Reagan Chung, the mastermind behind the mesmerizing drinks at Handle restaurant (136 Heber Ave), has a slew of accolades under his belt, as this award-winning beverage director has been dazzling the service industry for years with his innovative creations. When the craft cocktail scene began to gain popularity, Chung saw an opportunity to elevate his artistry. He dove in headfirst, immersing himself in the creativity and novel techniques that were turning heads and raising glasses. Chung was the humble winner of the Park City Area Restaurant Association’s 2023 cocktail contest in both the cocktail and mocktail categories (he also won the cocktail contest in 2021). 
 
“This year’s theme was using local products relative to Summit County,” Chung says. “Handle is a very farm-to-table-driven restaurant, so I focused on the ingredients I wanted to use first, then played around with flavors and spirits.”  
For a true mixologist like Chung, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and aromas using different combinations, methods, and presentation styles is a work of art that, ultimately, tells a story and evokes a particular emotion. Sample his winning beverages at Handle—he suggests pairing them with light, fresh dishes like hamachi crudo or kale salad—or try mixing them up at home. 

Award-Winning Recipes

Gin Cocktail
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Alpine distilling gin
.5 oz Cappelletti
.75 oz rhubarb-honey syrup
.75 oz lemon juice
1/8 oz olive oil

Method: Shake all ingredients and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Mocktail #4
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Phony Negroni
.75 oz rhubarb honey syrup
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/8 oz olive oil

Method: Shake all ingredients and strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.