Photo: Louis Hansel.

PARK CITY, Utah — A fresh twist is on the menu in Park City this summer as the Mountain Mixer cocktail contest returns with a reimagined format and an impressive lineup of creative concoctions. Launched by the Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCARA), the competition invites locals and visitors to sip their way through signature cocktails crafted by some of the town’s top bartenders and mixologists.

Cocktails from 20 PCARA member restaurants are now featured on menus citywide through Thursday, July 31. This year’s format shifts away from public voting, placing the spotlight squarely on the drinks themselves.

“This year, we’re mixing things up with the winning mixologist being decided at a live competition later this summer,” Park City Area Restaurant Association Executive Director Ginger Wicks said. “But for now, it’s all about the cocktails. We invite everyone to taste their way through the lineup and celebrate the creativity of Park City’s talented mixology community, no voting required.”

The full list of featured cocktails and participating bartenders is available at https://parkcityrestaurants.com/mountain-mixer-park-city/. Standouts include:

The Cryptid’s Call – Liam Bridgham, High West Saloon
Blueberry Basil Smash – Jalen Beliveau, Red Tail Grill
Gin Rummy – Robert Coman, Handle
Smokey & The Bourbon – Jason Yelton, Butcher’s Chop House & Bar
Ube Halo – Charles Vincent Franco, Grub Steak Park City
Lavender Summit – Victor Wilson, Pine Cone Ridge
My Irish Sweetie – Tristan James Beattle, Flanagan’s on Main
R&R Sour – Megs Miller, The Brass Tag – Deer Valley
The Verde – Jack Min-U Sculz, KITA
Mountain Gold – Travis Baldus, Waldorf Astoria Park City

Throughout July, a panel of secret judges will anonymously visit participating venues to evaluate the cocktails on creativity, presentation, and taste. Ten finalists will be selected to compete live on August 21 in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. More details about the event, including ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For now, the contest encourages patrons to explore new flavors, revisit familiar favorites, and celebrate the artistry behind every pour.

More information is available at https://parkcityrestaurants.com/mountain-mixer-park-city/.