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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Cozy Start: Welcoming Wellness into the New Year Welcome to a new year in the Mile High City! Enjoy our January Health Issue—the coziest, calmest, most comforting edition of the year. As we settle into winter along the Front Range, there’s something especially grounding about the slower pace that comes with shorter days and snow-dusted mornings. It’s a season that invites us to pause, breathe, and rebuild routines that nourish us from the inside out. This month, we’re leaning into hygge, the Scandinavian art of cozy living. Though the word has become a bit of a buzzphrase, the spirit of hygge feels deeply at home here in Denver— maybe it’s the way the city glows after sunset, or how our neighborhoods come alive with candlelit windows and warm cafés. Our feature story explores simple ways to bring hygge into your everyday life, from soft textiles and warm drinks to mindful rituals that make winter feel less like something to endure and more like something to savor. We also spent time with a local wellness collective that’s redefining what community health looks like. Their approach blends movement, restorative practices, and connection—reminding us that wellness isn’t just about personal goals but about feeling supported, seen, and part of something larger. Denver has always been a city that values whole-body health, and their space feels like a natural extension of that ethos. For those craving a little travel this season, we took a quick trip to Salt Lake City, discovering its hidden corners, snowy escapes, and surprisingly vibrant food scene. It’s an easy getaway from Denver—just far enough to reset, just close enough to keep things low-stress. Whether you’re a skier, a history buff, or simply someone who loves a good mountain-to-mountain weekend, our guide offers plenty of inspiration. And because January is the time for nourishing our bodies as much as our minds, we’ve included a collection of healthy recipes perfect for chilly nights—think warm grain bowls, bright citrus salads, and soups that feel like a hug in a bowl. As we step into a new year, my hope is that this issue encourages you to create space for comfort, curiosity, and community. Winter in Denver is more than a season—it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and craft a lifestyle that feels both grounded and inspired. Stay warm, stay well, and as always, thanks for reading! N AT E T H O M A S , P U B L I S H E R @ M I L E H I G H C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E _ M AG A Z I N E

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Nate Thomas | nate.thomas@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Valerie Bianculli, Anne Hebert, Irene Middleman Thomas C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Michael Ryno, Scorpion Digital Marketing

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Mile High City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mile High area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mile High City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

14 22

Featured

16 22 24 6

The Collective Approach

How Paige Berry Built a Community-Centered Space for Whole-Body Health

Self-Care Scandinavian Style Take time to indulge in a practice of relaxation

The Other Gateway to the West Denver has a friendly rival in Salt Lake City

Inside Denver’s Most Trusted Electrical Company

How Next Level Pros Is Redefining Safety, Service, and Skilled Trades

16 On the Cover

Departments

In the heart of winter, warmth takes center stage. This outdoor sauna— surrounded by snow, wrapped in stillness— promises a return to balance, breath, and pure seasonal calm.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Inspired By WELLNESS

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Road Trip TRAVEL

Artist’s Palette HOME SERVICES

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-7: Denver residents are embracing a new urban wellness trend with Cedar & Stem, the city’s mobile sauna experience. Sleek and wood-paneled, it rolls into neighborhoods, bringing the cozy heat of a traditional sauna right to the streets. Inside, steam rises as friends shed layers, laugh, and unwind, the scent of cedar mingling with the crisp mountain air. More than a way to stay warm, Cedar & Stem offers a social ritual—a chance to connect, recharge, and savor mindful relaxation in the heart of Denver.

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Theo Adley Returns to Denver to Open Heretik Chef Theo Adley, renowned for his work at Marigold in Lyons, brings his cooking to Denver this winter with Heretík in RiNo. Inspired by northeast Spain and southern France, the restaurant will spotlight a heritage rotisserie chicken and offer a range of food including small plates plus a daily-rotating raw bar. Paired with a wine list focused on small producers, Heretík adds a welcome independently owned option to Denver that increasingly is dominated by chains.

2006 Boots 'n Business The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's most in-demand, consistently soldout luncheon encourages attendees to pull on their cowboy boots and celebrate Colorado’s deep agricultural heritage. In partnership with the National Western Stock Show, the event highlights the traditions, industries, and communities that shape the state. Together, they showcase the Stock Show’s enduring role in strengthening Colorado’s economy, enriching its culture, and preserving the rural spirit that continues to influence the Colorado way of life.

