The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is poised to offer a unique taste of Park City with a newly announced cocktail lineup, all designed by James Beard Award-winning mixologist Charles Joly. Three meticulously crafted drinks – ‘Après Noir’, ‘Green Light Martini’, and ‘Sweater Weather’ – will be available at select events throughout the festival, reflecting both the cinematic spirit and the local flavor of the Utah destination.
At the heart of the program is Joly’s creative approach, rooted in a deep understanding of both event demands and regional ingredients. As Joly explains, “This is a showcase and a celebration, we want the drinks to match.” The result is a diverse selection catering to various palates, utilizing a core of Ketel One spirits while incorporating elements from local brands.
‘Après Noir’, a sophisticated take on the espresso martini, features Ketel One Oranje vodka, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, and a warm cinnamon spice blend. ‘Green Light Martini’, a tribute to Robert Redford’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, combines Ketel One Vodka with Green Chartreuse and fresh lime, topped with chilled sparkling wine. ‘Sweater Weather’ is a decadent hot cocktail, blending Ketel One, raspberry liqueur (with options for Clear Creek or Mathilde), oat milk, and a custom spice blend from Park City cocoa brand LOCOCO.
LOCOCO founder Anna Bloom emphasizes the opportunity the festival presents, stating, “It’s a missed opportunity for all of us to deepen our appreciation for craft, broaden our horizons, get inspired.” This collaborative approach extends beyond the brands themselves, recognizing the festival as a platform for cultural exchange and inspiration.
While event attendees can experience the cocktails firsthand, the recipes are also readily available for home experimentation. Joly encourages both seasoned bartenders and enthusiasts to engage with the recipes, further extending the festival’s influence beyond the physical event.
Recipes:
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Après Noir:
1 ½ oz Ketel One Oranje, ½ oz Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, ½ oz cinnamon syrup, 1 ½ oz espresso.
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Green Light Martini:
1 ½ oz Ketel One Vodka, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ¼ oz Green Chartreuse, ½ oz mint simple syrup. Top with chilled sparkling wine.
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Sweater Weather:
1 ¼ oz Ketel One, ¾ oz raspberry liqueur (Mathilde or Clear Creek), 10 oz regular oat milk, and a Lococo Lux Vanilla chocolate spice blend featuring cambodian black peppercorn, whole white cardamom pod, and sea salt. Froth with a hand mixer and garnish with toasted marshmallows on a skewer.
Sources:
* “Sundance Film Festival Announces Official Cocktail Lineup – Featuring Local Flavors” (The Park Record)
* Interview with Charles Joly
* Interviews with Anna Bloom (LOCOCO founder)
