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].
Ace Hotel
120 S. Whitfield St., East Liberty
Drink: Fourth River Mule
Ingredients: Boyd & Blair vodka, ginger, lime, turmeric honey
Our take: The ginger, citrus and turmeric honey are all curative ingredients that help boost immunity, while being arguably tasty. They might even be strong enough to cancel out the negative effects of the vodka, but hey, vodka is at least an antiseptic. This tasty cocktail was delicious cold and straightforward, as well as soothing on a sore throat.
Vs.
Smallman Galley
54 21st St., Strip District
Drink: Remedy
Ingredients: Blended scotch, Laphroaig 10, pickled carrot juice, ginger, honey
Our take: This savory, slightly tart cocktail is something I can still fully taste even through my clogged sinuses. The smoke of the Laphroaig helped me to breathe more easily, while the ginger and honey add dimension to balance the flavors. Pickled carrot juice adds vegetal notes and a kick of vitamin C.
