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Discover Salt Lake Magazine’s Utah nightlife Coverage. Here you’ll find reviews of the Best Utah Bars in Salt Lake City, along the Wasatch Front and Back, and around Utah to help you discover amazing Dining and Nightlife Experiences at Utah Restaurants and Utah Bars. And check out our Dining Guide, for an online collection of reviews and information about Utah Restaurants from the editors of Salt Lake Magazine.

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Log Haven 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Log Haven

Bartender: Duncan Campbell

“I have worked at Log Haven since I was 16 years old. I have been bartending there for eight years. I also have tended at several bars in downtown Salt Lake City. Currently, I am also bartending at Italian Graffiti. I have enjoyed the Wasatch all my life, skiing, climbing and hiking its many canyons.”

Cocktail: The Knaughty Pine

The Knaughty Pine is an elaborate riff on the Ramos Fizz, featuring Beehive Jack Rabbit Gin, Hive Brandy Co. Pear Brandy, Waterpocket Notom Amaro and a house-made pine nut orgeat. It evokes the scent of the forest, has a fizzy nut flavor, but also has a creamy texture from the egg white. 

Recipe:
3/4 oz. Beehive Jack Rabbit Gin
3/4 oz. Hive Brandy Co. Pear Brandy
1/4 oz. Waterpocket Notom Amaro
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 oz. pine nut orgeat
Egg White from one egg

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain, dry shake, (no ice). Strain into a Collins glass with a splash of soda water. Top with soda water to form a dense foam cap. Garnish with a few honey-roasted pine nuts and pine sprigs.

Pine nut Orgeat: Soak 3 cups of pine nuts in 3 cups of water for at least 2 hours.  Blend, then finely strain. Add 1 cup Wasatch Organics wildflower honey, a few dashes of orange blossom water, 1/2 oz. rose water, a dash of ground clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Mix well.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Harbor Seafood & Steak 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Harbor Seafood & Steak

Bartender: Randall Curtis

The owner and operator of Harbor Seafood & Steak Co., is a self-taught bartender who has mastered the art of classic cocktails while also creating his own unique recipes. His passion for innovative drinks has earned Harbor a dedicated following, especially for their craft cocktails that stand out from anything else in town. This personal touch and creativity are what make Harbor Seafood & Steak Co. a beloved neighborhood spot.

Cocktail: The 86’d

One of his signature creations is “The 86’d,” a cocktail named in honor of his friend Dalton Kincaid, whom Randall greatly admires for his generous heart. Kincaid played football at the University of Utah and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills where he plays tight end under the number 86.

Recipe:

Casamigos Reposado
Disaronno Amaretto
Pineapple Puree
Juiced Lemon
Utah Cherries marinated in an Anise-Clove-Brown Sugar Syrup  

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen

Bartender: Maddie Buette

“I have lived in Salt Lake City for four years, and I fall more in love with it every day. I spend as many hours as I can in the Wasatch or somewhere in the desert. Much of my time is also spent behind the bar. I am constantly looking for interesting flavors and preparations, doing so with inspiration from my fellow bartenders.” 

Cocktail: Killing Me Softly

This cocktail is the perfect marriage between ingredients that are also a bit outspoken on their own. We have a bold, smokey mezcal, muddled Fresno chilies, spiced liqueur, mole and a house-made Grilled Pineapple Syrup. All my favorites are in one place. I wanted to use a local liqueur, and Waterpocket Distillery never disappoints. In addition to Waterpocket Harnet, each piece comes through individually, while still contributing to a soft, sippable result.

Recipe:
1.25 oz. Wahaka Mezcal
0.75 oz. Grilled pineapple syrup (see below)
0.5 oz. lemon
0.5 oz. Waterpocket Harnet
Muddled Fresno chilies
Mole bitters

Grilled pineapple syrup:
Grill pineapple wheels until they have grill marks. Heat equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Add chopped grilled pineapple to syrup. Stir until golden. Strain with cheesecloth and sieve. When cooled, add 1 tsp of citric acid to the mixture.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Laurel Brasserie & Bar 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Laurel Brasserie & Bar

Bartender: Mangesh Sawant

“My name is Mangesh Sawant. I am from the enchanting land of India with great knowledge of spices, tropical fruits and indigenous food making and serving truly exceptional cocktails for more than six years in the state of Utah. I love to use my knowledge to develop new concoctions, serve them and see guests love them.”

Cocktail: The Jackfruit Swizzle

This cocktail combines fresh jackfruit puree with zesty lemon juice, the smooth richness of local Dented Brick Whisky and the spiciness of Sugar House Rye Whisky to bring you a one-of-a-kind experience. This delightful concoction is then elevated with a generous splash of Peychaud’s Bitters, adding a subtle hint of aromatic complexity that beautifully complements the fruity and whiskey notes. Served over ice and garnished with Mint sprig and a slice of fresh lemon, the Jackfruit Swizzle is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail that is sure to leave you craving another sip.

