Top Spots For Sangria In Denver

(credit: Cuba Cuba)

When the weather starts getting chilly, a spicy concoction adds some pep to your step. With plenty of Spanish, Cuban and infusion restaurants in Denver, there are many varieties of sangria from which to choose. Simply pick a spot that offers dishes to suit your palate and find a sangria to tantalize your taste buds. Many of the best sangrias in the city are also in the hottest spots in town, so you can sip your sangria while enjoying some people watching. Kick off your night at one of these restaurants and find your new favorite drink.

Cuba Cuba Cafe and Bar
1173 Delaware St.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 605-2822
www.cubacubacafe.com

This Golden Triangle eatery is so popular that it has spun its popularity into three additional sandwich shops. Serving Cuban fare that brings the Caribbean to Colorado, this restaurant is not short on spicy. With several varieties of rum, Cuba Cuba offers three different flavors of sangria. All are bright and bubbly, adding a bit of crisp refreshment to your meal. Whether you're in the mood for tapas or a full meal, this hot spot is a must visit.

Lola
1575 Boulder St.
Denver, CO 80211
(720) 570-8686
www.loladenver.com

Lola's menu mainly consists of coastal Mexican food. It is a Mexican fish house with dishes like lobster enchiladas, many varieties of ceviche and Chipotle tuna, among others. Also on the menu is a sweet, fruity sangria made with red wine, brandy, fruit and a splash of soda. Lola also switches up its sangria recipe in the fall, offering seasonal mixes that you can't get other times of the year. For date night or a night out with friends, this eatery offers a break from traditional Mexican restaurants.

Zengo
1610 Little Raven St.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 904-0965
www.richardsandoval.com

Its location in the LoHi neighborhood makes Zengo a popular destination for the happy hour crowd, and its food doesn't disappoint. The Latin-Asian fusion restaurant offers dishes like Charred Tuna Wonton Tacos, creative sushi rolls and Chinese Beef Braised Shortribs. The servers are very familiar with the menu and can explain differences and subtleties in each dish. Traditional red and white sangrias are also available, and the classic mixture never disappoints.

Related: Top Tapas in Denver

The 9th Door
1808 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 292-2229
www.the9thdoor.com

If you're in the mood for something light, tapas do not disappoint. The Spanish culinary tradition of small plates to pair with wine is alive and well in the U.S. The 9th Door has perfected the art of tapas with a variety of dishes that offer creative flavor combinations. Blending sweet and savory ingredients, its small plates are full of flavor. A popular spot for happy hour, The 9th Door also has red and white sangrias by the glass or by the carafe. Since tapas are smaller, you can sample more of the menu, so bring some friends along and mix and match.

Rioja
1431 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 820-2282
www.riojadenver.com

Located in Larimer Square, Rioja offers a breadth of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that will delight your palate. The menu ranges from dishes like Alaskan Halibut served with tomatillo gazpacho to handmade beet gnocchi and a lot of dishes appeal to adventurous diners and picky eaters alike. With its signature Rioja Sangria Blanca, which offers a peachy flavor alongside a more traditional red sangria with a hint of creme de cassis, Rioja is a must try for sangria lovers. It also offers an extensive wine list for those who prefer wine that is more dry than sangria.

Related: Denver's Best Wine Bars

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.