From Book Store to College Campus Community College of Denver plans to transform the old Tattered Cover building into a dynamic space for its architecture and graphic design programs. The project will preserve the historic character of the bookstore while creating modern studios, collaborative classrooms, and flexible workspaces. By situating creative disciplines in a culturally significant Denver landmark, CCD aims to inspire students through a setting that honors the city’s history while fostering innovation and hands-on learning in design and architecture.

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smart

SWEETS The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each. 2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice. 3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite. 4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy! Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.* These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.

Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed. Ingredients • 1/4 cup milk • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder • 1/4 cup maple syrup • 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter) • 1 cup almond flour • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Chocolate chips as desired Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.

Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites

Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites

Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.

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T HE C OL L EC T I V E A P P R OAC H HOW PAIGE BERRY BUILT A COMMUNITY-CENTERED SPACE FOR WHOLE-BODY HEALTH

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RYNO

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

When you step into Cosmic Health Collective in Denver, you immediately sense the intention behind the space. For owner and acupuncturist Paige Berry, the studio was born from her own winding path through pharmacy, chronic illness, and ultimately a deep belief in collaborative, whole-body care. “I actually started in pharmacy,” she says. “I worked at a Children’s Hospital and saw how beautifully the system functioned, everyone in the same building, referring to one another, working as a team. I always wished I could bring that same model into holistic medicine.”

Her transition into acupuncture came through personal healing. “Acupuncture helped me with acne, digestion, chronic illness... everything. I always joke that people ask me what it doesn’t help with,” she laughs. But there were limits to what she could offer on her own. Clients would ask her for advice on exercise, skincare, or injury recovery. “I’d think, that’s not my specialty but I’m happy to send you to someone who knows more than I do. At the time, I didn’t have a good, consistent team to send people to.” That longing for collaboration is what sparked Cosmic Health Collective, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. “I wanted what the hospital had, a team under one roof,” Paige says. Today, that team includes Roeshelle Back, an esthetician who specializes in acne and other inflammatory skin conditions; Lily Hicks, a physical therapist with an expertise in dance medicine and supporting athletic artistry; and Neli Dokova, a Reiki practitioner. Paige herself serves as the founder and acupuncturist. “If something isn’t my specialty, I can say, ‘Guess what? They’re right upstairs.’” Acupuncture remains Paige’s core offering, and she explains it in a way that makes an ancient modality feel approachable. “In Western terms, it calms the nervous system, balances hormones, supports the lymphatic system, relaxes muscles,” she says. “In Eastern medicine, we talk about energy channels and balancing where your energy flows. They sound different, but they work hand in hand.”

The Collective’s other modalities are designed to complement that work. Paige’s infrared sauna, for example, supports detox pathways, hormone balance, and skin health. “We’re actually the least expensive private infrared sauna in downtown Denver,” she notes. Their aesthetician blends skincare with gut and lifestyle support, while their physical therapist helps clients with both injuries and prevention. “We work incredibly closely,” Paige says. “Because it’s just us, collaboration is easy. There’s nothing impersonal about it.” As the new year approaches, Paige sees Cosmic Health Collective as a gentle place to begin again. “People set these huge resolutions and then feel defeated,” she says. “I believe in starting small, one step at a time. Maybe it’s one sauna session a week. Maybe it’s a monthly facial or adding acupuncture when you’re ready. Slow and steady builds consistency.” Her advice for anyone hoping to prioritize wellness in 2025 is simple: “Start slow. Add one thing a quarter. By the end of the year, you’ll have four new healthy habits without overwhelming yourself.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

SELF-CARE SCANDINAVIAN STYLE Take time to indulge in a practice of relaxation.

