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A new cocktail supply shop hopes to add some flavor to Salt Lake mixology — with or without the booze.

The big picture: A few years into the "sober curious" movement, mocktails have gone mainstream in bars, restaurants and home kitchens.

Driving the news: Mixers & More Taylorsville opened this month on Redwood Road, with shelves of bitters, mixes and non-alcoholic canned drinks.

What they're saying: "Sure, you could get margarita mix ... at the grocery store, but that's what you're limited to," owner Crystal Deakins told Axios. "You can't get pineapple jalopeño or spicy watermelon or Hurricane mix."

Between the lines: Utah has a lot of religious non-drinkers, which creates a "larger market to cater to with the non-alcoholic [drinks]," Deakins said.

There's also growing interest in zero-proof libations among patients with auto-immune disorders, she said, and Americans are generally drinking less alcohol.

Taylorsville's new mocktail supply shop mixes it up

Pick your poison (or not) with mixes and bitters for drinks across the sobriety spectrum.

Rows of cocktail and mocktail mixers in bottles on store shelves 

A rainbow of mixes at Mixers & More Taylorsville. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios

A new cocktail supply shop hopes to add some flavor to Salt Lake mixology — with or without the booze.The big picture: A few years into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;sober curious&quot; movement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/19/axios-finish-line-americans-are-drinking-less" data-vars-content-id="5f56b9ff-262a-4a20-b238-ee6966113064" data-vars-headline="Taylorsville&#x27;s new mocktail supply shop mixes it up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/19/axios-finish-line-americans-are-drinking-less" target="_self">&quot;sober curious&quot; movement</a>, mocktails have gone mainstream in bars, restaurants and home kitchens.

News

Food and Drink

Utah Democrats are heading to their statewide convention reeling from scandal following allegations of sexual misconduct and inflammatory comments by candidates in the high-profile, newly blue 1st Congressional District.

Why it matters: With its first safe U.S. House seat in memory, the party had a chance for a lively primary showcasing its breadth and depth, right as national leadership eyes the state for more resources and growth.

Instead, oxygen is going to controversies around two progressive candidates — one accused of physical aggression against other Democrats, and the other having singled out key Utah constituencies for derision in past social media posts.

What they're saying: "This kind of behavior by anybody who's running for office … just makes it really challenging for people to take the party seriously," former state Democratic Party chair Jeff Merchant told Axios.

He said the party has worked hard to rehabilitate its image after being painted by Republicans as being out of touch with "Utah values."

Catch up quick: In reports this week by the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL, Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez was accused by four Democrats, three of whom are elected officials, of unwanted sexual advances and physical abuse, which her attorney has denied.

Last week, Punchbowl News published online comments written more than a decade ago in which state Sen. Nate Blouin disparaged Latter-day Saints and minimized sexual abuse. Blouin apologized and characterized the sentiments as the folly of a 20-something edgelord.

Between the lines: Because few Utah Democrats have had a realistic chance at a congressional seat, this race is candidates' first experience with the exposure that comes with seeking federal office, said Damon Cann, a Utah State political science professor.

"I think Democrats are trying to find their footing a little bit here," Cann told Axios. "The lights are brighter, the microscope is more refined, and with so many more people paying attention … it's going to come out."

Zoom in: Because Lopez Chavez and Blouin are running as progressives, "my sense is that there'd probably be some level of disengagement" among left-leaning voters, Merchant said.

Context: The leading candidate in the race is former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, who ran as a centrist Democrat when he narrowly won his 2019-2021 term, when he represented a more purple district.

One analysis deemed him the "most conservative" Democrat in the House during his term.

The intrigue: Now with a newly drawn, solid-blue district, McAdams is trying to shed his centrist reputation.

The bottom line: With two left-leaning candidates under scrutiny — Blouin being widely considered McAdams' strongest challenger — some delegates may arrive at this weekend's convention feeling torn.

What's next: The outcome of the convention "will send signals to future candidates about what kinds of behaviors they will accept and what kinds of previous conduct could be destructive for a future campaign," Cann said.

Scandals disrupt Democrats in Utah's new blue district

The party had a chance to show off its bench. Now controversies are compromising its image.

