In Denver and its surrounding neighborhoods from Lakewood to Aurora, Englewood, Littleton, and beyond, food lovers are always looking for the next great dining experience. But great dining isn’t just about the food. The drink in your hand can be just as important as the dish on your plate. The right pairing transforms a good meal into an unforgettable one.
At Imperial Chinese Restaurant on South Broadway, we’ve been serving the Denver community since 1985. Known for dishes like Sesame Chicken, Peking Duck, and our famous Seafood Bird’s Nest, we’ve built a reputation for flavor, consistency, and hospitality. Now, with our new cocktail menu, we’re adding another layer to the Imperial experience — carefully crafted drinks that complement our most beloved dishes.
This isn’t just about what tastes good together. It’s about balance, contrast, and enhancing the flavors that make each bite and sip better than the last. Whether you’re joining us for a date night, happy hour with friends, or celebrating with family, these perfect pairings will make your night out in Denver something to remember.
Why Food and Drink Pairing Matters
Pairing food with the right drink is both an art and a science. In Denver’s cocktail scene, you’ll see bartenders balancing citrus with spice, sweetness with bitterness, or bubbles with richness. At Imperial, we’ve taken that same philosophy into our dining room.
Think about it:
- A sweet cocktail can soften the heat of a spicy Szechuan dish.
- A crisp gin drink can bring out the delicate flavors in seafood.
- A bold whiskey drink can stand up to the richness of roasted duck.
Every pairing is an opportunity to elevate both the dish and the drink, turning a single meal into a layered, sensory experience.
Pairing #1: Peking Duck + Jasmine & Peach Old Fashioned
Our Peking Duck is a Denver legend — slow-roasted until the skin is crisp, carved and served with house-made pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It’s indulgent, savory, and rich.
Pair it with our Jasmine & Peach Old Fashioned. Made with bourbon, a touch of sweet peach liquor, and a hint of cooled jasmine tea over a jasmine and peach ice cube, the cocktail evolves with each sip. It balances the duck’s depth with gentle sweetness, while the herbal notes echo the roasted flavors in the duck.
Best enjoyed for date night or special celebrations, especially for guests visiting from Cherry Creek or Capitol Hill.
Pairing #2: Sesame Chicken + Lychee Cosmo
Crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, our Sesame Chicken has been a crowd favorite for decades. The sesame glaze clings to every piece of chicken, delivering a flavor that lingers.
The Lychee Cosmo offers the perfect counterpoint. The floral sweetness of lychee pairs beautifully with the sesame sauce, while cranberry and lemon keep things bright and refreshing. Each bite feels lighter, so you can keep coming back for more.
Ideal for warm evenings at the bar, whether you’re coming in from Englewood or after a day exploring South Broadway.
Pairing #3: Seafood Bird's Nest + Labubu Take New York
The Seafood Bird’s Nest is one of our most visually striking dishes — a crispy potato nest filled with shrimp, scallops, calamari, and fresh vegetables in a delicate white wine sauce.
Pair it with the Labubu Take New York, a twist on the New York Sour. Its cabernet notes blend seamlessly with the sauce, while citrus and botanicals from the rye whiskey enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness. The playful Labubu-shaped ice cube adds texture that contrasts the crunch of the nest.
Perfect for guests from Capitol Hill or Littleton looking for an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy experience.
Pairing #4: Kung Pao Chicken + Coconut Chile Margarita
If you love spice, Kung Pao Chicken is where you’ll want to start — a stir-fry of chicken, zucchini, squash, roasted peanuts, and chilies in a bold brown sauce.
Match it with a Coconut Chile Margarita. The chilies enhance the dish’s heat, while lime and coconut offer a cooling finish. The balance makes every bite more exciting.
Great for adventurous eaters from Aurora or Highlands Ranch.
Pairing #5: Orange Beef + Passionfruit Boba Star
Our Orange Beef is all about the interplay between citrus and savory. Tender slices of beef are tossed in a sauce infused with fresh orange peel, giving it both brightness and depth.
The Passionfruit Boba Star — triple passionfruit (fresh, liqueur & popping boba) — cuts through the richness. Lime amplifies the citrus while vanilla vodka adds aromatic sweetness.
Perfect for guests enjoying a night out in downtown Denver before heading to a show.
Pairing #6: Vegetarian Hunan “Chicken” + Raspberry Sangria
Plant-based diners deserve pairings that shine too. Our Vegetarian Hunan “Chicken” uses soy protein to recreate the texture of Hunan beef, with the same spicy-sweet sauce.
The Raspberry Sangria keeps things fresh and light. Tart raspberry cleanses the palate while pineapple mirrors the vegetables’ freshness.
Perfect for health-conscious guests from Washington Park or Lakewood.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings That Still Impress
Not every pairing has to include alcohol. Our menu also features refreshing options:
- Lychee Lemonade with Wonton Soup — floral and soothing.
- Sparkling Pomegranate Soda with Sweet & Sour Chicken — sweet and tart.
These drinks keep the experience inclusive, so everyone can enjoy thoughtful pairings. You can even add crystal boba.
A Local Experience With a Global Touch
When you dine at Imperial Chinese, you’re not just getting a great meal; you’re taking part in a Denver tradition. For nearly 40 years, locals from Cherry Creek, Washington Park, and beyond have gathered here for celebrations, first dates, and weeknight dinners that feel like a treat.
The new cocktail menu adds a global touch, inspired by classic mixology and designed to complement our recipes — from the citrus burst in our Lychee Cosmo to the floral lift of our Sake Colada.
Making the Most of Your Night
If you’re planning a night out, here’s how to enjoy it fully:
- Start with a shared appetizer — Imperial Rolls with a glass of sparkling wine or a Lychee Cosmo.
- Choose your entrée and pairing from the list above.
- Leave room for dessert — our Taro Sweet Buns pair beautifully with a Dragonfruit Sour.
- Make a reservation, especially during peak hours.
Denver’s cocktail culture is thriving — from speakeasies in RiNo to craft bars in LoDo — but few places combine top-tier cocktails with authentic Chinese cuisine. Imperial offers both, with nearly four decades of history.
With our new cocktail menu, you can explore Denver’s mixology scene without leaving your dinner table. Each visit can be a new pairing, a new experience, and a new favorite combination.
Reserve Your Table Today
Ready to discover your perfect pairing? Whether you’re a longtime Denver local or visiting from Lakewood, Aurora, or Englewood, join us on South Broadway for an evening of unforgettable flavors.
Reserve your table now » and let our team guide you through the best food and drink pairings Imperial Chinese has to offer.
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