ARTICLE BY ANNE HEBERT

I NSP IR E D BY | WEL L NESS

In Scandinavia, taking time for comfort, wellness, and relaxation is a cultural tradition. In Denmark, it is called hygge (pronounced hooga). The Norwegian concept is

called koselig (pronounced koosh-lee), and in Sweden, fika is the beloved cornerstone of daily life. Hygge, koselig and fika all mean basically the same thing with minor variations. Hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to get together with the people you care about to relax and enjoy life’s quiet pleasures. This involves celebrating small joys and taking the pleasures of life at a slower pace. Living in the moment, hygge gives people permission to deeply enjoy their surroundings and bond with others. In Norway, the concept of koselig means the coziness and contentment involved in finding joy in simple pleasures, including nature and the outdoors. Cozying up with friends and neighbors help make the long, dark winter days in Norway seem brighter. Norweigians spend time outside enjoying nature year-round. Returning home to warm by the fire and enjoy a hot cup of coffee is a good definition of koselig. Finally, the social coffee break in Sweden is known as fika. The act of enjoying coffee and a small cinnamon

bun or cake provides a moment to relax and recharge. Fika is best enjoyed in the spirit of being completely present in the moment and taking one’s time to savor the experience. Acts of rejuvenation and connection offer possibilities to enhance comfort and the sense of well-being. Emphasizing togetherness, or the serenity of solitude, it is good for us to pause and give thanks. The practice can help insulate against a hectic day-to-day lifestyle by giving us something simply for ourselves. In America, visiting cozy bars and restaurants, learning to prepare a savory home cooked meal, indulging in a spa treatment, and traveling to the mountains for outdoor recreation and indoor activities are all examples of available Colorado self-care. Acting deliberately and meaningfully to care for your physical, emotional and mental health helps promote overall happiness and reduces stress. Since Scandinavian countries are often rated as “the happiest in the world,” it’s likely they’re on to something great.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

W H AT’S IN YOUR CART? H E A LT H Y A N D A F F O R DA B L E M E A L P R E P F O R YO U R L I F E !

If you find yourself skipping meals because you don’t have time, or if you believe eating healthy is unaffordable, fear not and read on! As a dietitian, I can tell you that eating healthy is easier than you think if you follow these tips:

ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN-AYOADE, MBA, MS, RD, LD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

TIP #1 YOU CAN STILL HAVE A VARIETY OF HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FOODS BY PLANNING AND PREPPING YOUR MEALS FOR THE WEEK. • Preparing whole meals or dishes ahead of time saves a lot of time for busy people. • Ingredients required for specific meals can be prepped ahead of time to reduce total cooking time in the kitchen. • Having pre-prepared meals on hand can also reduce portion size and help you reach your nutrition and wellness goals. • Choose microwave and freezer safe containers for proper storage, including BPA-free plastic, flexible silicone or glassware containers. CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

TIP #2

TIP #3

C H O O S E I N G R E D I E N T S T H AT A R E V E R S AT I L E A N D C A N B E U S E D I N M U LT I P L E M E A L S TO R E D U C E WAS T E A N D SAV E M O N E Y.

M A K E A G R O C E RY L I S T B E F O R E YO U G O S H O P P I N G .

• Example: Choose familiar recipes for tacos, chili or spaghetti in the same week to use all your ground beef or turkey. I brown the ground beef and portion it in freezer bags flattened out for space saving freezing and time-saving cooking. • Pre-cut vegetables can be used for fresh ready-to-eat meals that do not require cooking, like salads and sandwiches or as part of a cooked recipe. Include leftovers in meal planning. • I also cut up ripe fresh fruits and freeze them to use in smoothies instead of throwing them out. • Frozen fruits and vegetables often cost less and last longer than fresh ones. They retain high-quality nutrients because they are frozen immediately after being harvested. • Most frozen vegetables have no additives and preservatives, but some may contain added seasonings, salt, sugar or sauces. Avoid added ingredients by paying attention to the label and ingredient list.

• A list helps limit distractions, keep you on budget, restricts unhealthy impulse purchases and reduces multiple trips for forgotten items. • Buy kitchen staples to have on hand to make quick simple meals like canned tomatoes, tuna fish or salmon, corn, your favorite beans and grains such as rice, quinoa, barley, farro and whole grain pasta. • Plan your menus based on grocery store sales and produce that are in season and add beans for plantbased protein. • Buy extra staples when they are on sale, and don’t overlook the bulk bins to buy just the amount you need. • Buy pre-prepped items in the grocery store to further save time or use the salad bar for small servings.