Recipe:
1.5 oz Dented Brick Whisky
1 oz Sugar House Rye 
1.5 oz Jackfruit Cinnamon Puree (see below)
0.75 oz Lemon Juice
Peychourds Bitters 2-3 dashes

Shake Alcohol, lemon juice and Jackfruit Puree in a shaker. Strain into glass over ice and finish with 2-3 splashes of Peychourds bitters and garnish with lemon slice and fresh mint spring.

Jackfruit Cinnamon Puree mix:
1 cup of ripe Jackfruit peeled and deseeded blend with 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon powder. Fine strain it and store it.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Copper Common 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Copper Common

Bartender: Sabrina Madsen

“I started at Copper Common about two and a half years ago. I’ve absolutely loved my time here, and I’ve been so lucky to have so many mentors who have made this job enjoyable! I’d like to thank Alex Thompson, Tim Burt and Spence Jensen for showing me the ropes and teaching me how to craft cocktails.”

Cocktail: Heirloom 24

Inspired by the classic margarita, the Heirloom 24 is a light, savory, strawberry-tomato cocktail. It features Triple Sec from Waterpocket, a Utah distillery named after Capitol Reef National Park. The name “Heirloom 24” pays homage to the famous Highway 24 that winds through the park, and its color mimics the beautiful red rock that makes Utah famous. Olive brine and heirloom tomato water blend with tequila to create a gentle savory quality, while strawberry purée and verjus blanc add a light, breezy sweetness to the drink.

Recipe:
1.5 oz. Arette Blanco tequila
3/4 oz. Strawberry-Verjus purée (see below)
1/4 oz. Verjus Blanc
3/4 oz. Heirloom tomato water (see below)
3/8 oz. Sage syrup (see below)
3/8 oz. Lemon juice
1/4 oz. Waterpocket Fruita Triple Sec
1 bar spoon Kalamata olive brine

Strawberry-Verjus purée: Blend 2 oz. of locally grown strawberries for 1 minute. Add an equal amount (by volume, 1:1) of Verjus Blanc and blend again. Strain and keep refrigerated. 

Heirloom tomato water: Blend 2-3 locally grown heirloom tomatoes until fully puréed (1-2 minutes). Cover a container with cheesecloth, then add tomato purée. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Discard the remaining tomato sediment, bottle the resulting tomato water, and keep refrigerated. 

Sage syrup: Place 2 oz. of locally grown sage leaves into a large, sealable container (preferably plastic or pyrex). Bring 1 qt. water to a boil, then add to save leaves. Cover with a lid, leaving a small space for steam to escape. Let sit for 1 hour. Strain out the steeped herbs. Reheat the remaining sage water in a pot or kettle, then add an equal amount of sugar (1:1). Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. Let the syrup fully cool before use.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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St. Regis Deer Valley’s Astor Bar and La Stellina 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: The St. Regis Deer Valley’s Astor Bar and La Stellina

Bartender: Michael McGuire

A popular bartender at The St. Regis Deer Valley for the high-design Italian restaurant, La Stellina and the immediately adjacent sleek and sophisticated Astor Bar, both located in the resort’s Snow Park Building. McGuire, has worked at the resort for two years, came to Utah with experience in hospitality and food from the Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey, Mich.; Restaurant Manager at The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Mich.; and as assistant General Manager at Sushi Blue in Park City. McGuire has also tried his hand at being a meat cutter at Toski Sands Market in Petoskey, Mich.

Cocktail: The Ocean Avenue

This cocktail is named for its distinct color and look. The combination of blueberry syrup, local basil and local whiskey gives it a rich color reminiscent of the sea. The drink itself is made to remind guests of that unique purple-bluish color that the ocean displays after a storm.

Recipe:
1 oz High West Double Rye
1 oz Rand Old Tom Gin
0.5 oz Amaretto
0.75 oz Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Orgeat
0.25 oz Blueberry Syrup
0.5 oz Honey Simple Syrup
0.5 oz Basil Oil
0.5 oz Fee Foam

Spray Basil Oil in Nick and Nora glass. Combine other ingredients in a shaker and dry shake, then wet shake. Strain contents into Nick and Nora Glass, on top of Basil Oil.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Ivy & Varley 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Ivy & Varley

Bartender: Cam Quantrell

“My bartending journey began as a hobby to get a break from my job in healthcare during COVID. I discovered that I enjoy creating new things and building positive memories, and experiences for others. Then to my surprise, bartending took off for me and became my whole career, filling my life with amazing new friendships and experiences of my own.”

Cocktail: Third Time

Third Time is very much a cocktail with garden-party vibes, featuring lots of citrus and lots of yum. This cocktail tastes very “red,” with lots of liquid salad qualities to it that match the spirit of summer. It starts with Wahaka Mezcal, lime juice and then comes the delightfully ambiguously named “Red Stuff,” made from fresh strawberries, watermelon, and, yes, tomatoes.

