Location: Bezel 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202
This Tuesday, Dec. 19, dive into the world of high-end mixology and experience a day in the life of a cocktail maestro Mark Bellemares Sullivan, the renowned Property Mixologist at Bezel Denver, commandeers the @diningoutmagazine account. Join him for an exclusive peek behind the scenes at one of downtown Denver’s most celebrated cocktail bars.
Mark brings creativity and charisma to Bezel, a venue that’s as much about the experience as it is about the drinks. Bezel’s reputation for top-tier mixology and crafted cocktails is only the beginning of its allure. From its exclusive valet services to its posh style, Bezel immerses you in an environment that’s a notch above the ordinary. Its menu is a journey through cocktail history, featuring everything from Prohibition-era classics to modern marvels and spirit-free options.
Ready for a taste? Indulge in Bezel’s diverse offerings, like the Alpine Spritz, a blend of Italicus Bergamotto and Monkey 47 gin, or the Fireball Spice Cider, with its cinnamon-infused Breckenridge rum. For those feeling adventurous, there’s the Peppermint Pattie Mocha, combining infused Spirithound Vodka with Kahlua and heavy cream, or the Hazelnut Sour, a nutty twist on a classic. And for the Pinky Up crowd, the Denver 1550 and Umami-Tini await.
And if the idea of sipping on inventive cocktails and nibbling on top-notch bites like Smoked Beets and toasty bread with a herbed tallow candle isn’t enticing enough, here’s a twist: follow the Instagram takeover for a chance to win a $150 credit to indulge in Bezel’s offerings.
Join Mark on Tuesday and discover the stories behind his signature drinks, his favorite haunts in Denver, and his unique approach to cocktail crafting. This is more than a takeover; it’s your front-row seat to the heart of Denver’s cocktail culture. We caught up with him days before his takeover to find out some more about what he has in store. Here’s what he had to say.
Shaken or Stirred: Your Mixology Journey
Q: How long have you been mixing things up with Bezel?
A: Since its grand opening, two years ago
Q: What first sparked your passion for mixology?
A: Cooking! I love to cook, and manipulating flavors translated easily into craft cocktails. Working at my first speakeasy-style bar in Honolulu is what pushed me to take that passion to the bar.
Behind the Bar
Q: Describe your bartending style in three words.
A: Inventive, approachable, and fun!
Q: What’s your signature cocktail, and what’s the story behind it?
A: My signature cocktail is The Last Da Kine, a tropical take on a last word using passion fruit, cacao, and a blend of mezcal and Agricole rum.
Flavor Faves
Q: Sweet, sour, or savory: What’s your go-to flavor profile?
I try to lean towards herbs, spices, and flavors from all around the world, so to provide a cocktail that fits every guest. I prefer spirit-forward cocktails, served up
Instagram Insider
Q: What can our followers expect from your Instagram takeover? Give us a teaser!
A: Chaos! There are few methods to my madness when it comes to crafting drinks, I like to think on my feet and go with the flow
Q: Share a sneak peek: What’s one unique or unusual item in your bar toolkit?
A: I must say I am quite boring when it comes to bar tools. Nearly everything I have is courtesy of Patron.
Q: Local Love: Who are your top three favorite social media follows in the Denver food and beverage scene?
A: @whiskeyhitch, @williamsandgraham, and, of course, @bezeldenver
Q: Off-Duty Delights: When you’re not behind the bar, what’s your favorite way to unwind in Denver?
A: Going to shows and hiking! All of my free time is spent consuming music, making music, and being out in nature.
Your Bartender’s Choice
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our DiningOut followers?
Be adventurous! There are so many great drinks and bars in Denver’s thriving cocktail scene aside from espresso martinis and old-fashioned.
Stay tuned to @diningoutmagazine on Tuesday, Dec. 19, for details about how to enter to win a $150 credit to try some of Mark’s adventurous concoctions.