TIP #4 T RY N OT TO G R O C E RY S H O P W H E N YO U A R E H U N G RY. • Everything looks delicious when you are hungry, and this could lead to unnecessary and unhealthy food purchases. • The additional calories may not be needed, and food could be wasted if not eaten.

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

MEAL PREPPING CAN IMPROVE Y O U R H E A LT H A N D YOU R L I F E !

TIP #5 H E A LT H Y S N AC K S A R E P O S S I B L E . The total amount of snacks you prepare will depend on the required number of snacks planned daily, based on your health and wellness goals.

M Y S N AC K S O F C H O I C E I N C LU D E : • • • •

Nut butters with crackers or pretzels Fresh fruit (whole or pre-cut) Sliced vegetables String cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hummus • Home-made trail mix with dried fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds, to limit sugar and sodium intake Portioning snacks during your overall meal prep prevents mindless snacking without knowing how much you are actually eating.

Claudia Martin-Ayoade, MBA, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at agesmartnutrition.com JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

the other gateway to the west Denver has a friendly rival in Salt Lake City As an almost native Denverite, I’ve raised eyebrows by suggesting to folks that Utah’s ski scene can be easier and faster to navigate than Colorado’s. After all, there are four world-class ski resorts (including Solitude, Deer Valley and Park City) within forty minutes of downtown Salt Lake City. Just twenty minutes from downtown, Airhelp ranked the spanking-new Salt Lake City Airport #1 in the nation, and eighth globally. Utah is the fastest-growing state in the U.S, and Salt Lake’s population is booming. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped spread its accolades, and in fact, the city will host again in 2034. There is a new NHL hockey team, the Utah Mammoth, now playing its second season. The Winter Roundup, launched last year, will take place on February 7, drawing thousands. A metropolitan Urban Skijoring event, the Roundup shuts down a street in front of the Salt Palace Convention Center to celebrate Salt Lake’s heritage in sports, arts and culture. For years, many erroneously thought Utah’s only claims to fame were that it is home to the Church of Latter Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church,) as well as to the magnificent Big Five of National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.) No longer the case! “I think we often surprise visitors when it comes to our nightlife, food and beverage scene and cultural offerings,” says Ryan Mack,

ARTICLE BY IRENE MIDDLEMAN THOMAS

R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

Vice-President of Communications for Visit Salt Lake. “We’re one of only a handful of the cities in the U.S. with a full-time professional ballet, opera and symphony. We also have a new Broadway Theatre and dozens of music venues and festivals. And, several James Beard nominated bars and restaurants and over 30 breweries and distilleries in Salt Lake alone.“ By the way, those alcohol restrictions that Utah was known for ended in 2009. The glorious, towering Salt Lake Temple is under construction, but will reopen in April, 2027. A sixmonth open house is expected to draw some 3-5 million people from around the world to tour it. The tours will be ticketed and non-LDS members will be welcomed. Meanwhile, the Salt Lake Tabernacle is open daily, with free halfhour organ recitals played on its enormous 11,623-pipe, five-manual console. Where to stay: Less than seven miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport, the 3 year old Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is a few minutes walk to the city’s bustling Main Street, Temple Square,

Capitol Theatre, City Creek Center, Vivint Arena and more. This season, the hotel is launching the Chalet on Six, a rooftop yurt dining concept, along with the festive Silver Bell Suite. With a nod to Salt Lake City’s growing cosmopolitan vibe, the hotel’s Mar | Muntanya rooftop restaurant specializes in Spanish cuisine. The spectacular city skyline and snowcapped mountain ranges surround the restaurant. Basque Country and Catalonian dishes are served, along with an outstanding wine list. “At Mar | Muntanya, we want to recreate a similar feeling of being in Northern Spain,” says Executive Chef Tyson Peterson. Salt Lake City may be smaller than Denver—about 200,000 residents in town and 1.2 million metro-wide—but it delivers an impressive mix of culture, food, and outdoor access. To explore with ease, Southwest Adventure Tours (800-970-5864) runs daily driving and walking tours, plus curated trips beyond the city. Before heading out, grab Visit Salt Lake’s free digital passport for discounts on local attractions, favorite restaurants, and indie shops. The site also features helpful add-ons like the popular Ski Super Pass, ideal for planning your next powder day. www.visitsaltlake.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI

