It’s a sweet time to be a cocktail lover. Distilleries have been popping up in Utah and the Park City area over the past decade and are growing their collections of spirits ranging from gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey to herbal and fruity liqueurs. Each of the four mentioned here have their own distinct angle and personality, perfect for matching with your crew. Check to see if tasting rooms, tours and culinary options are available and bring a bottle home to share with friends and family.
PROVERBIAL SPIRITS
Sensing the rapid shift toward mass production in the spirits industry, three friends from the photo/film industry embarked on a journey to launch a Park City craft distillery in 2022. The trio identified raw, local ingredients and authenticity, innovation and sustainability as their focus. Playful, colorful labels and fun names like No Rest for the Wicked Gin, Loose Lips Sink Ships Rum, and new Never Say Never Vodka beckon from the shelves. Proverbial
Spirits also has started barrel aging its rum in wine barrels from Kunde Family Winery in California, founded by one of the owner’s grandfathers. This Knock on Wood Rum should be ready by June.
Rum Mule
2 oz. Proverbial Spirits Loose Lips Sink Ships Rum
1 oz. Sirop Co. Ginger Syrup
1 oz. club soda
.75 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
fresh mint and lime garnish
1. Combine in a copper cup and garnish with the mint and lime.
—
NEW WORLD DISTILLERY
Take the scenic 70-mile drive to the Ogden Vally and savor a slower pace and bucolic setting in Eden. Opened in 2016, New World’s spirits are fermented, distilled, aged and bottled on-site. Recipient of northern Utah’s Best Distillery and Best Tour awards, New World Distillery emphasizes transparency and integrity when making spirits as well as sustainable use of natural resources. Visit the tasting room for a cocktail and to try Oomaw Gin, Wasatch Blossom Utah Tart Cherry Liqueur, Rabbit and Grass Agave Spirits, Ogden Valley Vodka and Nine Rails Bourbon Whiskey as well as seasonal and limited-release spirits.
Spiced Cranberry Paloma
1.5 oz. New World Distillery Rabbit and Grass Blanco
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. spiced simple syrup
2 oz. grapefruit soda
spring of rosemary
sugared fresh cranberries
1. Use a shaker and combine the tequila, simple syrup and juices.
2. Vigorously shake for 10 to 15 seconds and pour contents into a glass along with grapefruit soda.
3. Top with ice and a sprig of rosemary and sugared cranberries.
—
HIGH WEST DISTILLERY
Nestled in the Wasatch-Uinta mountains 25 minutes outside of Park City in Wanship, High West’s distillery is responsible for much of the brand’s whiskey production with a 1,600-gallon copper pot still, sensory lab, bottling line and barrel warehouse on-site. Take time for tours and tastings, including a deep-dive tour featuring a library of whiskies dating back to the first batches in 2007, and grab a bite to eat at the Refectory restaurant. Midwinter Nights Dram Act 11 and Prisoner’s Share were released in the fall, and the Cask Collection will follow in 2024. In town, head to the High West’s Saloon or Nelson Cottage for food and drink.
Dodge’s
½ oz. High West Double Rye Whiskey
¾ oz. Cynar liqueur
½ oz. Ron Zacapa Rum
¼ oz. Crème de Cacao liqueur
¼ oz. Banana de Bresil liqueur
3 dashes Angostura orange bitters
¾ oz. vanilla syrup*, hot coffee, spiced whipped cream, shaved chocolate
1. Build this cocktail in a warmed goblet glass and top with hot coffee.
2. Serve with spiced whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
We prefer local chocolate company Ritual in Heber.
Vanilla Syrup*
1. Dissolve 1 c. sugar in 1 c. water.
2. Steep three vanilla beans in the syrup for 24 hours. This
can be chilled and used for up to one month.
—
ALPINE DISTILLING
This Park City-based distillery operates from two locations. Silver Creek is a production facility and a package agency for bottle sales, while the Social Aid & Pleasure Club at 364 Main St. has the same functions but is an upscale bar with speakeasy flair as well. From the bar, Alpine Distilling serves curated cocktails and holds private events, tastings and community-focused parties. Founded in 2016, Alpine Distilling produces a portfolio of whiskey, gin and herbal liqueurs. Grains, woods, berries, fruits and roots are at the heart of crafting these award-winning spirits.
AV Negroni
1.5 oz. Alpine Distilling Elevated Gin
1 oz. Alpine Distilling AngeVert
.25 oz. Alpine Distilling Preserve Liqueur
lemon peel
sprig of basil
1. Stir all liquid ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled
rocks glass filled with ice.
2. Garnish with a lemon peel expression and sprig of basil.
