The NOCO Pour: Wobble Hi-Fi

Wobble

At the corner of Jefferson and College, on the edge of downtown Fort Collins, you’ll find a new cocktail bar that has me pretty excited. Wobble Hi-Fi is a cocktail bar with a serious emphasis on music. “Hi-Fi” is short for high fidelity, and without getting too technical, it means a ton of thought and intention went into ensuring the music being played is of the highest possible quality. The same attention to detail applies to nearly everything in the building, from the glassware, to the cocktails, and even the furniture, which was handmade by the owners: Preston Bishir, Miles Storm, and Danny Gentry. With the help of their friend and fellow small business owner Nate Lamb, owner of Wolly Furniture. 

While Preston and Miles are the resident audiophiles, Danny is the cocktail guru. You can find all three owners working behind the bar nearly every night they’re open. Also, to me, supporting small, locally owned businesses is more important than ever in these uncertain economic times. Especially when the owners are putting so much thought, care, and intention behind their concept.

The Cocktails

Ruin The World Tour

The cocktails are sophisticated yet inviting, with fun names like “Name of the Frogs,” “Accidental Nudges,” and “Ruin the World Tour.” There are some drinks with more adventurous ingredients, but don’t let that scare you away.

On my last visit, my wife ordered their “Ruin the World Tour,” made with yuzu vodka, coconut rum, Calpico, Thai basil, lime, and kiwi boba. After the first sip, it feels like you’ve been transported to a tropical beach. If I were naming it myself, I’d call it “Ocean Front Property”—as close as you’ll get to one in Fort Collins. (Shout out to George Strait.)

Calpico, for those unfamiliar, is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing Japanese yogurt drink similar to coconut milk but even more vibrant. Danny is the creative force behind most of the cocktails at Wobble. You might recognize him from his previous gig at Ace Gillette’s in Fort Collins. That said, everyone on staff has contributed a cocktail or two to the list. Wobble has also hosted events where guests vote on which new creations should make the next menu. I’d encourage you to branch out and try something new.

Keep It Simple

A simple, thoughtful menu

One thing I love about this bar is their highball list. While they excel at those adventurous, multi-component cocktails, sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. Highballs are classic one-spirit, one-mixer combinations—think whiskey and Coke or gin and tonic. But at Wobble, they’ve elevated the format with more interesting pairings like absinthe and root beer, or Aperol and lemonade. Flavors that pair beautifully together, even if you might not have considered them before.

Craft Beer and Wine

As you’d expect from a thoughtful craft cocktail bar, their beer and wine selections are equally curated. You won’t find a Coors Light here, but instead a carefully chosen lineup from local and regional craft breweries.

The wine list gets my sommelier stamp of approval as well. You might not have tried a Carignan, Viognier, or a Rioja-style rosé from Napa before, but they’re all worth exploring.

One bottle that caught my eye for my next visit is Crow Steps Farmhouse Ale from Boulder. It is a wild mixed-culture ale brewed with Merlot grapes. Sounds intriguing.

They also offer a small selection of bar snacks. Things like nuts, olives, cheese boards, but also some food with a bit more substance like pizza, and even their own take on a Crunchwrap. I don’t know if there is a better pairing in the world than a couple too many cocktails and some Taco Bell! Their menu also has several Non-Alcoholic options, sober folks and designated drivers are able to enjoy the bar as well.

Hours, Events, and More

Wobble is a small, intimate space, perfect for relaxing with great music and excellent drinks. It’s also available for private events. Every night feels like an event thanks to the high-fidelity sound system and carefully selected playlists. Be sure to follow them on Instagram (@wobble.hifi) to stay in the know about listening parties, upcoming DJs, and special events.

They’re also in the process of adding daytime hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays for a tea service featuring Spirit Tea, an American specialty tea importer.

For cocktails, Wobble is open every day of the week. Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after work, listen to incredible music, and share some fantastic cocktails with friends.

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Cheers!

Christian