Inside Denver’s Most Trusted Electrical Company How Next Level Pros Is Redefining Safety, Service, and Skilled Trades

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | HO ME SE RVICE S

When Kaylene Davis talks about electricity, she talks about people first. The wires, circuits, and panels come later. For more than two decades, she has worked in the Denver area as an electrician, steadily building a career that ultimately led her to launch Next Level Pros—a family-run, woman-owned electrical contracting company rooted in Lakewood. The name fits. Everything about her business is built around leveling up what customers can expect from a trades professional: transparency, safety, longterm relationships, and workmanship that holds up for years. “I’ve been in this world a long time,” Kaylene says. “I’ve seen what makes a customer feel cared for, and what makes them hesitant to ever call someone back.” That insight became the foundation for Next Level Pros, a company that has quietly become a trusted name across Colorado for both residential and commercial electrical work.

The road here wasn’t always smooth. Electrical work is still a heavily male-dominated field, and Kaylene has had her fair share of moments where she had to prove—sometimes repeatedly— that she belonged. But the challenges only deepened her resolve. “There were times I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously,” she says. “But those same moments made me incredibly proud of what I bring to the table. They pushed me to build something better.” Next Level Pros now handles everything from custom homes and remodels to commercial tenant improvements, multifamily developments, service panel replacements, EV charger installations, and smart energy upgrades. But it isn’t just the capabilities that set the company apart, it’s the philosophy behind them. Kaylene has built her team with intention, hiring licensed electricians who go through extensive background checks, drug testing, and

ongoing training. “Our team represents our values. We hold ourselves to a high standard because we’re entering people’s homes, their businesses, their safe spaces. That trust matters.” For homeowners, that peace of mind is priceless. Kaylene’s approach is simple: communicate clearly, offer fair and transparent pricing, and show up ready to work with integrity. “People worry about who they’re letting through the front door,” she says. “We want them to feel comfortable right away. That means professionalism, respect, and doing what we say we’re going to do.” As a family-run business, those principles aren’t just policy, they’re lived out daily. Trust, respect, and accountability shape everything from how the team trains to how they interact on a jobsite. And because the company is deeply local, the relationships they build often extend long after a project wraps. “You’re not just CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

hiring a service,” Kaylene says. “You’re supporting a Colorado family that truly cares about this community.” Giving back is also part of that commitment. Kaylene and her family stay involved in local initiatives and community projects whenever they can, underscoring her belief that a business should strengthen the place it calls home. “Our work goes beyond electrical systems,” she says. “It’s about making life easier and safer for people in Denver.”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | HO ME SE RVICE S

When she’s not running the business, Kaylene recharges with the things that keep her grounded—time outdoors, time with family, and activities that remind her why she built Next Level Pros in the first place. Ultimately, she hopes Denver residents associate one feeling with her company: trust. “When people hear our name, I want them to think, ‘That’s a team I can count on.’ We’re here to help, to do things the right way, and to bring every project to the next level.”

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M I X IN G H E A LT H A ND F L AV O R A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ROSEMARY PEAR MOCK TAIL

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP • 1 cup cane sugar • 1 cup water • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL • 5 tablespoons pear juice • 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup • 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice • sparkling water to taste

HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool Completely. HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water into a glass. Add ice and garnish if desired. CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCK TAIL INGREDIENTS THYME SIMPLE SYRUP • 1 cup cane sugar • 1 cup water • 1/3 cup fresh thyme GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL • 3 cups water • 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice • 1/3 cup thyme syrup • Ice

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine water and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add fresh thyme and steep. HOW TO MAKE GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL Rim glass with sugar if desired. Fill glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons thyme syrup to each glass and fill up with 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and approximately 1 cup sparkling water. Garnish.

