Union Forge Vodka has launched its second annual “A Taste of Summer” campaign in partnership with the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG). This bartender contest challenges local bars and restaurants to create a perfect summer cocktail using Union Forge Vodka.
A Taste of Summer
Bartenders from a variety of local places are trying their hands at the best, refreshing summer cocktail using Union Forge Vodka. 13 different Pittsburgh bars and restaurants are serving up special cocktails using this versatile vodka all throughout the summer. So stop in anytime into September to get a taste!
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite summer sipper. The bar or restaurant who wins “A Taste of Summer” will receive a monetary prize and a Union Forge Vodka trophy. Not only will you get to try the bartenders’ best work, but you’ll be directly supporting their chances of winning the prize!
But that’s not the only perk. In addition, Union Forge Vodka will donate proceeds from each cocktail sold to a great cause, Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE). As a national nonprofit that provides support to the food and beverage service industry, CORE grants financial assistance to employees with children in the event of a health crisis, injury, death, or natural disaster.
“As this campaign grows year over year, we are grateful to be able to partner with both returning and new bars and restaurants and continue to support a cause as amazing and deserving as CORE,” said Adam Weinberg, Vice President of Marketing at The Union Forge Vodka.
About Union Forge Vodka
Proudly handcrafted in Pennsylvania, Union Forge Vodka was featured at last year’s Pittsburgh Fall Wine & Spirit Festival. The spirit has an ultra-smooth and creamy feel with a clean and crisp finish. It’s made with Pennsylvania Rye at the oldest continually operating distillery in the state.
Whether you like it neat or in a cocktail, Union Forge is a balanced choice of vodka with a distinct spicy finish. It’s also gluten free!
Where to Get “A Taste of Summer” Cocktails
The contest takes place all throughout PA, NJ, and DE, and thankfully right here in Pittsburgh at these local places. The bartenders have worked hard to concoct the perfect sip, so go taste as many as you can before they’re gone!
Burgatory
All six Burgatory locations are serving “Forged in Fuchsia.” This vibrant violet cocktail will be smooth and refreshing alongside a signature burger. It’s made with Union Forge Vodka, butterfly tea, elderflower, and topped with a perfect-for-summer lemon slice.
Dee Jay’s BBQ Ribs & Grille
At Dee Jay’s Collier location, they’re fixing up “The Pink Piggy” for this limited time only contest. The gorgeous but simple drink features Union Forge Vodka, grapefruit, and simple syrup.
Over at Dee Jay’s Washington location, they serve the “Strawberry Mint Refresher,” made with Union Forge Vodka, strawberry, mint, lime, and soda. It’s a great summer sipper to cool off with on their outdoor patio. Plus, it’ll pair perfectly with their barbeque offerings.
Proper Brick Oven Tap Room
In the Cultural District, Proper Brick Oven is serving “The Skenes Lime Martini,” a creamy summer cocktail to pair with a Pirates game. Grab a slice of an oven-fired pizza, and sip on this cocktail with Union Forge Vodka, elderflower, lime, agave, and egg white while watching a game.
Scratch & Co.
Over in Troy Hill, Scratch & Co. is serving the “Forged on Froman,” a unique blend of Union Forge Vodka, strawberry, dill, pomegranate molasses, lemon, hellfire bitters, and soda. This cocktail is a summer sunset in a glass!
Sly Fox Brewing
Sly Fox Brewing has a few cocktails on their menu made with Union Forge like the “Bloody Union,” a classic Bloody Mary with Union Forge Vodka, and “Flowers are Coming” made with Union Forge Vodka, rose water, lime, and triple sec.
But for “A Taste of Summer,” they’re mixing up the “Watermelon Forge” with Union Forge Vodka, fresh watermelon juice, and lime. Visit their Downtown or Highline locations to try this sweet and sour cocktail.
Tortured Souls Brewing
For those north east of Pittsburgh, Tortured Souls Brewing in New Kensington has a fizzy citrus drink for you to try. Sip on the “New Ken Fizz,” a refreshing cocktail made with Union Forge Vodka, orange blossom, lemon, lime, cream, egg white, and soda.
The Warren
At the Warren in Downtown, they’re bringing out “The London Sun” with Union Forge Vodka, Earl Gray tea, honey, and Crème de Violette. Specially made by Erik at the Warren, this elegant cocktail will make your summer day.
Other participating bars and restaurants
- Cafe Notte: “Libra” with Union Forge Vodka, lemon sorbet, and prosecco
- Mineo’s Pizza House Allison Park: “Lavender Sky” made with Union Forge Vodka, elderflower, lavender, and ginger beer
- Mineo’s Pizza House Squirrel Hill: “Mineo Mule” with Union Forge Vodka, Jacquin’s Ginger Brandy, ginger beer, and lime
- Monaca Brewing Company: “The Greyhound Union” made with Union Forge Vodka, muddled strawberries, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and sparkling grapefruit soda
- Omni William Penn: “Lavender Spritz” with Union Forge Vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemon, blueberry, and lavender
- Scarpaci’s: “Lemon Lavender Cooler” made with Union Forge Vodka, lavender syrup, lemon, and soda
- The Standard Market & Pint House: “Martini Sunrise” with Union Forge Vodka, watermelon liqueur, sweet vermouth, and mint
After you visit and try the cocktails, vote for your favorites! Visit unionforgevodka.com/atasteofsummer/pittsburgh or use the QR code to vote while you’re still sipping at the bar.
“A Taste of Summer” is an amazing way to support your local bartenders and try delicious summer cocktails at the same time! Be sure to follow along with the contest all summer long by following Union Forge Vodka on Instagram and Facebook.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
