Each week, we order the same cocktail at two different bars for a friendly head-to-head battle. Go to the bars, taste both drinks and tell us what you like about each by tagging @pghcitypaper on Twitter or Instagram and using #CPBoozeBattles. If you want to be a part of Booze Battles, send an email to food-and-beverage writer Celine Roberts, at [email protected].
Apteka
4606 Penn Ave., Bloomfield
Drink: Bourbon with prune and sage
Ingredients: bourbon, pickled prune, sage
Our take: Lift this drink to your lips, and the first aroma to note is the soft, green smell of sage. The pickled prune is emulsified, giving the cocktail a thick, jammy texture. There are underlying notes of caramel from the bourbon, and a raisiny finish.
Vs.
Cure
5336 Butler St., Lawrenceville
Drink: Crocus
Ingredients: bourbon, amaro, saffron, lemon twist
Our take: A cleanly executed, middle-sweet cocktail pulls depth from its saffron finish. The body of the drink is slightly bitter from the amaro, with caramel bourbon flavors to balance. Light citrus notes start and finish the drink.
