
We have to chime in to add that GOG’s gin and tonic featuring Monkey 47 Black Forest gin is our pick for the best in town but for those more intrigued by the mocktail offerings, guests can be confident that the decision making process for these NA spirits is measured with the same level of care, consideration and quality control.
“We are very selective in our use of these items and scrutinize them even more so than our traditional spirits,” says Murillo. “There are two aspects we focus on when creating our recipes; number one is texture; number two is sweetness. Most NA drinks are either watery in texture and lack the body and depth created by traditional cocktails, or they have plenty of body because they are loaded with sugars. The last thing we do to ensure one of our libations is up to par is to dial in the presentation. It is one of the things that ties the experience all together. We want to see all of our guest’s light up as their drink is presented to them alongside its alcoholic counterparts and look just as appealing.”
If you’re still hesitant to put this on your dining and imbibing list because you’re not sure if you have to have a member’s jacket or hotel key in hand, let’s finally put this rumor to rest. Although once upon a time this was the case at GOG Resort & Club, nowadays this destination for incredible food, beverages and scenery is a place where everyone is welcome and a special spot we hope more locals and visitors carve out the opportunity to enjoy.
“Many people who grew up in this area have always known of us as a private club and resort and we are not ones to put out prominent billboards off the freeway that say ‘dine at Grand View, exit off Garden of the Gods Road in 2 miles,'” explains Murillo. “We also happened to initially open to the public during COVID, only to flip back and forth for a few years due to health code restrictions at the time. However, since our remodel last year we are exponentially growing in popularity due to some wonderful word of mouth recommendations from those that do venture up here in the hills, only to find a pleasant atmosphere, delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and of course a spectacular view.”
For those wanting to stay and play, GOG typically offers room discounts for those looking for an exceptional weekend getaway.
To find more information and to make reservations, visit https://www.
Header image courtesy of Garden of the Gods Resort & Club
