Park City Breweries and Distilleries can make your holidays pop!
As the holidays draw near, it’s the season of year that we all enjoy extra time with friends and loved ones — the perfect inspiration for sipping on drinks that make spirits bright. Planning a holiday gathering of your own? Dive into a roundup of local breweries and distilleries that craft exceptional spirits right here in Park City.
Whether you’re serving locally-brewed craft beer or mixing up tantalizing cocktails, Park City producers offer award-winning spirits of all kinds. In other words? No matter what kind of celebration you’re hosting, consider your beverage options covered.
We’ll raise a glass to that!
Alpine Distilling — Premium Botanical Spirits
At the helm of Alpine Distilling, Master Distiller Sara Sergent is the most decorated botanical distiller in the nation. A “Warden Rectifier” member of the coveted London Gin Guild, her botanicals are sourced from around the world and treated to 100% vapor extraction at a proprietary formula of “proof, pressure, and speed” in Park City, Utah. The result, Elevated Gin, is a beautiful spirit that enhances any cocktail recipe.
Similarly celebrated, Alpine Distilling’s whiskey portfolio is highly decorated. Utilizing U.S.-grown grain and Kentucky yeast, the company’s eye to every detail in the distilling process yields ultra-premium whiskeys. While any of Alpine Distilling’s whiskeys deserve a spot on your bar, Lafayette Bourbon Whiskey lends itself particularly well to holiday cocktails. Made with whiskey, stone fruit and cinnamon, it brings warmth and character to classic winter sips.
High West Distillery — Whiskey & Spirits
High West Distillery was founded in 2006 by David and Jane Perkins, and production began the following year. The family chose Park City for their new distilling endeavor because of David’s love of the Old West and Utah’s little-known whiskey history. High West began with humble roots: a small, 250-gallon still and saloon in an historic livery stable and garage. Today, what was once a tiny operation in downtown Park City has grown to be an internationally-recognized, award winning brand of spirits.
Whether you’re looking for a refined classic like a single malt, a sophisticated blend of rye and straight whiskey, or even a barrel-finished cocktail that’s ready to pour, High West Distillery is the peak source. These premium whiskeys are ideal for mixing up unforgettable drinks at your holiday gathering, and they also make a wonderful gift for the whiskey connoisseur in your life.
Local Brews
Park City isn’t exclusively home to distilleries that craft exceptional spirits, but also the inspiration to a diversity of local breweries. Be sure that your hosting to-do list includes picking up some locally-crafted beer for guests to enjoy.
Red Rock Brewery is a beloved local go-to when it comes to delicious craft beer. Whether you’re stopping by the Brewery & Restaurant and sampling the extensive lineup of beers on tap or picking up some canned choices, the brewery is a classic for good reason.
Similarly, Park City Brewing has a lengthy history and a loyal following. Classic concoctions like Powder Buoy Pilsner, Sneaker Tree IPA, Siren’s Call Lager and Silver Creekwater Lager are award-winning brews that have deep connections to Park City itself. Swing into the Brew Pub to enjoy new creations on tap as well as pick up some cans to have on hand for special occasions or the perfect apres ski sip.
Visit Top of Main Brew Pub to sample excellent beer crafted by Salt Lake Brewing. Building on the lengthy history of brewing in Park City and in the larger Salt Lake City area, the craft beer that’s on tap is expertly-created. Innovative flavors and styles are always in rotation, as are some well-loved classics. Enjoy what the brew team has concocted and is pouring on tap or pick up some cans to offer holiday guests for a unique taste of Park City.
Tips for Hosting — Keeping Guests’ Spirits Bright
Whether you’re planning to serve up inspired cocktails mixed with locally-made spirits or crisp and refreshing locally-crafted beer (or both!), there are a few things to keep in mind to make your gathering exceptional.
Practice cocktails ahead of time. Especially when you’re utilizing top-shelf spirits, make sure that you’re confident on the recipe. Make a few in the days ahead of your gathering to ensure that your flavors are well-balanced and the process is smooth.
Temperature counts! Give your drinks — and any other elements that you’re utilizing like ice, mixers or garnishes — plenty of time to reach the ideal temperature before your celebration begins. Planning ahead will ensure that nobody is sipping on warm beer or ice that’s melting too quickly in their cocktail.
Pair Bites Thoughtfully. As you’re planning what kind of appetizers or small bites to serve along with drinks, consider the flavor profiles that you’re offering. Connecting flavor notes across food and drink can enhance the taste of each.
Happy holidays — and cheers!
