Looking for a way to spice up your bar cart? Get out of a rut by trying a new alcoholic beverage or treat from a local Pittsburgh business. Try a dessert liquor, mixed drink kit, or alcoholic-infused dessert to bring just a little more happiness to 5 o’clock.
Ridge Runner Distillery
Ridge Runner Distillery is owned by Chris Klay, a second-generation winemaker. Chris has a lifelong passion for crafting quality alcohol, with his wine background bringing in a unique brewing method. Many of the flavors are infused with fruit, bringing subtly sweet notes to your drink.Located in the Laurel Highlands, Ridge Runner Distillery continues the long history of whiskey being brewed in the area. Moonshiners, during the prohibition, operated out of Southwest Pennsylvania. Today, Ridge Runner continues to act on the spirit of ingenuity and pride formed during that era. All together, Ridge Runner whiskey is a most-stop shop for liquor enthusiasts in Southwest Pennsylvania. You can shop online or visit in-person to stock up.
Spiked Sprinkles
Spiked Sprinkles in proof that sometimes, the best ideas can come from the worst times. Leah Glass, owner, lost her job in 2020. Not sure what to do next, she decided to combine her passion for food and alcohol as dessert sprinkles. Perfecting her formula for over a month, she discovered how to balance the flavor of alcohol with sugar. Wine and liquor infused sprinkles are now available for sale. Prices vary, so check out her six available flavors online to order today. Follow Spiked Sprinkles on Instagram for ideas about how to elevate your next dessert.
Ustianochka Vodka
If you’re looking for a high-quality vodka, try Ustianochka. Known to locals as “u”, this vodka is so smooth that some simply drink it over ice. It is imported by Margaret Bayuk in South Beaver, and available at any PA state liquor store. Many Pittsburgh area bars have started to get Ustianochka in stock, so be sure to ask for it while out for a meal or drink. Play bartender at home with these recipes or drink it straight over ice. Keep up with Ustianochka products and availability on Facebook.
Boozy Bettie’s Cookies
Boozy Bettie’s cookies, based out of Penn Hills, are here to make dessert a little more adult friendly. This 100% female-owned and operated business makes alcoholic liquor-infused frosting and cookies. You can try flavors like Cabernet & Chill, Snicker ChaCha, Drunk Debbie Cookie, and so many more. You can order online by the half-dozen ( $21) or dozen ( $42) using electronic payment or cash. They will also work to help cater any upcoming events of any size. A treat from Bettie’s is sure to wow any crowd – and make it a little more fun.
Wigle Whiskey
Wigle Whiskey first opened their doors in 2012. Now, Wigle Whiskey has over four locations in the Pittsburgh area. Their Strip District distillery brews whiskey, bourbon, brandy, gin, bottle cocktails, and more for your sipping pleasures. The history behind that location is worth noting, as Wigle was the first distillery since Prohibition in Pittsburgh. The inventive and passionate team consistently creates spirits from organic, local, and afar ingredients to create a flavor packed sip. Try one of their cocktail bundles to bring the heat to at-home happy hour. Dine-in, pick-up, or order online to enjoy their selection of alcoholic beverages.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.