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 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].
The Drink: Moscow Mule
Ten Penny
960 Penn Ave., Downtown
Drink: Garden Mule
Ingredients: New Amsterdam basil-infused vodka, Barrow’s Ginger liqueur, lime juice, ginger beer, basil garnish
Our take: The basil garnish added a lovely, strong note to the nose of the drink. Each sip was spicy and herbal, with the ginger bringing significant heat to the cocktail. The vodka helped the flavor profile stay light and clean, and kept the drink from being overly sweet.
Vs.
Wallace’s Tap Room
123 N. Highland Ave., East Liberty
Drink: Moscow Mule
Ingredients: Smirnoff vodka, ginger beer, ginger syrup, lime, bitters, lime wedge
Our take: Citrus ruled the flavor profile for this bracing rendition of a Moscow Mule. The lime juice’s acidity and the spice of the ginger made the drink an excellent choice for adding some pep to a cold evening. Opting to stay classic makes this Mule a reliable quaff for those who love the cocktail canon.