I’m City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta and a judge for Salt Lake Magazine’s Farm to Cocktail Competition.
Every year, Salt Lake’s best bartenders whip up a unique cocktail with local ingredients and enter Salt Lake Magazine’s Farm to Cocktail Competition. This year, there are 23 entries. Winners get cash (and glory), but there’s also a People’s Choice Award — that’s where you come in!
🍹 What makes a great cocktail? Flavor, presentation, creativity. You have until Oct. 1 to sip, judge, and vote. Here are a few neighborhood crawls to make the most of your time.
Downtown SLC – Eastside
The “Dirty Rat” at HSL is a ratatouille martini, drink it with oysters! Then walk over to Current for “Sporeplay,” your first mushroom cocktail. Two blocks down, Franklin Ave's “The Sundance Kid” is a take on dirty soda. Finish the night at Copper Common for "Tomato Boi," a spritz with tomato foam.
Post District
Have you been over here yet? I want to paint everything the color of Melancholy’s “Goat in the Garden.” At Urban Hill, the “Afterlight” brings in Ritual Chocolate and blue corn bourbon.
The “Red Rave” created by Tyler Zacher at Scion Cider. (Natalie Simpson/Beehive Photography)
Central 9th
Pick up a “Sack Lunch” at Water Witch, garnished with housemade peach burrata. Steps away, the “Red Rave” at Scion Cider is a beet creation to remind you how much you like brandy. Down the street, HK Brewing's “Son of a Peach” is cheeky spicy, dusted with Fresno chilies.
“Raspberry Days Gimlet” created by Keslee Smith at Mar | Muntanya. (Natalie Simpson/Beehive Photography)
Downtown SLC – Westside
There are seven entries to explore between Main Street and 400 West, all walking distance:
- “Sticks and Stones” at Rouser: Apricots meet cardamom and honey.
- “Garden Bliss” at Flanker: Yogurt and mint sit on your ice cube.
- “Raspberry Days Gimlet” at Mar | Muntanya: Bear Lake comes to you!
- “The Acquaprese” at Matteo: Caprese salad in a glass.
- “Pear of Amigos” at The Vault: Spiced pear and cinnamon, it’s fall!
- “What Remains” at Post Office Place: An intriguing tribute to the Great Salt Lake.
- “The Cafe Racer” at Felt: Giving peaches new depth.
Pro tip: If it’s not on the menu, ask for it! See you out there 🍋
