Enjoy Craft Cocktails in Black Hawk, CO
Black Hawk, CO has a distinctive personality. Whether you prefer to gamble or explore the beautiful nature of the area, enjoying a cocktail is something everyone can find time for. When you visit Black Hawk, you’re here to relax and have some fun. Let your guard down by having a delicious dinner, trying your luck at the blackjack table, or going rock climbing at Clear Creek Canyon. We’ve prepared these drink recipes to get you excited for your next visit to Black Hawk, CO. In order to get in the spirit of drinking like a miner, let’s start with some history of our town’s mining boom.
Black Hawk’s Mining Boom
In 1859, John H. Gregory discovered gold at what became known as Gregory Gulch. Thousands of miners and prospectors flocked to the area with hopes of finding gold. Black Hawk’s first successful ore smelter was built by Nathaniel P. Hill in 1868. This invention was credited with saving hard rock mining in the area. Black Hawk became known as the “City of Mills,” as it was the center of ore processing for the area. In 1892, the Colorado Central Railroad extended its line to Black Hawk. You can see a restored depot and locomotive on display on the east side of downtown. After the gambling boom in 1991, many historic buildings in Black Hawk were restored. At one point in time, William Frederick Cody, a.k.a. “Buffalo Bill” was a temporary resident of Black Hawk while he searched for gold near the town. Today you can hunt for a treasure of your own in the form of a jackpot at one of the area’s many casinos. We’ll drink to that!
Cocktail Recipes to Get in the Spirit
No matter what you enjoy drinking, you’re sure to enjoy yourself in Black Hawk, CO. Remember to drink responsibly, and minor miners should wait until they’re 21 to imbibe. We’ve crafted three cocktail recipes for you to try while you’re here or making your plans to visit us for some site seeing, dining, and gambling.
- Miner’s Mule – A close cousin of the Moscow Mule and Mexican Mule, a Miner’s Mule can also be called a vodka buck. Combine 1.5 oz vodka, 4 oz. ginger beer, and the juice of two lime wedges in a copper (or gold) mule mug. Stir the drink to combine the ingredients and garnish with a third lime wedge.
- Coal Miner’s Daughter – To craft this simple, elegant cocktail, start with 1 ½ oz. bourbon, one tsp. ginger syrup, ¾ oz. lemon juice, ¾ oz. honey, and one sprig of lavender for garnish. Add all the ingredients to a shake rand fill it with ice. Shake and then strain into an “old fashioned” glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish your drink with a slapped lavender sprig.
- Gold Rush – You’ll find liquid gold with this delicious cocktail. Start with 2 oz. bourbon, ¾ oz. freshly squeezed juice from one lemon, and ¾ ounce honey syrup. Many of the ingredients from the Coal Miner’s Daughter can also be used to craft a Gold Rush. Combine the ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and shake for about 10 seconds until well chilled. Finally, strain into an ice-filled double “old fashioned” glass.
Other Things to Enjoy in Black Hawk
There’s something for everyone in Black Hawk. You’ll find some delicious dishes with everything from burgers to gourmet at over 20 dining options. With over a dozen casinos, you can enjoy gambling activities such as the latest slot machines, video poker, table games, sports betting, poker rooms, and more. You can also get out and explore the beautiful nature in the area, including Clear Creek Canyon and the area’s rich mining history. Find out why Black Hawk is your best bet for fun. Fix yourself a cocktail and book your hotel room now!