Drink BEST OF BOULDER - EAST COUNTY

Distillery Spirit Hound Distillers

4196 Ute Highway, Lyons, 303-823-5696

Longmont Winner: Dry Land Distillers

Lafayette Winner: DEKI Distillery

Ask the folks at Spirit Hound Distillers how they make our readers’ favorite locally produced spirits and they’ll say dedication, tradition and Rocky Mountain snowmelt. New American gin, vodka, coffee liqueur, rum, sambuca and whisky, whisky, whisky are produced at this Lyon’s distillery. The Hound’s straight malt whisky has gained global recognition, scoring 96 of 100 points at the 2022 London Spirits Competition. Every barrel of the distillery’s honey-aged whisky is bottled as a single barrel, making it

100% unique. From hand-crafted labels to locally sourced botanicals, everything Spirit Hound makes is a delicious labor of love.

HAPPY HOUR PUMPHOUSE BREWERY & RED ZONE

540 Main St., Longmont, 303-702-0881

Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Co. Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house Erie Winner: Piripi

The happiest hours in East County are at Pumphouse Brewery. Stop by Monday through Friday between 3 and 6 p.m. to get deals on pints, Long Island iced teas, house margaritas, well drinks and house wines, all under $6. And if you’re feeling hungry, all of Pumphouse’s dozen-plus appetizers are $2 off, from asiago-artichoke dip to pretzel bites, wings and crispy calamari. For the late night crowd, drop by between 9 p.m. and closing to get the same great deals.

LATTE / MOCHA

Meco Coffee Collective

627 Main St., Longmont, 303-834-8418

Louisville Winner: Ziggi’s Coffee Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe

A latte may seem like a simple drink, but it requires a mindful and educated approach to make it the delightful treat it is. Our readers head to MeCo Coffee Collective when they want a latte done right: silky, sweet and sumptuous. The baristas at this downtown Longmont coffeehouse know the sound of a perfectly steamed cup of milk, and the exact ratio of coffee, water, heat and pressure to bring out the acidity and sweetness of espresso. The creamy result finishes with a crisp tartness. Ask for a pump or two of mocha if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Margarita Teocalli Cocina

103 N. Public Road, Unit C, Lafayette, 303-284-6597

Longmont Winner: Jefes Tacos & Tequila

East Boulder Winner: Pica’s Mexican Restaurant and Taqueria Louisville Winner: Casa Alegre

According to Wine Enthusiast, “it’s hard to say definitively who created the margarita,” but we here in Boulder County know that Teocalli Cocina offers up tiptop variations of the tart libation, from a classic La Casa Margarita with Monte Alban Reposado Tequila, to the spice of Aro De Fuego with fresno-andjalapeño-infused tequila, housemade sour, cilantro simple syrup and fresh lime. Teocalli keeps it simple with great tequila and fresh lime juice. What more could you ask for? Maybe some chips and salsa, and Teocalli’s got that too.

SPORTS BAR PUMPHOUSE BREWERY & RED ZONE

540 Main St., Longmont, 303-702-0881

Louisville Winner: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern Erie Winner: Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill

Lafayette Winner: Dillinger’s Food & Spirits

The Red Zone was literally built to provide Longmont with a first-rate sports bar. Open at 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday for all the college and NFL games, The Red Zone is the place to watch the Buffs and the Broncos. Check the Pumphouse website for any given day’s TV lineup, then head down to Main Street, grab a table with your pals and order some brewskis and a couple of baskets of wings. There’s also plenty of seating outside — with heaters for when it’s chilly and misters for when it’s hot — that still gives you a great view of your favorite sporting events on the telly. Game on!

Teahouse The Huckleberry

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-284-6597

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe

Longmont Winner: MeCo Coffee Collective

You don’t have to head to Old Blighty to have the perfect traditional afternoon tea, because The Huckleberry in Louisville has you covered. Relax at a table dressed with crisp linens while you’re served a bountiful tiered tower of sweet and savory tea sandwiches baked fresh that day. Choose from The Huckleberry’s extensive selection of black, white, green, oolong and herbal teas. It’s the perfect way to catch up with an old friend or celebrate a special occasion.

WINE SELECTION /PÔR/ WINE HOUSE

701 Main St., Louisville, 720-916-3296

Longmont Winner: Küper Wine Bar

Erie Winner: Piripi

Niwot Winner: Farrow

Looking to drink wine on the sundrenched patio of some remote European cafe? Save the airfare and head to /pôr/ wine house, where you’ll be steps away from downtown Louisville but feel as though you’re on vacation an ocean away. One look at the stellar wine list and you’ll see why our readers are enamored. /pôr/ wine house offers 24 wines by the glass, with a varietal to suit every palette. And if you’re not sure what you want, there’s always a sommelier on staff to guide your drinking experience.