For our September/October issue, we sought to capture the essence of third space camaraderie that resonates with so many of our readers. So, here are our 27 favorite watering holes in Utah stirring up more than something special in a glass. Comprising nationally-recognized cocktail bars that tease our curiosity and no-frills dives that answer the call for human companionship with a stiff pour and schooled benevolence — these are the places we feel represent the current state of nightlife in Salt Lake. Along the way we chatted with four star-tenders that are bringing something special to their establishment, ask asked them to present a seasonal cocktail our readers can sip and enjoy throughout September and October.
Photography by Jazmine Worthen @tasty.shots.slc
Star-Tender Mac Wallace, The Yeti
Mac Wallace from The Yeti prepares a cocktail that captures the moment summer starts giving way to fall. Sugar House whiskey and serrano oloroso sherry set the base, silky corn milk and miso syrup add savory depth. “It drinks rich and nostalgic.”
Tell us about the drink, does it have a name?
“The drink is called Miso Corny. The name is a bit of a groaner, but I couldn’t resist. I wanted to capture that moment when summer starts giving way to fall. Fresh corn is one of those ingredients that’s so tied to late summer, and since corn is also grown throughout the Himalayas, it felt like a natural way to connect the drink to our concept. I made a fresh corn milk that gives it an incredibly silky texture, then layer in miso syrup for savory depth, Serrano-infused Oloroso sherry for a little brightness and gentle heat, mole bitters, aged rum, and Sugar House Rye. It drinks rich and nostalgic, but with enough spice and savory notes to keep it from feeling overly sweet.”
What’s your favorite thing about tending bar?
“I think bars are one of the last places where strangers still end up talking to each other. I love getting to be a small part of that—making someone feel welcome, introducing them to something new, or just giving them a place where they can unwind for a bit. That’s always been more interesting to me than just making drinks.”
What’s the weirdest drink request you’ve ever received?
“Honestly, I don’t get too many requests I’d call weird. I kind of enjoy when people ask for something unexpected—even if it’s not something we normally make, I’m usually happy to see what I can do. The one that always comes to mind is a regular at a previous bar who drank nothing but limoncello and Sprite with no ice. It wasn’t exactly a classic, but it was his drink. I actually kind of miss seeing him come in and order it.”
What’s something you get asked by customers way too often?
“‘What’s good here?’ I usually turn it back around and ask what kinds of drinks they already enjoy. It’s a lot easier to recommend someone’s next favorite cocktail than it is to guess their favorite from scratch.”
Visit Mac at The Yeti, order the “Miso Corny”, and then share and tag us @slmag
The Yeti
7333 Canyon Centre Pkwy., Cottonwood Heights
theyetibar.com
Find all 27 of our favorite bars in Salt Lake, and enjoy more Food and Drink coverage. While you’re here, subscribe to Salt Lake magazine to receive six beautiful print issues a year!
