Dry January is officially in the rearview mirror, and whether or not you observe this sobering tradition (or whether you’re successful if you do), you should feel free to enjoy a spirited beverage if you so choose now that the month has wrapped up.
Of course, there’s hardly a better way to celebrate a return to hard libations than with a craft cocktail, which celebrates the carefully-selected spirit that lays the foundation as well as the enhancers that take its flavor to a whole new level.
Pittsburgh’s craft cocktail scene is not massive, but it is impressive. We’ve gathered up a list of some of our favorite dedicated cocktail bars and bars with noteworthy cocktail programs that are ready and willing to welcome you back with a drink made just for you (sometimes literally).
Bridges & Bourbon
Image via Instagram @bridgesandbourbon
Bridges & Bourbon is probably most well known for, well… bourbon. However, their cocktail menu features multiple selections that are equally a beverage and an experience. If you’re into immersive mixology and want to try a cocktail that you can mix yourself using beakers and dry ice, sip from a cocktail glass shaped like a delicate little bird, or is literally on fire, then Bridges & Bourbon is for you. (They’ve also got very tasty small plates!)
The Summit
Image via Instagram @thesummit412
I honestly don’t want to tell you about The Summit if you don’t already know, because it’s been my favorite cocktail spot for going on half a decade. Located just one block back from Grandview Avenue, The Summit features a menu of steady house cocktails along with rotating seasonal menus that use ingredients you don’t find many other places in Pittsburgh: truffle tea-infused tequila, Cocchi Rosa, and Byrrh (pronounced “beer,” but very much not beer) just to name a few. The more adventurous you are, the more likely you are to find a truly special drink.
Grapperia
Image via Instagram @grapperiapgh
As its name suggests, Grapperia is a haven for cocktail fans that like their drinks like they like their charcuterie: Italian-style. With impressive selections of both grappas and amari (including local favorite Super Punch), Grapperia concocts five house cocktails that feature Italy’s beloved grape-based spirit, as well as a few more recognizable cocktails with some sneaky upgrades. Pro tip: make sure to keep an eye on their socials for special cocktails!
Acacia
Image via Instagram @acaciapittsburgh
Speakeasy-style cocktail bar Acacia doesn’t stand out as much on Carson Street as some of the more lively bars that are popular with the college crowds. However, once you step inside (after probably walking past the front door at least once), you’ll find a laid-back, easygoing space with a brief but expertly crafted cocktail program that changes seasonally. Keep an eye out for less common ingredients like Cynar, mole bitters, or allspice dram. Of course, they’ve also got a great beer selection and a classic Boilermaker combo that is quite popular.
The Forge
Image via Instagram @theforgepgh
Reservations are highly recommended for The Forge, but trust us, you’ll want every minute of your two-hour time slot to enjoy this Lawrenceville bar’s craft cocktails and Mediterranean-style small plates. Their cocktail menu is currently more tequila-forward, which isn’t as easy to find in the ‘Burgh, though through their Bartender’s Choice option, you can request a spirit and a flavor you favor and get a custom-build drink to enjoy with your snacks. (We recommend the cheeses, which are from Chantal’s!)
The Warren
Image via Instagram @thewarrenpgh
Tucked away downtown just feet from the Benedum Center, The Warren is a cozy, laid-back spot for craft cocktails, with a menu of more than ten standards and three highball options featuring Suntory spirits and refreshing soda water (served with a twist, of course). Feeling indecisive? Just ask for the “I’ll Have Whatever,” which is a bespoke mix of beer, bitters, and amaro for the more cocktail-curious.
Bar Botanico
Image via Instagram @bar_botanico
I know, I know – a third spot in Lawrenceville? Yes. We could not leave Bar Botanico off this list of Pittsburgh’s best cocktail spots, because there are few places doing craft cocktails like they are. Start by ordering some plates provided by Scratch & Co., and then make your selection for your first round of drinks. There’s always a bartender special in addition to their regular cocktail program, but for a memorable experience, I recommend ordering a Bartender’s Choice – just give your bartender a few of your preferences (flavor profile, type of spirit, etc.) and let them create something just for you.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.