If you can improve upon The Fort's sweeping views of Red Rocks and the metro area, it's with happy hour on the patio and a prickly pear margarita in hand.

The ideal combination of sweet, sour, and salty, this balanced cocktail satisfies with its bright, fruity base and evenly salted rim. Pair the drink with the barbecued duck quesadilla—tortilla triangles filled with melted aged Mexican cheeses and tender, smoked duck tinged with tangy coffee-barbeque sauce—topped with cilantro and crème fraîche.

Add an order of chips and Sam’s famous guacamole (named for Sam Arnold, the beloved late owner) with huge chunks of avocado, diced Serrano chiles, and fresh lime, tomato, onion, and cilantro, and nothing will be happier than your al fresco cocktail hour.

19192 Highway 8, Morrison, 303-697-4771