Recipe:
1.5 oz Wahaka Mezcal
2 oz Red Stuff (see below)
0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
2 Mint Leaves
1 Dash (3ml) Food Grade Acid Phosphate 

Shake with Ice, and finely strain into a tall glass over ice. Garnish with a strawberry and mint bouquet 

Red Stuff Mix:
200g Tomatoes (Blanched to Soften and roughly chopped)
200g Strawberries (Rough Chopped)
400ml Fresh Watermelon Juice
400g Sugar 
200ml Verjus Rouge 

Combine tomatoes and strawberries in a container with 2% pectin by weight and let sit for 20 minutes. Blend and strain through a coffee filter. Combine watermelon juice and sugar in a small saucepan on low heat, and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once the watermelon syrup is cooled, combine all ingredients and enjoy (preferably outside in sunny weather).

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Canyon Breeze at Red Mountain Resort 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Canyon Breeze at Red Mountain Resort

Bartender: Jayme Morgan

“I am the General Manager of Canyon Breeze Restaurant located at Red Mountain Resort, where I’ve worked for more than 26 years. I’m originally from upstate New York and my travels have enriched my approach to hospitality and culinary arts. In Maui, I embarked on my career in the restaurant industry, and, after relocating to southern Utah, I found my professional home at Red Mountain Resort. We take pride in making all our syrups in-house and incorporating produce from our garden, including prickly pears harvested and processed on-site at the Resort. We avoid using bottled juices, opting instead for freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice to ensure that every cocktail is vibrant and flavorful.”

Canyon Breeze at Red Mountain Resort, Spicy Desert Bloom.

Cocktail: Spicy Desert Blossom

Surrounded by the landscape of Utah’s red desert, the Spicy Desert Blossom cocktail captures the essence of the high desert’s beauty and adventurous spirit. This drink blends locally sourced ingredients with a touch of fiery flair, creating a sensory journey that mirrors the rugged yet serene environment of the region. The cocktail has prickly pear syrup, sourced on the property at Red Mountain Resort, and lavender sage syrup, infused with aromatic herbs, native to the area.

Recipe:
1 large, ripe strawberry
¼ oz prickly pear syrup, carefully sourced on the property at Red Mountain Resort
½ oz lavender sage syrup, infused with aromatic herbs native to the area
1 ½ oz jalapeño tequila, adding a fiery kick reminiscent of the desert heat
A splash of sparkling water for a refreshing finish

Muddle the strawberry in a shaker with the prickly pear and lavender sage syrups. The bright red of the strawberry melds with the earthy sweetness of the syrups, creating a vibrant base that reflects the blooming flora of the Utah desert. Add a generous amount of ice and the jalapeño tequila. Shake vigorously, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, echoing the robust and untamed nature of the landscape. Pour the mixture into a glass, with colors swirling together like a Utah sunset. Top with a splash of sparkling water, bringing a refreshing effervescence that captures the cool breeze of the desert evening. Garnish with a fresh lavender flower, a slice of jalapeño, and a strawberry, symbolizing the delicate yet resilient beauty of the desert blooms.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Urban Hill 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Urban Hill

Bartender: Sam Black

“I have been on the bar team since Urban Hill opened in 2022, where I flexed my leadership skills, built on 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry when I was promoted to bar lead highlighting her talent for the past 15 years in the food and beverage industry. I have a passion for cocktails and food, and how the combination paired with thoughtful hospitality can create impactful experiences for our guests.”

Cocktail: Rye Skies

An Amaro-forward, fruity spin on a Paper Plane, made with locally distilled Sugarhouse Rye and Waterpocket Notom Amaro and balanced with a house-made plum cordial for some pure fruity flavored joy. 

Recipe:
1 oz Sugarhouse Rye
.50 oz Waterpocket Notom Amaro #1
.50 oz lemon juice
1.5 oz plum cordial
Mint for garnish

Plum Cordial: Equal parts water to fruit, half the amount of sugar. Bring all ingredients to a boil. Strain.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.

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Varley 2024 Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest Entry

By After Dark, Eat & Drink, Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest

Bar: Varley

Bartender: Taylor Stucki

“Bartending for me has always been about the fusion of felt experiences—a combination of sensory stimuli. Whether sharing a glass with lifelong friends, hosting a wedding party or offering a curated cocktail for my patrons—the reward is always a sense of communion.”

Cocktail: Funk Wave Bounce

A funky, earthy tonic that highlights the banana and agricole notes of Sugar House Rum. Juicy Golden Delicious apple, bright fennel and lemongrass are rounded with effervescent, fermented pineapple of Tepache made from scratch. 

Recipe:
1.5 oz Sugarhouse Rum
.25oz Holystone Absinthe
1.5oz Golden Delicious apple juice
.5oz Fennel Juice 
3 dash Honest John Lemongrass bitters

Shake all ingredients and strain into a highball over ice. Top with Tepache (see below).

Tepache (Fermented Pineapple):
1 gallon of water (de-chlorinated)
1 pineapple (just the exterior rinds and skin)
1 medium ginger
1 cup of sugar (Demerara or Piloncillo)
Large food-safe vessel & cheesecloth

Clean and sanitize all equipment, and produce. Cut produce into medium slices, add all ingredients to vessel, and cover with cheesecloth. Let sit at room temperature for 3-4 days, stirring daily. Transfer to carbonation grade bottles, and refrigerate.

Explore the cocktail trail and vote for your favorite cocktail in the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest.




About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest

Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.