From cozy hot drinks to seasonally-themed cocktails that generate their own heat, here are some Grand Junction must-sips.
What would fall be without your favorite seasonal beverage? The smell of spiced apple cider, the warming comfort of a specialty coffee, the giggles from whipped cream noses dipping into homemade hot chocolate… For some, a fall beverage is a celebration of the changing seasons. But some fall beverages deserve extra attention, so here are a few suggestions for the best toasty drinks in Grand Junction.
Grand Junction Coffee Shops: Hot Drinks to Warm Your Hands
There’s a good chance everything on the Octopus Coffee menu will make you want to do a fall happy dance. Try the Sweet Hamilton, a vanilla latte with nutmeg and cinnamon or the Velvet Sofa, a Ghiradelli-chocolate mocha with Irish Crème. For a non-caffeinated alternative, the Red Fantastic, red rooibos tea steeped with fennel, cardamom, honey and cayenne, will warm you right up! Octopus staff loves to customize your coffee drink, even obsessing over the perfect ratio of sweet to spicy in your chai latte. They often ask you to sip your drink before you leave to make sure, no matter what you order, it’s the perfect balance for your palate.
This drive-through coffee shop on North Avenue is both locally-owned and convenient. Jitterz Coffee Hut fall favorites include the Cinnamon Toast Latte, Salted Caramel Mocha and Candy Bar Latte.
Photo: @besweetbakeshop
Be Sweet Cafe & Bakeshop on Horizon Drive has a huge menu of breakfast and pastry items to get your engine warmed up on a fall morning – plus an assortment of delicious espresso drinks. For a creative fall special, try the Signature Fireside Coffee with white chocolate, toasted marshmallow, coffee, milk, whipped cream and chocolate shavings!
And, of course, Starbucks. There’s a place in all our hearts (and cup holders) for the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte or the just-released Apple Crisp Macchiato. There are over a dozen Starbucks locations in Grand Junction, plus one in Fruita, so you can easily pick up a warm pick-me-up on your way to your next Junction adventure. Many Colorado Mesa University students work at this joint (there is even a Starbucks on campus with a huge lounge open to the public), so stop by and instead of the standard thank you, say, GO MAVS! You’ll make their day!
Check out even more coffee shops who love to create both nostalgic and trendy drinks on pages 49 & 50 in the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
Grand Junction Bars and Distilleries: Cold Drinks to Warm Your Belly
One of the many great things about Grand Junction is that during the fall and winter seasons, the temperate climate tends to stay warmer than other parts of Colorado. So, you can enjoy warm, sunny weather and fall flavors at the same time!
Highlands Distillery has a unique and seasonally-inspired menu of creative cocktails, so you can expect something new whenever you visit. However, a long-lived fall favorite is the Appleton Pie, made with apple cinnamon vodka, half and half, apple cider and vanilla syrup. Garnished with a cinnamon-sugar rim, an apple slice and an apple turnover, it miraculously manages to be refreshing, cozy and decadent at the same time.
For a locally-brewed fall beer that also nabbed a silver-medal at the Los Angeles International Beer Competition, try the Erebus Imperial Honey Maple Stout at newly opened Gemini Beer Company. They are known as the most decorated brewery you’ve never heard of. Both nutty and chocolatey, this rich-tasting beer is a great way to toast the change in seasons.
Here, in Colorado’s fruit capital, fall definitely means cider, as well as the flavors of the recent harvest: peaches, apples and pears so stop by the Ale House. Try a Honey Crisp Hard Cider or another local and seasonal brew like Pumpkin Patch Ale, the Dirty Hippy and Apres-Berry.
Because your visit to Grand Junction will include more than just fabulous fall drinks, you’ll want to take advantage of the 38 affordable lodging options in Grand Junction. With dozens of hotels and hundreds of vacation home rentals you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay on your Grand Junction vacation.
