Peaks, Aprés, and Park City: Mountain Mixers with Wicks, Leeham, and Meggs

Pull up a stool — this episode of Aprés All Day dives into Park City’s first-ever Mountain Mixer, a live summer cocktail showdown. After years online, the Park City Restaurant Association went all in this year with ten bartenders judged in secret through July. Now, they’re headed to a live finale on August 21 at Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Lodge. It’s Iron Chef, but with cocktails.

Ginger Wicks, the force behind Park City’s food scene, joined the show to chat about making cocktail culture year-round, juggling 80+ restaurants, and how summer in the mountains is now just as buzzing as ski season. Her motto? Collaboration over competition — lift the scene like you lift a good pour.

We also heard from two finalists: Leeham from High West, and Meggs from The Brass Tag. They dished on cocktail R&D, favorite post-shift drinks, and how they’re prepping for the big show.

Bottom line: whether you’re into stirred and boozy or light and smoky, Park City’s got something for you. Grab a ticket, head to the Lodge, and cheer on these mixologists as they compete for $1K, bragging rights, and cocktail glory. Keep the vibes high and your garnish tight.

Don’t forget, friends don’t let friends miss our weekly episodes of Cocktails with Friends. Check them out wherever you find your podcasts, and make sure you share the conversation.

Cheers!