Ahead of National S’mores Day on August 10, we’re thinking about all the gooey marshmallow and chocolate desserts around town. But these aren’t the run-of-the-mill campfire treats. Chefs, confectioners, and bakers have created unique takes on the classic sweet. As a bonus, at the end we included on traditional version, which can be taken home and made with or without the camp fire.
Campfire Bomb Cyclone at DANG! Soft Serve
For some of us the Dairy Queen old school Blizzard proves just as nostalgic as s’mores, which is why this Oneida Park ice cream parlor has meshed the two concepts together. Enter the Campfire Bomb Cyclone ($9.50), an over-the-top dessert featuring torched marshmallows, graham cracker dust, oreo crumbles, and fudge. Get it now and add on a side of perfect fries for the ultimate pairing. 2211 Oneida St., Denver, dangsoftserve.com
S’mores Old Fashioned at Ironton Distillery
The RiNo-based distillery has captured the essence of a campfire classic in cocktail form. The new S’mores Old Fashioned ($15) brings forward the smokey chocolate goodness and sweet marshmallow notes the traditional treat is known for. There’s even a tinge of graham cracker thanks to Ironton’s bourbon, actual graham crackers, and a dash of walnut bitters.
The crux of the cocktail is the house-made s’mores syrup, which combines brown sugar and water with marshmallow folded in. Once cooled, chocolate, graham cracker tea bags, and a touch of lemon are added. The final touch, the drink gets clarified in vanilla ice cream. 3636 Chestnut Pl., Denver, irontondistillery.com
S’Mores Macaron at Alice + Kate
For a limited time owner Gretchen Harrison has released a s’mores macaron as part of her seasonal summer box ($18). All the flavors of the camp fire treat are there, but it melts in your mouth without the sticky mess s’mores are known for. Harrison has also whipped up a s’mores brownie ($4.75), topped with toasted marshmallow and even more chocolate. Get these goodies by heading south, or order online. 572 Castle Pines Pkwy., Castle Pines, aliceandkatebakery.com
Nutella S’mores Flatbread at Puttshack Denver
Garner strength for a game of mini golf with an order of dessert flatbread ($16), a meshing of the campfire classic and dinner. Though, to be honest there’s really nothing savory on this dish The flatbread comes laden with creamy Nutella, graham cracker pieces, honey comb, and toasted marshmallow, all on top of the restaurant’s hand-stretched, sea water-infused Italian sourdough. 2813 Blake St., Denver, puttshack.com
Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Think of a skillet cookie but make it s’mores ($5). That’s what diners will find at all four Colorado locations of BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. The decadent dessert showcases a fresh cookie made with layers of Ghirardelli chocolate. It then gets topped with graham cracker crumbles, toasted marshmallows, two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream, and extra graham crackers for even more crunch. Get it after dinner or bring one home to enjoy in front of the campfire crackling on the television. Various locations, bjsrestaurants.com
S’mores Take Home Box From Cheese Meat Board
Okay, so you want a traditional s’mores too. That’s fine, Cheese Meat Board has a take-home kit for two to six people, starting at $16. It has everything you need for a mini campfire party right in the box. Plus, in addition to regular chocolate, there’s white chocolate, peanut butter cups, and fresh fruit. Pick up, or get delivery, it’s free for Denver. 2054 N. Broadway, Denver, cheesemeatboard.com