Crafted Cocktails with Local Spirits

UNION Bar & Soda Fountain, nestled in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins at 250 Jefferson Street, masterfully revives the classic American diner and soda fountain experience with a modern twist. This beloved spot blends nostalgic charm—think mid-century modern vibes, an award-winning patio, and house-made sodas—with craveable comfort food and an impressive bar program. What truly sets their crafted cocktails apart is a dedicated focus on local spirits, showcasing the best of Colorado's thriving craft distilling scene while keeping drinks fun, playful, and seriously delicious.

A Commitment to Local Spirits

From the moment you step inside (or settle onto that coveted patio), it's clear that UNION prioritizes regional ingredients. Their bar philosophy emphasizes local products for both spirits and beer selections, allowing the team to highlight Colorado's world-class distilleries. This approach not only supports nearby producers but also infuses cocktails with unique flavors that reflect the state's innovative spirit-making heritage—think bold, small-batch gins, vodkas, whiskeys, and more that capture the essence of the Rockies.The bar program thrives on creativity: serious mixology delivered with a lighthearted touch. They reinvent timeless classics like egg creams and phosphate sodas, extend that ingenuity to milkshakes (including boozy versions), and craft cocktails that feel both familiar and fresh. Whether bubbly and effervescent or rich and layered, many feature local spirits as the star, paired thoughtfully with house-made elements and seasonal twists.

Spotlight on Crafted Cocktails with Local Flair

While menus evolve with the seasons (expect fresh spring/summer updates or holiday specials), the emphasis on local sourcing remains constant. Examples from their offerings and descriptions illustrate this beautifully:

• Bourbon-based delights — A standout like the White Lightning Spirited Shake is a bourbon salted caramel boozy milkshake that's indulgent yet balanced. Colorado boasts excellent local bourbons and whiskeys, and UNION often incorporates them to add depth and regional character. Old Elk, Breckenridge Distillery

• Gin-forward refreshers — Holiday features have included gems like the Snowberry Sparkler (gin, blueberry, lemon, and brut), where a crisp, botanically rich local gin elevates the bright, fruity profile. Old Elk, Spring 44

• Creative twists — Cocktails such as the Blackbird (smoky bourbon notes) or playful options like a Frosé and Spa Day draw on local spirits to create fun, bubbly drinks. The bar team's ability to customize or invent on the spot ensures guests experience spirits from nearby distilleries in unexpected ways. CopperMuse, Leopold Bros, Stranahan's

• Seasonal and slushy innovations — Slushy cocktails rotate with delicious flavors, often spotlighting local rum, vodka, or other spirits for refreshing, crowd-pleasing sips perfect for patio season.

This local-first mindset extends beyond spirits to their broader beverage lineup, including an extraordinary selection of sparkling wines for celebrations and non-alcoholic options like handcrafted mocktails (Garden Party with Seedlip Garden stands out for its thoughtful design).

Why It Matters—and Why You Should Visit

In a world of chain bars and mass-produced pours, UNION's dedication to local spirits feels refreshing and authentic. It supports Colorado's craft economy, reduces the carbon footprint of sourcing, and delivers cocktails with distinctive terroir-inspired profiles you won't find elsewhere. Pair one with their elevated diner fare—burgers, sandwiches, or shareables—and you've got the perfect Fort Collins experience.

Next time you're in Old Town, swing by UNION Bar & Soda Fountain. Order a crafted cocktail, savor the local spirit shining through, and toast to community, creativity, and great drinks. Cheers to keeping it local!

For the latest menu details, specials, or to plan your visit, check out their website at unionbarsodafountain.com or follow along on social media. Whether it's happy hour, brunch, or a night out, the bar team is ready to mix up something special.