In the world of fine art, the city of Denver scored a huge coup with the acquisition of an amazing exhibit, Becoming Van Gogh. The exhibit at the Denver Art Museum is a collection of 70 of the master’s early impressionist works. To celebrate this Denver-only showing, the on-site restaurant Palettes Contemporary Cuisine is offering a unique French-inspired menu featuring impressionistic cocktails and wines.

Palettes was one of the nation’s first chef-driven museum restaurants when it was opened by Denver native Kevin Taylor back in 1997. For the most part, the restaurant serves modern American cuisine and is the exclusive caterer for Denver Art Museum events. The Becoming Van Gogh dinner is a French twist on their regular menu. This three-course meal includes entree choices of striped bass and seafood bouillabaisse; coq au vin (braised chicken) with pearl onions; or salmon Provençal with plum tomatoes, zucchini and new potatoes. To complement the food, a variety of French wines and several specialty cocktails using the very-appropriately named Van Gogh Vodka are offered.

Van Gogh Vodka is made in Schiedam, Holland at the Royal Dirkzwager Distillery, and is offered in several flavors. Pallettes’ featured cocktail is The Vincent and uses Van Gogh Blue Triple Wheat, ginger liqueur, blueberry juice and a lemon juice splash with a blueberry garnish. The vodka and ginger liqueur flavor blend very well, with a touch of sweet from the blueberries and lemon. At a special reception to kick off the exhibit, this cocktail was mixed by pouring it through an ice sculpture luge for an extra refreshing chill.

The Netherlands uses Van Gogh Pomegranate, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon, a splash of soda and a spring of rosemary for garnish. While the scent is sweet, the fruit flavor is complex. The simplest cocktail on the menu is the Poppy, using Van Gogh Blue Triple Wheat, elderflower liqueur and ruby red grapefruit juice. This drink has a slightly sour tang as the grapefruit mixes with the vodka.

Other Van Gogh cocktails on offer include these dessert-like treats:

The Paree (Van Gogh Rich Dark Chocolate and raspberry liqueur with a chocolate swirl and cherry garnish);
Cafe Terrace (Van Gogh Double Espresso, Van Gogh Dutch Caramel and a splash of half and half, garnished with a tuile);
Full Straw Hat (Van Gogh Dutch Caramel, Van Gogh Wild Appel, cranberry juice, a splash of apple cider and a cinnamon stick garnish).

Palettes is open 11 AM–3 PM Tuesday–Thursday, 11 AM–8 PM Friday–Saturday and 10 AM–3 PM Sunday. The prix fixe Van Gogh menu is $27, or $45 with wine pairings. The Becoming Van Gogh exhibit is now open and will run through January 20, 2013, with tickets starting at $25 for adults and $18 for museum members.

Denver Art Museum is located on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock and covered parking is available to the public. Palettes is located at 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway across 14th Avenue from the Museum’s main entrance.