Dry January is almost over, and it’s time to get tucked inside a cozy atmosphere and sip a fancy cocktail or two. Luckily, Pittsburgh has an extensive bar scene with elegant and whimsical bars galore. Here are a few favorites that elevate the art of making a fine cocktail:
Grapperia
With a welcoming, warm and ambient invitation to sit, sip and relax, Grapperia, a grappa and amari bar, specializes in Italian tastes with distinct wine selections, grappa, amari and fun takes on cocktail creations. Try Get It On The Floor made with grappa, aperol, orange juice and sparkling rosé and be sure to check out the extensive grappa and amari list that has over 25 selections each to choose from. Hungry? They can take care of that, too, thanks to Piccolo Forno. Current hours include Tuesday-Saturday 4-12PM.
Bridges & Bourbon
Modern, elegant and sexy, Bridges and Bourbon prides itself on providing an elevated experience that is both interactive and social. The goal is to engage each sense by sipping impressive and showstopping creations in its following cocktail categories: modern, elevated, classic and bourbon masters. Perhaps try the Matsu made with Japanese whiskey, Averna amaro, balsam fir bitters and smoked ice or the Worth the Wait with rye whiskey, mezcal, sweet vermouth, cucumber, rosemary simple and hellfire bitters. There’s plenty to taste and experiment with your palate like never before.
Bar Botanico
Feature of the month and plenty more? Say less! Bar Botanico is always mixing up its mixology game with must-sips worth waiting for in its open, airy and leafy-green atmosphere. Hot and cold cocktails, they know how to work their chemistry skills to deliver a punch of flavors in creative ways. Warm up to a hot drink, such as the Chamo-Millionare with plum sake, Singani63, Baiju, honey and chamomile rose tea or chill out with a cold cocktail like the Five O’Clock Stranger made with plantation 5-year rum, Della Sacra, orange sauce, grapefruit, absinthe and tiki bitters. There’s plenty of refreshing, divine deliciousness to explore here.
Hidden Harbor
With a comforting island vibe, drift away in Hidden Harbor’s aloha-inspired haven that has heavenly cocktails to match its one-of-kind atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Pittsburgh. The tiki bar offers large and in charge cocktails adorned with whimsical, towering garnishes that are perfect for every photo capture. At a first glance through the extensive, story-book cocktail menu, there are over 20 cocktails to select and even share! Plus, stop by for $8 Daq Shack Happy Hour, Tuesdays-Friday, 5-6PM for mouthwatering daiquiris. Reservations are recommended for tables.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.