February 27, 2024
Public can vote on libations from March 1-30
The Canyons Village Management Association will get into the spirits and kick off its inaugural Cocktail/Mocktail Contest on March 1.
The competition, a celebration of culinary innovation and the vibrant flavors of Canyons Village member restaurants, will run through March 30.
Mixologists will craft a cocktail and mocktail recipe that is designed to showcase the essence of Canyon’s winter experience, according to a press release. The competition welcomes creativity as mixologists curate a libation that mirrors the magic of their surroundings.
Since the contest is a partnership with the local community, it is dedicated to supporting local purveyors, and participating establishments are required to include a minimum of two ingredients from local suppliers of their choice.
The Park Record caught up with Whitney Ryan, CVMA’s director of marketing and public relations, for an email exchange about this community-based event.
Park Record: Was this inspired by the Park City Restaurant Association’s annual cocktail/mocktail contest that is held during the summer?
Whitney Ryan: Yes, we consulted with Ginger Wicks on this contest and felt it complements the wildly successful contest the PCRA holds annually.
P.R.: How many establishments do you expect will enter?
Ryan: After sharing the application with all relevant food & beverage establishments at Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, we were met with initial interest from several tenants. We ultimately anticipate around 4-6 participants in total.
P.R.: There is a minimum of two ingredients, is there a cap on how many ingredients mixologists can use?
Ryan: There is no maximum amount of ingredients used in each drink. We want this contest to encourage our bartenders and mixologists to get as creative as they’d like and showcase local purveyors, unique methodologies and creative cocktail ideas.
P.R.: Tell us about the importance of making sure the ingredients are locally sourced
Ryan: This contest is a great opportunity to highlight the many local purveyors in Utah, and by not limiting the type of ingredients used, we can anticipate everything from local distilleries to locally grown produce featured within the drinks. Not only is the addition of a locally sourced ingredient a way to contribute to the businesses of our community but it encourages our mixologists to create drinks that showcase the homegrown flavors of Utah.
P.R.: What is considered local — Park City, Summit County, Wasatch Back, etc?
Ryan: The rules specify that a purveyor must be located within a 100-mile radius of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain to be considered local.
P.R.: How will the drinks be judged?
Ryan: Voting is open to the public and will take place via cvma.com/cheers beginning March 1, 2024. Each participating establishment will have their recipe and picture displayed, and voting results will be shown live so guests can follow the action and follow the race at any given time throughout the contest.
P.R.: Would Canyons like to make this an annual event?
Ryan: We’d love to bring a cocktail event back annually and are excited to kick off our inaugural contest!
Winners will be announced after the competition wraps, and the winning cocktail/mocktail and the establishment will earn bragging rights and be showcased in a marketing and public relations campaign. In addition, the mixologist will receive a $500 cash prize.