Happy hour drink recommendations from the pros

These bartenders know what they’re talking about.

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Barista Denver Hall prepares a crowd favorite drink: Café Tiramisu.

Amante

Susan France

Café Tiramisu: White Godiva Liqueur, Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Whaler’s Rum, Absolut Vodka, Tia Maria, espresso, cream, topped with cocoa

Served in a martini glass, barista Denver Hall says this drink is a crowd favorite. Considering the mix of chocolates, coffee and liqueur, it’s not hard to imagine why — order it chilled for a refreshing pick-me-up.

2850 Baseline Road, Boulder, 720-612-7980

Susan France

Wild Standard

Susan France

This is the End: Altos tequila, Fidencio mezcal, lime juice, honey simple, cocchi rosa.

Tired of the same-old, same-old? Bartender Adam Helfrich says this drink (“One of my favorites”) can solve that problem. “The mezcal adds a bit of smokiness for a play on the traditional margarita.”

1043 Pearl St., Boulder, 720-638-4800

Susan France

Hapa Sushi

Susan France

G-Spot: Raspberry-infused sake, raspberry, vodka, ginger ale.

Bartender Darin Weltsch says, “It’s our best seller,” and for a good reason. “Not a lot of places infuse sake in their cocktails — it’s unique and different from what you’ll find elsewhere.”

1117 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-578-3071

Bartender Lindsey Stevens Susan France

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

Susan France

Pom Spritz: DV8 vodka, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, sparkling water.

Filled with locally sourced ingredients, this bubbly drink jives best with warm summer afternoons. As bartender Lindsey Stevens says, “Everyone has a margarita; this is way more unique.”

2010 16th St., Boulder, 404-442-1485

Russ Olsen, assistant general manager Susan France

Riffs Urban Fare

Susan France

Passionfruit Daiquiri: Don Q silver rum, passion fruit puree, lemon, simple syrup.

“It’s pretty tart and refreshing,” says Russ Olsen, assistant general manager. Expect a “colorful cocktail, a nice patio-sipping drink.”

1115 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-440-6699

Manager Desmond Woram Susan France

Samples

Basil Ginger Lemon Drop: SWB lemon vodka, basil-ginger shrub, lemon, simple syrup.

Manager Desmond Woram recommends this drink as “a nice spin on a regular lemon drop.” With its light, bright profile, “the basil plays really well with the lemon,” he says.

370 Main St., Longmont, 303-327-9318