I love adventures up to Steamboat Springs. A mountain town at heart and looks, Steamboat is one of the most inviting places I have ever visited. I used to go up there much more, but my past visit was the first in a year! I attended the Winter Wondergrass music festival, which consisted of three days listening to bluegrass music and the chilly mountain winter (yes, the festival was outside during sun, snow, and chilly nighttime temps). My best friend from Chicago even came along to explore the wonder that is Steamboat Springs.

We spent three fun-filled days and nights, hanging out with friends, listening to foot stompin’ bluegrass music, sharing many laughs, and drinking some really tasty Bloodies. I wanted to show my friend the mountainside and take the gondola to the lodge for a Bloody, but we arrived when the gondola was closed. We settled for a Bear Bloody from Bear River Bar & Grill at the base, but I am extremely happy we did. The Bear Bloodies were some of the best I have had in awhile in terms of spice and flavor. You can sip ‘em inside the wooden-decorated restaurant or outside on a big Adirondack chair, gazing at the snow covered mountains and skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes. Check out my full review of the Bear Bloody below!

AT A GLANCE 16/20

When I first grabbed the Bear Bloody off the Bear River bar counter, I was underwhelmed.. Outside in the sunshine, my mind changed. This baby was loaded with spices-- maybe some of the most I have ever seen in a Bloody Mary! Bear River’s Bloody was garnished with a giant celery stalk, pepperoncini, lime slice, and green olive. The Bloody was bright orange-y red and the glass was filled to the brim.. I couldn’t walk without spilling a little cocktail (side note: I then drank it down before spilling all over the restaurant’s patrons).

GARNISH 15/20

The garnish was nothing special, but was attractive and bright! My favorite part was the giant pepperoncini.

SPICE 20/20

The spice of this Bloody Mary was seriously TOP NOTCH. Spices were abundant and complex; I tasted strong notes of horseradish, black pepper, fresh red pepper, and celery seed. The spices were very chunky and very delicious. I even tasted some little chunks of veggies in the mix too! There was the perfect kick of hotness and my sinuses (which were acting up all weekend) were cleared.

TEXTURE & ACIDITY 18/20

The texture was super light (minus the chunky spices!) and very refreshing. The Bloody was a bit tangy and a bit acidic.

UNIQUENESS 19/20

Bear River’s Bear Bloody taste was exceptional. The use of so many chunky and complex spices really gave this Bloody flavorful power. Although the garnish was rather simple, I would literally go back just for the unique Bloody mix.

FINAL SCORE 88/20

Taking a mountain trip to Steamboat Springs anytime soon? Be sure to stop by Bear River at the base of the mountain near the gondola to have one of these spice-laden Bloodies. Bear River is located at:

Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487