There seems to be a trend that picks up where craft beer left off.  The craft cocktail. Somehow when the word “craft” is placed in front of an alcoholic beverage name, I think “must be stuffy”. Dark woods, cigars, kind of the old-fashioned men’s club feel. Then I was introduced to 8350 Bar & Bistro at Granby Ranch. A wonderful place with tons of natural sunlight, lots of outdoor space and a bright, warm bar. It’s fun and comfortable and a long way from stuffy. Michele Dillard, a second homeowner at Granby Ranch was extremely enthusiastic when she told me how much her family enjoys 8350, “the views are incredible and they have an awesome cocktail list” she went on to speak highly of Granby Ranch as well saying, “it’s big enough to have something for everyone in the family to do, but small enough where we are all comfortable doing what we want.  The kids are skiing, I’m enjoying a cocktail with my brother, my husband and nieces are in the pool.  Everyone is really happy.”

As the old cliché goes, “the devil is in the details” and Rick Johnson, Bar Manager of 8350 has proven this by creating his own infused liquors, homemade whip creams and house made syrups for his libations. The Chamomile Negroni boasts chamomile infused Beefeaters, Campari martini sweet vermouth and a perfect lemon twist. I thoroughly enjoyed the Basil Punch that was refreshing and deceivingly light, concocted by my delightful bartender, Amanda with Courvoisier, lime juice, basil infused simple syrup, pineapple juice and soda. Amanda was happy to share her thoughts about 8350 saying, “It’s a blast! The guests are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met”.

Something else that made 8350 stand out is that it opens at 8 a.m. You can park your kids in a ski lesson and sit in front of the wall of windows or on the deck and enjoy one of their fabulous coffee drinks with a warm cinnamon roll, veggie breakfast sandwich or loaded breakfast burrito. It’s also a bit of an escape, you could do some skiing and then meet your partner and friends for an afternoon cocktail and still watch the kids out on the slopes, it’s quieter than the Slopeside Dining Hall and open to the public.  Breakfast is served from 8-11 a.m. and the “all day” menu is offered from 11 a.m. to close. Favorites from the “all day” menu include the Frito Pie (yes, served in the bag), Irish Nachos and the Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Thursdays you can enjoy live music by Kenny Lee from 4-7 p.m. and the first Friday of every month 8350 offers a “Creations and Libations” class. Rick Johnson will be teaching folks how to make your own bloody mary mix for the January 5 class.

Looking for something to do New Years Eve? The Grill is offering a prix fix, 3 course meal with seating’s at 5:30 and adults only at 7:30 with a cost of $65 for adults and $35 for kids. The glow stick parade begins around 5:45 with fireworks at 6 p.m. There’s a party at 8350 from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. with firework viewing from the deck, a DJ, ice luge, sparklers and champagne toast, cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Reservations can be made for the dinner, party and parade by call Granby Ranch call center at 888-850-4615.