TABLE Magazine’s second-ever Cocktail Shake-Off brought together the city’s most talented bartenders and a crowd of people ready to sip to impress.
One of the most repeated phrases I heard throughout the night: “This may just be my new favorite event in Pittsburgh.” And I couldn’t agree more.
Cheers-ing to TABLE Magazine’s 2026 Cocktail Shake-Off
When the party really got underway, the energy at ROOST downtown couldn’t be denied: SELECTA had the music going, the dance floor was busy (there was even a shoutout to a sash-wearing birthday girl!), and the food was flowing. What’s not to love about endless charcuterie, your favorite songs, as well as 12 different cocktails to try?
Major emphasis here on different.
When I asked some of the high-energy, excited TABLE Staff what they were most excited about for the night ahead, the overwhelming response was creativity.
“I’m excited to see the people who come and enjoy the creative aspect of each cocktail. It’s a competition, so it’ll be fun to see who excels in their wheelhouse and also uses unique ingredients we don’t normally see,” explained Keith Recker, TABLE’s Editor-in-Chief.
And WOW, were the ingredients different.
Something New From Pittsburgh’s Mixology Scene
As I was handed my tasting glass and started to pace myself around the room (but not before stopping by the VIP area for a quick bite of a mini cheeseburger and water, because priorities), it was evident just how unique and different each bartender’s creation was.
Right out of the gate, I made my way to Bar Marco, where Kelsey Holmberg and Shelby Ciarallo were influenced by elements of spring (which I know is something we all could use right now). Specifically, elements of pollinating plants and hummingbirds. The Sage Advice incorporated sage infused Ginzer Gin, Suze Gentian Liqueur, sage & green peppercorn syrup, and also pineapple. I can confirm I’m now ready for spring!
Other elements of creativity ranged from a Barley Tea Old Fashioned inspired by a cookbook club from Lo Bar, a Banana Bread Bourbon Cocktail to acknowledge the plethora of banana bread at Spirits & Tales, as well as a locally sourced creation from the Scratch & Co. team.
Take It From the Party Goers…
With so many cocktails to try, I was also able to connect with some standout attendees! Jessie Nardelli, a.k.a Jessie’s Eddies on Instagram, was invited to be a judge and was ready to take her job seriously.
“I had no idea what to expect tonight, but I have been blown away so far… and I haven’t even tried half of the cocktails!” she explained. “I don’t know how I can pick just one favorite.”
As Jessie emphasized in her Instagram Reel recap from the event: “It honestly ended up being one of the most-fun, well-executed events I’ve been to.”
I also chatted it up with TABLE writer and wine aficionado, Camila Alarcón Cordón (Camila Uncorked), dressed to impress as always.
“I am so impressed with everyone’s different takes on craft cocktails so far tonight. Seeing how guests are interpreting the originality, while the bartenders are showcasing what they’re good at, is the intersection that this event is all about.”
A Lesson in Going Local
It also wouldn’t be a Pittsburgh event without highlighting the local distillery sponsors, who many of us know and love: Big Springs Spirits, Lawrenceville Distilling Company, Lucky Sign Spirits, Stateside Vodka, Wigle Whiskey, Love, Katie Distilling, Inspired by Spirits Distilling Co., Iron City Distilling, and Kingfly. Without all of you, this event wouldn’t be possible!
In the midst of chatter, clinking glasses, as well as dancing, many attendees were living it up in the photobooth moment by Oh Snap Pittsburgh. As a selfie queen myself, I’ll always take the opportunity to step into a photo!
As the desserts roll out from Sweet Tillies and Sweet Talker Treats (the martini glass cookies were BEYOND adorable), the winners stand in anticipation!
For the Judge’s Choice, the winners were:
- 1st place: The Warren, using Lawrenceville Distilling Parking Chair Vodka
- 2nd place: Palm Palm, using Stateside Vodka
- 3rd place: Space Bar, using Love, Katie Distilling Gin
And the People’s Choice:
- 1st place: Palm Palm
- 2nd place: Space Bar
- 3rd place: The Warren
The people clearly loved a unique element from these teams: The Warren with an Isaly’s chipped ham washed vodka and then a passion fruit air (foam), Space Bar with a peach thyme foam, and Palm Palm giving elevated green juice energy like you were on a beach in Miami… or perhaps that’s just why they were my winner of the night.
As the FOMO sits in from reading this recap, promise yourself this now: you won’t miss out on next year’s Cocktail Shake-Off!
Story by Jess Iacullo, Hungry Jess
Photography by Laura Petrilla
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