Blue and Orange Broncos Specials Explode in Denver

Of course the Super Bowl is about football first and foremost, but food may be a close second on the priority list. So, as Denver is #unitedinorange before game day this Sunday, chefs and bartenders are whipping up dishes and beverages in honor of the Broncos and their hopeful victory against the Carolina Panthers. Here are some of the highlights around town.

Cocktails: Punch Bowl Social crafted a special punch called "Orange is the New Blue," featuring Old Forester bourbon, Domaine de Canton, lemon juice, apple butter, simple syrup and pear tea. The finishing touches on the dangerously delicious cocktail are orange slices and blueberries - color(ardo) appropriate. Have one or more in honor of the home team!

Beer: Factotum Brewhouse developed a Peyton Manning tribute beer which was aptly named after the quarterback's affinity for calling out "Omaha" before snapping the old pigskin. The Oatmaha oatmeal pale ale is a collaboration between the Denver brewers and an Indianapolis beer-making team, Tow Yard. Colorado sage brings a spicy touch to the drink. Orange Oatmaha T-Shirts are also available at the brewery.

Spangalang Brewery - The Five Points brewer launched Orange Crushsicle session beer, with hints of orange peel and vanilla to celebrate the Broncos.

Doughnuts – At least three specialty bakers in the Mile High have put out sweet treats just for Denver's showing in the big game. Fractured Prune Doughnuts, known for offering customers piping hot, originally conceived doughnuts, is offering blue- and orange-sprinkled covered cake creations for the Super Bowl, while Glazed and Confused (pictured below) has blue and orange hand-dipped doughnuts. Voodoo Doughnut Mile High, the quirky and sometimes crass Colfax shop has Broncos-themed desserts as well.

Ice Cream - Nuggs Ice Cream, the Park Hill family-owned ice cream parlor added an Orange Crush – creamsicle flavored variety to its starting line-up, special for Sunday. In Cap Hill, Liks, the small but popular corner shop on 13th Avenue is featuring a festive Bronco fever flavor, with tangerine and blueberry mixed together.

Orange Cotton Candy with blue sprinkles of course has made an appearance at The Inventing Room. This week only, the entertaining and interactive Willy Wonka style shop will offer orange crush cotton candy in honor of our home team.

Broncos-themed cakes, cookies, and macarons are a thing at D Bar Restaurant, Temple Bakery, and Cake Crumbs. Call them up for details.

While it may not be orange and blue (thankfully!), one limited-time offer burger at Lefty's Mile High Bar & Grill at DIA was created in honor of the home team. The Bronco Burger, available through Sunday, is a 7 ounce bison burger is topped with cheddar, sautéed onions, and jalapeños, served on a toasted pretzel bun.