The Blog

Coping with Burnout While Building a Spirits Brand: Our Story Let’s be honest:  burnout doesn’t care how passionate you are.  You can love what you do, believe in your mission, and still find yourself totally depleted. At Red Rocks Spirits , we’ve felt it firsthand. In this episode of  UNDISTILLED , we (Ashley and Willis Blankenship) get real about our personal experience with burnout—what it looked like, how it crept up on us, and the ways we’re learning to  cope without c

Proudly Supporting DU Athletics with Colorado’s Own Vodka Big news for college sports fans and cocktail lovers alike:  Red Rocks Vodka  is now the  Official Vodka of the University of Denver Pioneers ! We’re proud to partner with  DU Athletics , a powerhouse in NCAA hockey, lacrosse, and gymnastics, and a true symbol of Colorado excellence. From face-offs to finals, Red Rocks Vodka is now the local spirit behind the Pios—bringing smooth sips and good vibes to fans all season

What People Get Wrong About Entrepreneurs: The Real Story from Red Rocks Spirits When people picture  entrepreneurs , they often imagine something like this: Total freedom Flexible schedules Working from the beach Instant success And while there are moments that feel  kind of   like that (okay, maybe the beach is pushing it), the  truth about entrepreneurship  is far messier, and far more rewarding, than the highlight reel. As the founders of  Red Rocks Spirits , we’ve learne

There’s nothing like escaping into the great outdoors, surrounded by fresh air, campfires, and a sky full of stars. Whether you're heading into the mountains, setting up near a lake, or pitching a tent in your own backyard, camping is all about creating memorable experiences—and Red Rocks Spirits is here to elevate every adventure. Here are our top camping tips to help you stay safe, sleep well, and sip smarter—featuring  Red Rocks Vodka  and  Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey , you

Whether you're hosting a cocktail party, building your home bar, or just in the mood for something smooth and satisfying,  martinis  are a timeless classic. And with  Red Rocks Vodka , you can bring high-quality flavor to every glass—without overcomplicating your cocktail game. Here are five easy  martini recipes  to try using  Red Rocks Vodka , made in Colorado and perfect for any occasion. 1. Classic Vodka Martini This timeless cocktail is the foundation of all martinis. Cl

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 5 Behind every bottle of  Red Rocks Spirits  is a story, and for  Willis Blankenship , that story is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of finding your calling. In this episode of  UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits , we go beyond the brand to learn how a man who spent over two decades in a traditional 9-to-5 job transformed a life-altering setback into a new mission: bringing high-quality spirits to people who love to celebrat

T here’s nothing quite like  tailgating on game day —grills fired up, music playing, and drinks in hand as everyone rallies around their favorite team. Whether you're parked outside the stadium or throwing a backyard watch party, a little planning goes a long way toward making your tailgate unforgettable. Here are our top  tailgating tips , plus the best  vodka and whiskey  to bring along— Red Rocks Vodka  and  Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey , proudly crafted in Colorado and read

Designing a basement bar is one of the most rewarding home upgrades you can make—it's fun, functional, and the perfect place to enjoy your favorite spirits with friends. Whether you're hosting game night, mixing cocktails, or sipping neat pours after a long day, every great home bar starts with thoughtful design... and ends with a bottle of Red Rocks Vodka or Cut Cask Whiskey on the shelf. s, ho Here’s how to build the ultimate basement bar—and stock it with the very best fro

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 3 Brunch, whiskey, ramen—what do they all have in common?  They bring people together to share unforgettable experiences. In this episode of  UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits , we sit down with  Lacey Spruce , co-founder of  Drink Denver , to learn how she and her team have created some of Denver’s most iconic  food and drink events . From the  Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown  to  Brunchfest  and  Denver Ramen Fest ,  Drink Denve

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 2 Ever wondered what it actually takes to launch a spirits brand from scratch? In Episode 2 of  UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits , we take you behind the bottle for an unfiltered, no-BS look at the business of booze. Starting Red Rocks Spirits wasn’t just about creating smooth, quality vodka and whiskey (though that was a major part of it). It was about breaking into a tightly regulated industry, learning the ropes on the fly, and roll

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 1 Red Rocks Spirits kicks off its official podcast  UNDISTILLED  with an unforgettable premiere episode featuring none other than its founder and host,  Ashley Blankenship . This isn't just an introduction—it’s a deep dive into the vibrant, unpredictable, and inspiring journey that led Ashley to launch a spirits company grounded in passion, grit, and heart. From Artist to Entrepreneur: A Story of Reinvention Ashley’s life is anything b

The Bloody Mary is more than just a cocktail—it’s a brunch icon, a savory delight. With the right ingredients and a bottle of Red Rocks Vodka , you can elevate this classic drink into something unforgettable. Ready to learn how to mix the perfect Bloody Mary? Let’s dive in! Start with a great Vodka What makes a Bloody Mary truly exceptional? It starts with the vodka. If you start with gross ingredients, you'll only ever make a mediocre drink. Red Rocks Vodka , crafted with pu

What happens when a couple of dreamers decide to turn life’s uncertainties into an adventure? They create something extraordinary—like Red Rocks Vodka , a premium Colorado vodka inspired by the iconic Colorado landscape and fueled by a passion for quality and affordability. This is the story of Ashley and Willis Blankenship, the husband-and-wife team behind Red Rocks Vodka, a brand that’s giving Colorado spirits a whole new experience. Credit: Michael Walker A Rocky Start wit

Attending concerts can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here are some tips to help you enjoy concerts to the fullest: Arrive Early Especially if you're headed to Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, getting there early gives you time to explore the venue, get a feel for the atmosphere, take pictures, and potentially meet fellow fans. Tailgate in the parking lot with Red Rocks Vodka for a great start to the show. Sometimes, general seating is available and arriving

Visiting Red Rocks Amphitheater is a unique and memorable experience. To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips: Plan your visit: Check the schedule of events at Red Rocks Amphitheater and choose a concert or event that interests you. It's a good idea to book your tickets in advance, as popular shows can sell out quickly. Transportation: Red Rocks Amphitheater is located about 15 miles west of Denver, Colorado. If you're staying in Denver, you can drive to t

The sun has finally come out in Denver and it's time to spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery the rain has provided. Camping can...

Colorado is absolutely 🤌. But let's face it. It's freaking dry. Hydration is key, especially when enjoying cocktails. While drinking...

Even though you probably couldn't tell by all the rain here in Denver, summer is pretty much here! The sun will come out eventually, so let's get ready for some heat and soaking up rays. Of course, pool or lakeside wouldn't be the same without a good cocktail in your hand. Here are some popular and refreshing summer cocktail options. Red Rocks Vodka Mojito A classic Cuban cocktail traditionally made with white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water.

Need a great cocktail you can make ahead of time? Here you go!