When Pittsburgh turns into a sauna, local bartenders know exactly what to pour. From crisp beers to refreshing cocktails, these pros share the drinks that keep them cool when the mercury climbs.
Alexander Riola (Fish Nor Fowl)
Hemingway Daiquiri
“So I’m straying away from my Sommelier roots here & going with a legendary cocktail: The Hemingway Daiquiri. Such a simple creation yet well layered & hits every refreshing note I crave during the hot summer months. The classic build is a favorite of mine but if I’m making mine at home or at Fish nor Fowl, I enjoy adding a dash of Peychaud Bitters to amplify the drink just a bit. Makes me feel like my toes are in the sand & there’s not a care in the world.” The classic Hemingway Daiquiri is made, Alexander says, “with 2 ounces of white rum (I prefer Ten To One White Rum), ½ ounce of maraschino liqueur, ¾ ounce of fresh lime juice, and ½ ounce of fresh grapefruit juice.”
Kelsey Holmberg (Bar Marco)
Americano
“When the weather is hot I prefer something low in alcohol but full of flavor, so I favor the classic Italian aperitivo: an Americano,” says Holmberg. “It’s similar to a Negroni, but Campari and sweet vermouth are mixed with soda water rather than gin. The beauty of Italian cocktails is often their simplicity, highlighting beautiful ingredients and traditional recipes. Campari is non-negotiable, but for depth and complexity I prefer a Vermouth di Torino (such as Cocchi) over the more ubiquitous but thinner French sweet vermouth.”
Jennifer Parks (Lilith)
Cucumber-Rose G&T, Sassoferrato Rosé of Sangiovese, Old Thunder’s 340 Lager
“To beat the heat the first thing I reach for is a Gin & Tonic, Rosé, or a cold beer,” says Parks. At Lilith, guests can enjoy a refreshing Cucumber-Rose G&T, a bright Sassoferrato Rosé, or a crisp 340 Lager. “I love all of these because they are crisp, cold, and make me forget during that first sip that it’s 90* with 90% humidity.” She hopes for “cooler weather” and says “fall cocktails are upon us soon!”
Sherlyn Nolasco-Galguera (Cellar’s Speakeasy)
Bee’s Knees
“The Bee’s Knees! A classic cocktail composed of three simple ingredients: Gin (Barr Hill, preferably), honey and lemon. If you’re really feeling fancy, a sugar rim really adds a nice finishing touch as well. This cocktail is the perfect mix of sweet and refreshing for hot days in the city. You can order it at any of your favorite restaurants or cocktail bars or simply make at home.”
Fern Warzinski (Fet-Fisk)
Lovage Tequila Sunrise
“We at Fet-Fisk have lately been beating the heat by reaching for our variation on the Tequila Sunrise, created by our very own Fern Warzinski, with help from our Sam Suter. It makes a great batched cocktail!” This refreshing beverage is consists of a split base of house made lovage aquavit and arette tequila, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup shaken and poured over ice and lingonberry syrup. “The lingonberry on the bottom creates a beautiful ombré effect, and gets a luxardo garnish.”
Story by Ethan Chmura
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