W I Z A R D LY BUTTER BEER INGREDIENTS BUTTER BEER • 2 liters of creme soda • 2 tablespoons butter extract • 2 teaspoons rum extract CREME TOPPING • 7 ounce container of marshmallow creme or fluff • 1 1/2 cups whipping cream • 1 teaspoon rum extract

INSTRUCTIONS Add the rum extract and butter extract to the 2 liters of cream soda. Close lid and gently mix. Prepare the topping by combining the marshmallow creme, whipping cream and rum extract. Beat on high for a few minutes until peaks appear. Add a few tablespoons of whipped topping to the bottom of glass. Pour cream soda over topping. Enjoy!

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S JA NUA RY 1 ST - 2 5T H

McGregor Skate McGregor Square 1901 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80202 McGregor Skate transforms McGregor Square Plaza into a lively winter escape for all ages. Open daily Jan 1st- 5th and weekends through Jan. 25, the rink offers $6 skating, free admission for kids under 2 and seniors 65+, plus on-site rentals. Warm up between laps with hot chocolate from the outdoor bar. JA NUA RY 1 ST - F E BRUARY 2 6TH

Snow Days Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus 2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver Denver, CO 80211 | 9:00 AM Spend the day gliding across the sock-skating rink, sledding on real snow, and striking a pose beside a vintage snowmobile in a life-size mountain diorama. Build snowmen, try your luck “fishing” in the ice house, and end your adventure warming up by a cozy fire—all in one charming winter escape. JA NUA RY 7 T H - 1 1 T H

Six Buell Theatre | 7:30 PM Henry VIII’s six wives take center stage in this bold, pop-fueled musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Bursting with sharp humor, powerhouse songs, and stunning costumes, SIX reimagines history with modern flair. Since its hit 2018 West End debut, this all-female show has wowed audiences with its fierce, funny, empowering energy. Don’t miss it! JA NUA RY 1 0 T H - 2 5T H

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo National Western Complex - 4655 Humboldt St. Denver, CO 80216 | 7:00 AM From powerful broncs to daring bull riders, rodeo’s top athletes deliver thrilling action at every performance. Enjoy the finesse of world-class reining horses, the intensity of the Denver PBR Chute-Out, and the vibrant Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza. This event packs excitement for every fan. CONTINUED >

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GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K SHOP LOCAL YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L E HI G H

events

CONTINUED

JANUARY 18TH

New Year New Moon Sound Bath The Denver Village | 5:30 PM Let go of what no longer serves you, Bring your New Year's intention and invite new beginnings. Join us for a new moon sound bath focused on setting new intentions and planting seeds for the cycle ahead. Allow the restorative sounds to guide you into a reflective space of new beginnings. JANUARY 24 TH

2026 Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival Mile High Spirits | 2:30 PM Attention whiskey enthusiasts and seasoned sippers—prepare your palate for an unforgettable journey at the 2026 Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival, coming to Mile High Spirits on Saturday, January 24, 2026! This is our exclusive winter whiskey event for the year, and with attendance limited to just 299 guests, tickets won’t last long. Secure yours before they’re gone!

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ MILEHIGH

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HI, I’M LIZ ROSSOF

I love helping people find homes and in 2025, I helped 28 people with a total of 13 dogs and 4 cats buy and sell 21 properties, totalling over $23M of inventory. Denver is a special place, and it’s my great joy to help my clients find the perfect home here. If you need a realtor to help buy or sell, call/email/text and let’s go!

WHERE HOUSES BECOME HOMES. WHERE IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU. WHERE BUYING A HOME IS FUN.

DENVER N

SCAN TO RSVP & REGISTER FOR Liz Rossof is Licensed Real Estate Agent and Broker Owner of Denver Nook THIS FREE EVENT! denvernook.com | liz@denvernook.com | 970-919-0447 | 3832 Tennyson, Denver CO 80212

FOLLOW @DENVER_NOOK FOR REAL ESTATE, FUN, & CUTE DOGS!

The All-New Tiguan They say it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The fully redesigned Tiguan proves it’s everything else, too. Step into a smarter, more spacious cabin designed for Colorado living and step out with more power, more capability, and more premium features than ever before. Come see why Denver drivers trust Emich Volkswagen, Colorado’s leading VW dealer.

emichvw.com

(877) 434-5729

@emich_vw