Illustration of a group of five angry-looking donkeys, braying.

Utah Democrats are heading to their statewide convention reeling from scandal following allegations of sexual misconduct and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflammatory comments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/15/blouin-posts-slurs-democrat-primary-utah" data-vars-content-id="93ca6d6f-76a7-4342-a1ad-947be55902a6" data-vars-headline="Scandals disrupt Democrats in Utah&#x27;s new blue district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/04/15/blouin-posts-slurs-democrat-primary-utah" target="_self">inflammatory comments</a> by candidates in the high-profile, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly blue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/18/utah-1st-congressional-district-race-candidates" data-vars-content-id="93ca6d6f-76a7-4342-a1ad-947be55902a6" data-vars-headline="Scandals disrupt Democrats in Utah&#x27;s new blue district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/18/utah-1st-congressional-district-race-candidates" target="_self">newly blue</a> 1st Congressional District.Why it matters: With its first safe U.S. House seat in memory, the party had a chance for a lively primary showcasing its breadth and depth, right as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national leadership eyes the state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/16/democratic-party-dnc-ken-martin-utah-battleground-congressional-race" data-vars-content-id="93ca6d6f-76a7-4342-a1ad-947be55902a6" data-vars-headline="Scandals disrupt Democrats in Utah&#x27;s new blue district" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/16/democratic-party-dnc-ken-martin-utah-battleground-congressional-race" target="_self">national leadership eyes the state</a> for more resources and growth.

Politics

State wildlife officials are looking for good homes for 15 desert tortoises.

Why it matters: The endangered reptiles can't be returned to the wild once they've been in captivity because of the risk of spreading disease to wild populations, per the state Division of Wildlife Resources.

Behind the scenes: The state usually ends up in possession of the tortoises because:

Someone illegally removed it from the wild, and it was later found roaming outside of its native range or in an urban area.

 Someone was illegally housing it without state certification.

A family with a legally adopted tortoise is relocating.

How it works: Submit an application and $10 fee to tortoise@utah.gov for a chance to adopt.

Design a tortoise living area per state instructions. A wildlife official will inspect it for a $75 fee.

What they need: At least 150 square feet outdoors, with sun and shade available.

You need to prepare burrows outside and indoors, where they'll spend about five months of winter hibernating at 50-60°.

You need to show the adoption committee that you've escape-proofed the yard, removed hazards and have appropriate plants in their area.

Friction points: They live 60-70 years, so plan for the long term.

They can carry salmonella, so wash your hands.

What they're saying: "They have their own unique personality, they will gladly eat the weeds in your backyard, and they are fairly independent as long as they have shade and food," Alyssa Hoekstra, Utah's native herpetology coordinator said in a prepared statement.

Editor Jessica's thought bubble: Two decades ago, my family adopted a desert tortoise (we named him Tortuga). He eventually went to live with a friend's female tortoise, and they had babies!

How to adopt an endangered desert tortoise

Personality goes a long way. And they'll eat your weeds.

A desert tortoise chills in its burrow. Photo courtesy of the Utah DWR

State wildlife officials are looking for good homes for 15 desert tortoises.Why it matters: The endangered reptiles can&#x27;t be returned to the wild once they&#x27;ve been in captivity because of the risk of spreading disease to wild populations, per the state Division of Wildlife Resources.

Things to Do

It's a busy weekend in and around SLC, with tons of festivals and events.

🌳 Arbor Day: Admission to Red Butte Garden is free all day Friday, with activities for kids and adults.

🌎 Keep partying at Millcreek Common's Ripple Effect, an Earth Day celebration 1-9pm Friday. Free

🏞️ Party for the Planet brings free, nature-themed activities to the Jordan River Parkway near 3300 South, 10am-2pm Saturday.

🇯🇵 Nihon Matsuri: Japan Fest brings performances, food and art to 100 South west of the Salt Palace, 10am-5pm Saturday. Free

🌷Dutch Day Festival  runs 11am-5pm at Millcreek Commons. 

📽️ Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids: Movie screenings are free, with workshops for $25, all day Saturday at the Viridian Events Center in West Jordan. 

