At Laurel Brasserie & Bar, a cocktail is never just a drink; it's an experience. Nestled within the Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Laurel pairs neoclassical elegance with a cocktail program rooted in craft, creativity, and a deep connection to Utah's thriving spirits scene.

Behind the bar, you'll find Mangesh Sawant, Laurel's bar manager and a WSET-certified wine educator, whose background in mixology and flairology brings both precision and artistry to every pour. For Mangesh, building a cocktail menu begins with observation.

"My inspiration can come from the smallest details: snow-covered mountains, the shine of black ice on the road, changing seasons, textures, colors, even emotions," he explains. "I like to observe the world around me and translate those visual and sensory experiences into flavor profiles."

That philosophy is evident across Laurel's thoughtfully composed menu , where local ingredients and Utah-distilled spirits take center stage.

A Celebration of Utah Craft

What sets Laurel's cocktail program apart is its commitment to showcasing the best of Utah's distilleries. The Laurel Leaf Old Fashioned features Beehive Barrel-Aged Gin from Salt Lake City, layered with bay leaf, Angostura, bay leaf bitters, and a whisper of orange peel, which come together as a refined twist on a timeless classic. The Tamarind Whiskey Sour spotlights High West Bourbon from Park City alongside Bulleit Rye, balanced with tamarind and a silky egg white foam. And the Paper Plane brings together Rittenhouse Rye with Waterpocket Notum Amaro, a bold local amaro that adds depth and intrigue.

"Featuring Utah distilleries is important because it connects our bar to the community," says Mangesh. "Local spirits tell a story about the regionits climate, its culture, and its craftsmanship." Other local favorites include the American Hustle, built with Dented Brick Vodka, kaffir lime, and crme de violette, and the Cranberry Limoncello Spritz, featuring Mountain West Ruby Cider for a refreshing, effervescent finish.

Classic Foundations, Modern Expression

While innovation drives the menu, Mangesh is quick to emphasize the importance of honoring tradition. "Classic techniques are the foundation," he notes. "Understanding structure, balance, and historical recipes allows me to innovate with confidence.

That balance is on full display in cocktails like the Sazerac, a timeless New Orleans staple made with Rittenhouse Rye, cognac, and a rinse of absinthe, and the Clover Club, a pre-Prohibition classic featuring Alpine Gin from Park City with raspberry and lemon.

Zero-Proof, Full Experience

For guests seeking alcohol-free options, Laurel's zero-proof menu offers the same complexity and care. The Eastside blends cucumber, mint, and kaffir syrup for a crisp, refreshing sip, while the Dreamcicle, with cream of coconut, orange juice, and a hint of nutmeg, delivers indulgence without the alcohol. These aren't afterthoughts; they're crafted with the same intentionality as their spirited counterparts.

An Off-Menu Secret

Those looking for something truly special should ask Mangesh about his black ice cocktail, an off-menu creation inspired by winter drives through Utah. Built on vodka with a striking rosemary charcoal syrup, it's topped with passion fruit foam resembling fresh snow, and garnished with a sprig of rosemary evoking roadside trees. It's a small portrait in a glass, and a testament to the creativity waiting behind Laurel's bar.

Sip, Savor, Stay Awhile

Whether you're drawn to a bold whiskey sour, a refreshing spritz, or a thoughtfully crafted zero-proof cocktail, Laurel Brasserie & Bar invites you to slow down and savor the craft. Pair your drink with elevated bar bites like crispy arancini with lemon aioli, a rich French onion soup with melted Gruyere, or the indulgent Mushroom and Truffle Pizza. Join us daily from 3 to 5 PM for happy hour, when our bar bites are specially priced, and settle into one of Laurel's thoughtfully designed spaces, from the spirited feature bar to the seasonal garden patio.

"I want guests to feel fully immersed in the atmosphere," says Mangesh. "The goal is for every visit to feel like an experience, not just a stop for a drink."

At Laurel, every cocktail tells a story. Come discover yours.