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Six restaurants and bars have created unpredictable and effervescent cocktails to match Utah Opera's production of "The Merry Widow."
The operetta, by composer Franz Lehár, opens Saturday at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City and continues through Jan. 24.
Guests can enjoy the cocktails — part of Utah's Opera's "Libretti & Libations" promotion — throughout the run, but those who share photos of their cocktails on Twitter or Instagram before Wednesday can win tickets to the Friday, Jan. 22, evening performance. To enter, use the #UtahOperaSips hashtag. The winner will be announced by Salt Lake Magazine. More details at utahopera.org/libations .
While patrons sip their cocktails, they can read from the libretto — or text — of the opera, which takes place in the cash-strapped country of Pontevedro. The nation's leaders try to find a husband for the wealthy widow Hanna Glawari, but will she and her former beau, playboy Danilo Danilovitch, cooperate?
Here is a taste of the "Libretti & Libations" cocktails and where to get them:
Rue Royale • This gin-based drink, flavored with honey and spices, personifies the unpredictable Hanna. Find it at Bodega, 331 S. Main St., Salt Lake City; 801-532-4042.
Good Fortune • Named after the title character's inherited fortune, this bourbon cocktail is made with Grand Marnier, hazelnut liqueur, fresh orange juice and black walnut bitters. BTG Wine Bar, 63 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City; 801-359-2814.
Sloe Waltz • A nod to Hanna and Danilo's slowly evolving courtship, this fruity, effervescent cocktail contains sloe gin, lemon juice, Spanish cava, orange and plum bitters and a black fig garnish. Finca, 327 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City; 801-487-0699.
A Widow's Welcome • This French cocktail, made with cognac, crème de cassis, Pernod, lemon and hot water, is inspired by the heartwarming moment when Danilo finally says "I love you" to Hanna. Pallet Bistro, 237 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City; 801-935-4431.
Steps on Song • While it is made with gin, lime, persimmon and spice, the centerpiece of this clear cocktail is a single blood orange "tear" suspended in the center — just as Hanna suspends herself from those around her. Handle, 136 Heber Av.e, Park City; 435-602-1155.
Lost Inheritance • Composed solely of French liquors — including cognac, dry vermouth, green chartreuse, Benedictine and bitters — this stirred cocktail is a balance of sweet and spice. OP Rockwell, 268 Main St., Park City; 435-615-7000.
Merry cocktails for the opera
Utah Opera presents an English-language production of Franz Lehár's "The Merry Widow."
Where • Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
When • Saturday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.; evening performances continue Jan. 18, 20 and 22, with a 2 p.m. matinee Jan. 24
Tickets • $18-$89 ($5 more on performance day); utahopera.org
Cocktails • For more details on the six restaurants and bars that have created cocktails to match the production, visit utahopera.org/libations