MODIS Restaurant Breckenridge

It was the happiest of hours when I walked into Modis, a restaurant and bar known for its artisanal Colorado cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails in historic downtown Breckenridge.

After sliding into a seat at the bar, I pored over the extensive cocktail list. Did I want a classic Manhattan? How about a Sidecar? I certainly contemplated the Breck Bourbon Smash.

The drink list is full of the classics, the potent Prohibition-era cocktails like the Last Word, a cocktail containing gin, lime juice, Green Chartreuse and maraschino cherry liqueur created at the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1920s.

Then the bartender flipped the page of my menu, revealing a list of cocktail concoctions created by the Modis mixologists. When I spotted the MTN High Tai, a twist on the island-style Mai Tai, I knew I’d found my happy hour heaven.

My cocktail — made with Breck bourbon, Aperol, orange juice, pineapple juice, a hint of sour mix and walnut liqueur — was served on the rocks with a lemon garnish. It looked so classy, and it tasted a bit tart and a lot potent — that was the bourbon, I’m sure.

A Modis-made cocktail is meant to be sipped. To be relished. And, it gave me time to take in the artwork around the restaurant and a motto above the bar that I can fully endorse, “Save water, drink wine.”

Late night happy hour begins at 9 p.m. and stretches until closing time. In addition to a discount on these fabulous cocktails, Modis also offers a late-night food menu at very reasonable prices, ranging from $5 for soup to $12 for the Modis Butcher Block, an impressive spread of meats and cheeses.

I had skipped dinner after a rather delicious and filling lunch at Empire Burger, so I decided to order the veggie pot stickers for a snack. The Asian-inspired dish was stuffed with Napa cabbage, carrots, radishes, Colorado mushrooms and green beans and was served with sesame soy sauce. It was just the right amount of food and quite delicious.

Know before you go …

Happy Hour: 9 p.m. until close

Menu: Soup, salads, sliders, mussels, pot stickers, meat & cheese plate

Drink List: Classic cocktails, wine, beer

Prices: $5-12 for happy hour food