The post-holiday stretch of a Pittsburgh winter bears a striking resemblance to Pirates season: both seem to last ten times longer than they should and everybody tries convincing themselves it will go better next year. The seemingly endless cycle of freeze-and-thaw, gray skies, and snow such a unique shade of off-putting brown it deserves its own crayon name can be debilitating, especially when compounded with a year that’s kept us home more than ever.
Luckily, the tender fuzz of a few cold beers and steaming cocktails can go a long way to combat this frosty malaise, so the next time you’re feeling like you need something to help you kick back, give these a go:
1. St. Nikolaus Bock
Winter Bock Bier – Penn Brewery
What beer fan dare scorn Pittsburgh’s O.G., German-inspired brewery? This Klassiker is everything you could ask for in a wintry beverage: dark, malty sips appropriate for a bock, but with unparalleled drinkability. It might not have the same witch’s brew of spices that makes Mad Elf what it is, but at 9% ABV it’s got all you need for a nice evening enjoying the king of local seasonal releases. Careful, though: the beer only lasts through January, so stock up while you can.
2. Snow Melt Ale
Winter Ale – East End Brewing ($15 per 16-ounce 4-pack)
East End Brewing has been maintaining course throughout the year’s ups-and-downs, balancing offers to enjoy the outdoor patio seating with steady, largely yinzer-centric releases. Snow Melt fits right into that mold, providing a clean, drinkable winter ale with just enough spice to add some cedar freshness, but not overpower.
3. That Pirates-Themed I.C. Light You Found in Your Beer Fridge
Domestic Light – Pittsburgh Brewing
Actually…disregard. We have a better suggestion. Still might be good after a “I swear this year’s fitness goals will be different” jog, though.
4. Recliner
Oatmeal Stout – Couch Brewery ($4.50 per can)
The bold, robust body of a stout plays a perfect foil to the cutting chill of a Pittsburgh January, February, Mar—you get the point. Couch Brewery’s take on the Oatmeal Stout is as easy-going and smooth as a good sit on your favorite chair. Expect the usual hints of chocolate and that roasty taste you look for in any good stout; just don’t be surprised when the four pack is gone before you know it.
6. Bad Santa
Mulled Wine Cocktail – Miracle on 6th ($12, $20, $48 for one, two, and five servings)
From the remains of Pork and Beans’ downtown location emerged the Christmas-themed pop-up, Miracle, for another year of passing out boozy cheer right in the heart of the city. They offer a number of cocktails tailored to the delights of wintertime, but when you need something to warm you up proper, then the Bad Santa is your best bet. The warm mulled red wine hits all the right notes in an ode to the Glühwein, gløgg, and myriad variants you find throughout Europe’s Christmas markets. Don’t tarry, though: you’ve only got until January 31st until you’re stuck mulling your own or waiting until next year.
7. Alpine Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate – Lorelei ($3 N/A; $10 w/ Genepy + Green Chartreuse or Peppermint + Amaretto)
On the corner of Highland and Baum, once home to the long-departed Shadow Lounge (R.I.P., friend), sits Lorelei, which offers more elevated answers to your beverage needs, but with a distinct German flair in selection. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t also find the simpler tastes of life there: keep it easy and try the Alpine Hot Chocolate, available alcohol-free for just $3 or mixed with a winter-approved combination of flavor and liqueur for $10. While you stop in, be sure to look at their Winter Market that includes books, posters, stickers, and all sorts of good stuff from local artists.
8. Cocktail Growlers
Made to Order – Porky’s Bar and Grill ($30 per 64-ounce growler)
Sometimes you just want to walk up to your favorite bartender, nod, and be handed your favorite go-to beverage without the pomp and circumstance of a clever name and 49 ingredients. Porky’s in Etna has got just what you’re looking for, serving takeout growlers of all your cocktail favorites to keep your winter moving along, 64 tasty ounces at a time.
Water Does the Body Good, You Know:
As much as winter can drive us to isolated misery, there are many folks out there who have it rougher than we can imagine. If we can afford to drop $12 on a cocktail, sometimes it might feel even better to give our liver a spell and do a little good instead. Have you considered donating a few bucks to hard-working organizations like the Pittsburgh Food Bank (pittsburghfoodbank.org @pghfoodbank, Pittsburgh Mutual Aid (pittsburghmutualaid.com, _pghmutualaid), or 412FoodRescue (412foodrescue.org, @412foodrescue)?
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.