Sip and Vote in Salt Lake Magazine's Cocktail Competition

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.

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.

Downtown SLC – Westside

There are seven entries to explore between Main Street and 400 West, all walking distance:

1. “Sticks and Stones” at Rouser: Apricots meet cardamom and honey.
2. “Garden Bliss” at Flanker: Yogurt and mint sit on your ice cube.
3. “Raspberry Days Gimlet” at Mar | Muntanya: Bear Lake comes to you!
4. “The Acquaprese” at Matteo: Caprese salad in a glass.
5. “Pear of Amigos” at The Vault: Spiced pear and cinnamon, it’s fall!
6. “What Remains” at Post Office Place: An intriguing tribute to the Great Salt Lake.
7. “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 🍋