🌸 Art at the Gardens: Enjoy theater, music, art, dance, food and flora 10am-4pm Saturday at the International Peace Gardens. Free

🌼 SpringFest 2026: The Cultural Celebration Center is hosting music, activities and crafts 4-7pm Saturday. Free

🧚 Beltane Festival: Join in the rites of spring, with a Maypole, Jack-in-the-Green parade, woodland costume contest and pagan traditions Noon-7pm Sunday at the Fairpark. Tickets

🦄 Wonderland Bazaar: Magic and whimsey descend on Millcreek Common 11am-4pm Sunday. Free 

Salt Lake weekend events: Eco-fun, Japan Fest and Beltane

Plus: Dutch Day, more spring celebrations and a kids' film festival.

Illustration of a cassette tape with the tape unspooling to spell weekend. 

Illustration of "Weekend" in graffiti on a brick wall. 

It&#x27;s a busy weekend in and around SLC, with tons of festivals and events.🌳 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arbor Day" data-vars-click-url="https://redbuttegarden.org/events/arbor-day-celebration/" data-vars-content-id="a5032d30-baa7-4f2e-9c3f-a2940ba7e65b" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake weekend events: Eco-fun, Japan Fest and Beltane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://redbuttegarden.org/events/arbor-day-celebration/" target="_blank">Arbor Day</a>: Admission to Red Butte Garden is free all day Friday, with activities for kids and adults.

Draper police say residents have reported teens on e-motorcycles pelting passers-by with rocks and garbage, threatening strangers and shredding parks and trails before fleeing at highway speeds.

Why it matters: The behavior of kids on e-motorcycles is unusually brazen, police say — and parents in the tony Salt Lake suburb have shown reluctance to rein them in.

The big picture: Complaints of risky driving have proliferated in recent years, as more high-powered e-motorcycles and dirt bikes hit the road.

Unlike traditional e-bikes, these vehicles aren't pedaled — and some can travel close to 70 mph.

The fine print: Many municipalities — including Draper — have long approached e-motorcycles as off-road vehicles, illegal for street use.

Others treat them as motorcycles, off-limits for anyone under 16 — which will become the rule statewide next month under a law passed this year.

What they're saying: "We are finding that there seems to be a sense of empowerment amongst these kids," who are usually about 12 to 15 years old, Draper Lt. Mike Elkins told Axios.

Because the bikes are so fast, riders aren't concerned about getting caught, Elkins said.

A group allegedly surrounded and taunted an adult who confronted them earlier this month at Draper Park after they'd thrown rocks at her child, Elkins said. A similar episode played out recently in Riverton, Shane Taylor, the city's police chief, told Axios.

Other Utah cities are seeing reports of harassment, private property damage, near-misses with pedestrians and entitled behavior.

Zoom in: Kids on e-motorcycles frequently try to bait police, waving for attention and pulling stunts, Elkins said.

If an officer tries to stop them, "they're Mach-6 gone," he said.

The intrigue: When police posted warnings against the vehicles on social media, "the backlash from it — from people saying, 'Leave them alone' — was just unbelievable," Elkins said.

"It's been surprising to me to see parents treat this sort of behavior as 'kids will be kids' and not be concerned with their actions," Taylor added. 

Suburban Utahns report harassment by teens on e-motorcycles

In Salt Lake's tony suburbs, residents say the high-power machines have led to brazen behavior.

A damaged lawn in a park with mountains in the background

Damage at a Draper park from e-motorcycles. Photo: Courtesy of Draper Police

Draper police say residents have reported teens on e-motorcycles pelting passers-by with rocks and garbage, threatening strangers and shredding parks and trails before fleeing at highway speeds.Why it matters: The behavior of kids on e-motorcycles is unusually brazen, police say — and parents in the tony Salt Lake suburb have shown reluctance to rein them in.

Erin Alberty

Featured stories

Scandals disrupt Democrats in Utah's new blue district

How to adopt an endangered desert tortoise

Taylorsville's new mocktail supply shop mixes it up

Salt Lake weekend events: Eco-fun, Japan Fest and Beltane

Suburban Utahns report harassment by teens on e-motorcycles