Bar: Canyon Breeze at Red Mountain Resort
Bartender: Jayme Morgan
“I am the General Manager of Canyon Breeze Restaurant located at Red Mountain Resort, where I’ve worked for more than 26 years. I’m originally from upstate New York and my travels have enriched my approach to hospitality and culinary arts. In Maui, I embarked on my career in the restaurant industry, and, after relocating to southern Utah, I found my professional home at Red Mountain Resort. We take pride in making all our syrups in-house and incorporating produce from our garden, including prickly pears harvested and processed on-site at the Resort. We avoid using bottled juices, opting instead for freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice to ensure that every cocktail is vibrant and flavorful.”
Cocktail: Spicy Desert Blossom
Surrounded by the landscape of Utah’s red desert, the Spicy Desert Blossom cocktail captures the essence of the high desert’s beauty and adventurous spirit. This drink blends locally sourced ingredients with a touch of fiery flair, creating a sensory journey that mirrors the rugged yet serene environment of the region. The cocktail has prickly pear syrup, sourced on the property at Red Mountain Resort, and lavender sage syrup, infused with aromatic herbs, native to the area.
Recipe:
1 large, ripe strawberry
¼ oz prickly pear syrup, carefully sourced on the property at Red Mountain Resort
½ oz lavender sage syrup, infused with aromatic herbs native to the area
1 ½ oz jalapeño tequila, adding a fiery kick reminiscent of the desert heat
A splash of sparkling water for a refreshing finish
Muddle the strawberry in a shaker with the prickly pear and lavender sage syrups. The bright red of the strawberry melds with the earthy sweetness of the syrups, creating a vibrant base that reflects the blooming flora of the Utah desert. Add a generous amount of ice and the jalapeño tequila. Shake vigorously, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, echoing the robust and untamed nature of the landscape. Pour the mixture into a glass, with colors swirling together like a Utah sunset. Top with a splash of sparkling water, bringing a refreshing effervescence that captures the cool breeze of the desert evening. Garnish with a fresh lavender flower, a slice of jalapeño, and a strawberry, symbolizing the delicate yet resilient beauty of the desert blooms.
About the 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Farm-To-Glass Cocktail Contest
Eighteen bars from across the state present delicious cocktail creations and compete for the best in Utah. This year’s contest cocktails shine with all Utah has to offer, embodying the farm-to-glass ethos by incorporating the bountiful range of Utah’s native herbs, homegrown produce and locally distilled spirits. Celebrate the bartenders’ hard work throughout September and October by visiting participating bars, trying their unique cocktail concoctions and voting for your favorite on saltlakemagazine.com.
