In Glenwood Springs, where the Colorado River carves through canyon walls and history lingers in every brick, Hotel Colorado continues to honor its past—not just through its architecture and antiques, but through the art of the cocktail. One of its most elegant offerings is Molly’s Gimlet, a signature drink inspired by the indomitable Margaret “Molly” Brown.
The Recipe: Classic Meets Contemporary
Crafted with care by Bar Manager Sara Scott, Molly’s Gimlet is more than a refreshing libation—it’s a toast to resilience, refinement, and the kind of spirit that refuses to sink. Sara’s approach to cocktails is rooted in storytelling, with each drink designed to evoke a sense of place and personality. “Molly’s Gimlet was a challenge,” Sara admits. “How do you capture someone so iconic in a single glass? Refined yet rebellious, classy but unafraid to shake things up.”
The recipe is deceptively simple, yet layered with nuance:
• 1.5 oz Hendrick’s Gin
• 1 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3 slices of cucumber
• Garnish: cucumber slice
• Glass: martini
To prepare, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and the cucumber slices. Shake vigorously—Molly wouldn’t settle for anything less. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a single cucumber slice.
Hendrick’s Gin, with its botanical complexity, sets the stage. St-Germain adds a floral note that’s both delicate and daring. Lime juice and simple syrup strike a balance between tart and sweet, while cucumber brings a whisper of garden freshness. It’s a drink that’s as layered as its namesake.
When this masterpiece arrives at your table, it’s a vision in pale green, kissed by the essence of cucumber and crowned with a single slice perched on the rim. The kind of cocktail that invites you to linger, reflect, and maybe even channel a bit of Molly’s legendary grit.
It’s easy to imagine her sipping this very drink on the patio of the Coppertop Bar, framed by red stonework and planters brimming with greenery and late-summer flowers, the hum of Glenwood Springs drifting in on the breeze as she plotted her next adventure—or perhaps her next campaign.
A Suite Fit for a Legend
Molly Brown wasn’t just a guest at Hotel Colorado—she was a presence. Known for her philanthropy, activism, and survival of the Titanic, Molly stayed at the hotel during her travels through Colorado. Her visits left such an impression that today, guests can book the Molly Brown Suite, a lavish accommodation that pays homage to her legacy.
Located in one of the bell towers, the suite features two balconies, a king bedroom, a dining room, and a living area adorned with décor reminiscent of Molly’s taste. Exposed brick, vintage furnishings, and curated artifacts evoke the early 1900s, when she defied expectations, championed causes, and lived life on her own terms.
Exclusively at Glenwood’s Grand Dame
The Molly’s Gimlet is a cocktail exclusive to the Baron’s Restaurant and the seasonal outdoor Coppertop Bar. Pair it with a plate of Colorado Crab Cakes—their richness and citrusy lift echo the cocktail’s brightness, turning a simple sip into a storied experience. Raise a glass to history.