Ten bartenders from across Park City will shake, stir and pour their original cocktails before a live audience at Deer Valley Resort's Silver Lake Lodge on Saturday, Aug. 22, competing for the title of 2026 Mountain Mixer Cocktail Champion.

The Park City Area Restaurant Association announced the finalists Wednesday, Aug. 5, after 21 bartenders spent July crafting original drinks that a panel of secret judges sampled anonymously, according to the Park Record. The field was cut to 10 for the live finale, now in its second year.

The finalists span resort properties, Main Street bars and independent restaurants: Jordan Greiner of Goldener Hirsch ("40° North"), Allan Joseph Anderson of Handle ("Bloods Lake"), Adam Krebs of Cena Ristorante ("Cena Strawberry Spritz"), Charles Franco of Grub Steak ("Coco Verde"), Adriel Danan of Dos Olas ("Crimson Smoked"), Chace Ciulla of Timbers at Park City Sheraton ("Cucumber & Jalapeño Gimlet"), Tristan James Beattie of Flanagan's on Main ("Guava Getaway"), Katelyn Fraser of Butcher's Chop House & Bar ("Hive Mind"), Milana Powers of The Nelson Cottage ("Sounds of Dolomites") and Victor Wilson of Pine Cone Ridge ("Freedom of Peach").

Two names will look familiar. Fraser and Franco both placed in last year's inaugural contest — second and third, respectively, behind Handle's AJ Anderson, who took home a $1,000 prize for his cocktail "Melt," according to TownLift.

Tickets for the Aug. 22 event are $40 per person and include a choice of two cocktail tastings from the finalists. Additional tasting tickets will be available for purchase throughout the evening. The competition runs 5–8 p.m. on the lodge's outdoor deck, with Deer Valley serving festival food favorites and DJ Dolph playing all evening. The event is for ages 21 and older; a valid government-issued photo ID is required. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Audience members aren't just spectators. Ticket holders vote alongside the judging panel to help crown the winner.

"We are excited to bring back the live component of the competition this year and give audience members the opportunity to show their support and ultimately help decide the 2026 Mountain Mixer Cocktail Champion," PCARA Executive Director Ginger Wicks said in the announcement.

The contest is part of PCARA's broader push to drive restaurant revenue during the summer shoulder season. The nonprofit, which represents more than 70 Park City area restaurants, also organizes Savor the Summit — the Main Street outdoor dinner party that drew nearly 1,600 diners on June 27 — and the annual Dine About Park City prix-fixe promotion.

Audience votes and judge scores will determine the champion on the Silver Lake Lodge deck the evening of Aug. 22.