Each week, we order the same cocktail at two different bars for a friendly head-to-head battle. Go to the bars, taste them both and tell us what you like about each by tagging @pghcitypaper on Twitter or Instagram and use #CPBoozeBattles. If you want to be a part of Booze Battles, send an email to food-and-beverage writer Celine Roberts, at [email protected].
The Drink: The Last Word
The Commoner
458 Strawberry Way, Downtown
Drink: The Last Word
Ingredients: Aviation gin, Luxardo, green Chartreuse, lime, Luxardo cherry garnish
Our Take: This cocktail is crisp on the palate with just a hint of bright, almost briny lime notes. The mint flavors lean more toward herbal garden-variety mint instead of a more concentrated peppermint finish. The Luxardo cherry at the bottom of the glass gives the drinker a burst of sweetness to look forward to on the last sip.
Vs.
Grapperia (Behind Piccolo Forno)
3801 Butler St., Lawrenceville
Drink: The Last Word
Ingredients: Juniper-infused grappa, Strega, Luxardo, lime, lime zest garnish
Our Take: On the first sip, this drink has a limey nose and a mint-forward flavor profile. The slightly bitter and sweet Strega gives the cocktail an excellent backbone for the juniper in the grappa to make itself known. Mild licorice notes round out the finish for a strong, balanced cup.
