Tara Morgan worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
Sipping a cocktail next to a crackling fire can ignite festive feelings in the Grinch-iest among us. Thankfully, there are a handful of cocktail bars in Boise where you can imbibe al fresco into the winter months, thanks to heaters and flickering fire pits. Or if you’d prefer to retreat to cozy interiors, these bars have that, too.
Ochos Wine Bar
Though this recently renovated 1892 duplex on Idaho Street has an unassuming brick exterior, don’t be fooled. Ochos is much more than a quaint wine bar. Tread down the creaky wood floors to the back patio, and you’ll find a sleek, modern deck dotted with glimmering new fire pits and overhead heaters. The two-tiered patio bar boasts wood-lined bench seating that wraps around three sizable fire pits, along with a high-top bar table with an hourglass-shaped fire feature. For a sinister sip, order Touch of Venom, a silky blend of botanical gin, orange cinnamon tea and sweet vermouth. Ochos also boasts a selection of small plates where you can build your own custom cheese, charcuterie or vegan board.
Fork
Like many of its downtown Boise cocktail bar peers, this Main Street mainstay recently ramped up its front patio game. Grab an outdoor table at Fork and warm your hands next to one of six glowing fire pits. Warm your insides with the Raspberry Clove, a festive sip filled with 44 North nectarine vodka, clove-rosemary simple syrup, local wild black raspberry syrup, lime, a splash of soda and spices.
Lucky Fins
Looking for the perfect perch to people-watch? Snag a seat at Lucky Fins on the Grove next to the long patio fire pit, which boasts a rooftop covering to keep things extra cozy. Don’t skip happy hour at this seafood shack, where you can feast on delectable sushi rolls at a discount, Monday-Friday from 2-5 p.m. Wash down those nautical snacks with a Fins’ Dirty Martini, made with Tito’s vodka, olive juice, and bleu cheese-stuffed olives.
Water Bear Bar
Pull up a chair at this leafy mountain tiki bar for thoughtful cocktails and a modern lounge experience. Owned by bartenders, the Water Bear is a tropical cocktail bar in Boise that provides a much-needed escape during the cold winter months. Whether you opt for a concoction like the Airplane!—with bourbon, Aperol, Averna, Braulio, Demerara and apple soda—or a classic boulevardier in a sleek glass flask, Water Bear keeps things on-brand with custom ice, cocktail accouterments and paper doily drink coasters. For a shimmering libation, don’t miss Psychic City filled with Belvedere vodka, Altos Respados tequila, lime, cinnamon, Velvet falernum, grapefruit and glitter.
Press & Pony
This pint-sized cocktail bar in Boise is the perfect spot to brighten up a grey winter day. Unlock your adventurous side with Press and Pony’s Pick Your Poison—a custom cocktail experience based on your tastebud’s preferences.
The Gas Lantern Drinking Company
Hit up happy hour at this Capitol Boulevard craft cocktail lounge with a round on the front patio next to the wood-burning fireplace. The Gas Lantern Drinking Company’s Midnight in Manhattan makes for a bewitching winter warmer, filled with Sazerac rye, Amaro Averna, activated charcoal and locally crafted Warn Reserve cherry bitters.
Looking for more libation inspiration? Raise your spirits and discover Idaho’s distillery scene.
Feature image credited to Tara Morgan.
Tara Morgan is a freelance food and booze writer and co-owner of the company Wild Plum Events. She loves an epic dinner party, good design, bad puns and pretty much every French rosé ever made.
Published on November 19, 2020
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