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].
Altius
1230 Grandview Ave., Mount Washington
Drink: Antiviral
Ingredients: El Tesoro Reposado tequila, ginger, lemon, honey, Montelobos mezcal, Spanish bitters
Our take: Bright citrus flavors balance the smoky, herbal notes of this cocktail. A touch of sweetness from the honey and the bite of the ginger linger, as the mezcal pervades the drink from the first sip to the last.
Vs.
Meat & Potatoes
649 Penn Ave., Downtown
Drink: Mexican Honey Bee
Ingredients: Espolon tequila, lemon, smoked local honey, orange bitters, mezcal rinse
Our take: Smoked honey and mezcal combine to deepen the flavor profile and add roasted and nutty notes. Citrus and honey keep the drink from being too
