By the Thirst Team

We're approaching some of the hottest months of the year and it's time to hit the road, feel the cool mountain air and enjoy some craft cocktails along the way. Before summer is over we suggest heading down to the Aspen area to see the iconic Maroon Bells, hike Buckskin Pass or maybe even backpack to Conundrum Hot Springs for a dip. Instead of sitting in your hot car for four hours straight, break up the trip with a stop to one of these great craft distilleries serving up refreshing cocktails. (Don't forget to purchase a bottle to go for your designated driver to sample around the campfire later).

10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Co. in Vail - Located right along Gore Creek in Vail, this stop is right off I-70. Named after the 10th Mountain Division that trained in Vail in the 40's, this distillery aims to harness that mountain lifestyle in the spirits they produce. We suggest sampling some of their fruit-infused moonshines before you head out to our next stop.

Stoneyard Distillery in Dotsero - Don't blink! If your eyes stray you may miss the tiny town of Dotsero. Roughly 40 miles down the road from Vail lies the Stoneyard Distillery. Stoneyard specializes in rum straight from their still nicknamed "twinkie." Retrofitted from an old hostess bakery, this still now pumps out Colorado rum from beet sugar and mountain water. We suggest a mojito here.

Marble Distilling in Carbondale - Talk about unique, this craft distillery filters all their spirits through Yule Quarry marble, from the same quarry used in the Lincoln Memorial! This beautiful tasting room features a view of the working still, a community barrel aging room and an Inn upstairs (in case you had a little too much fun sampling their product). Try "The Dude," Moonlight Expresso, cream and dark chocolate combine for a smooth finish.

Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt - Woody Creek has become famous for their vodka. Using in-house harvested potato's from the family farm, they concoct a gluten-free, award-wining vodka that rivals those found in Poland. Our drink of choice from Woody Creek, however, is mixed up with their rye whiskey. Try the tart and fresh Blackberry Sour.