Best Summer Cocktails in Downtown Pittsburgh
By Layla Joseph
With weather warming up, DNA has curated a list of five spectacular summer time front-runners for cooling down with refreshing cocktails offered in the Golden Triangle:
Bridges and Bourbon: Bridges and Bourbon is “dining done differently” with impressive presentation in tandem with extraordinary flavors. Fire cocktails take on a whole new meaning as flames are incorporated into some of their unique and handcrafted drinks. Their modernized cocktails are presented with a futuristic style, using fresh flowers as garnish and unique glassware. Mocktails are also on the menu allowing you to enjoy a similar experience without the alcohol.
We recommend TKO: a refreshing citrus vodka beverage that stimulates your senses while giving your mind a refreshing reset. A peach and orange vodka infusion paired with apricot liqueur allows for a summertime buzz, when combined with sangria syrup, club soda and Peychaud’s the drink evolves into an exhilarating encounter.
Ritual House: Ritual House prides themselves on giving consumers a unique and luxurious experience through food made with passion and a menu of beverages fit for a king. While their house made margarita’s are enticing, their cocktail menu will satisfy a craving of any kind. Traditional cocktails are given an exciting twist to make them as unique as the people in Pittsburgh.
We recommend There's Always Thyme: a unique flesh of flavors including fresh lemon, apricot honey syrup, amaretto, and black water bitters mixed in harmony with Hennessy Cognac to incorporate summertime flavors into one glass just for you.
Con Alma: Con Alma is a jazz inspired restaurant that showcases live music Tuesday through Sunday evenings and features a variety of plant-based options. Con Alma means “with soul” and the name is reflected in the vibrant menu and the atmosphere of the restaurant. With a selection of global wines, unique in-house crafted cocktails and food that will inspire you to groove.
We recommend the Magrouni: this house-made concoction is inspired from a classic Negroni and is sure to put a pep in your step. With a mixture of Thai basil and a kick of spice, this drink lifts your spirits. Jin Jiji that is jalapeno infused, pairs wonderfully with Lillet Blanc and Bordiga Chiot and is topped with a groovy garnish.
Alchemy: Alchemy Bar and Kitchen incorporates scientific techniques in the preparation and presentation of their creative cuisine and artistic cocktails. While the descriptions of their cocktails are vague, the flavors present are extraordinary. Take a quantum leap and choose one (or more) of their signature cocktails for a refreshing splash this summer.
We recommend Strawberry Clouds: a vodka solution that embraces elements of earth and air, garnished with a light and bubbly fusion that will leave you refreshed and wanting more.
Emerson’s: Located above Market Street Grocery, you can grab a reviving cocktail and a bite to eat while getting a moment to reset with comfortable seating in a cozy atmosphere. Emerson’s main focus is clear: utilizing high quality ingredients, executing fine cocktails and providing customers with curated wine options. Their unique drinks are libel to make a splash with their aesthetic presentation and rejuvenating flavor.
We recommend Cucumber Old Maid: Ketel One cucumber and mint vodka combined with the lemon citrus and Italicus Bergamot Liqueur refreshes the mind and mouth. The concoction has the perfect balance of cucumber and citrus to quench your thirst.
