A Guide to Drinking in Utah  

Think you can’t enjoy après ski in Utah? Think again.

While there are some restrictions on the consumption of alcohol in the State, playing by the rules doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Understanding Utah’s drinking laws will help ease the headache when it comes to buying, ordering and consuming alcohol after a day on the slopes– we can’t speak for the next morning though.

Follow these five tips to enjoying a taste of Utahn hospitality

• Wine, full strength beer and liquor for consumption in your hotel room can only be purchased from a state-run store. These have limited openings and are closed on Sundays and holidays, so be sure to plan your shopping accordingly.
• Restaurants are often only licensed to serve alcohol with food on the table. Something small like chips and dip is good enough to get the Corona Rita’s rolling.
• Clubs/ bars are able to sell alcoholic beverages with or without food from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Plenty of time to kick that après booty into action.
• Beer on tap is always 3.2% by weight. If you’re looking for full strength beer order something bottled. The Devastator Double Block Lager by Wasatch Brewery should raise the hair on your arms.
• Cocktails can only contain 1.5 fl oz of a primary liquor, and secondary alcohol flavourings cannot exceed 2.5 fl oz of total booze. All too confusing? Let the talented bartenders work their mixing magic. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with what they can create under these restrictions.

A surprise to many, Utah is home to some fantastic brewpubs and microbreweries. When you take a break from the powder be sure to check out Wasatch Brewpub, Squatters Pubs and Beers, Epic Brewing Company or Uinta Brewing. Wasatch Brew Pub on Main Street in Park City is a great place to unwind, enjoy a local brew and realise Utahn wit. Wasatch brews aren’t afraid to play on the Mormon culture where you can sip on a Polygamy Porter- why have one when you could have many!

If hops aren’t your thing High West Distillery is the only ski-in distillery in the world, and its located in Old Town Park City. The small batch craft whisky and vodka is artfully distilled as an ode to the Old West. The spirits are available at the gastro-saloon, as well as being poured at a number of bars, restaurants and retailers across the state.