Drink

Niche Drinking At the 88 Lounge

Socialize over scotch at Providence's newest piano bar

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Artist and art teacher Joshua Baptista will school you on scotch and a proper bartender’s handshake. See him for a taste of sunshine or a classic Old Fashioned every Thursday night.

What’s happening at the 88 Lounge?
You never really know what you’re going to get next here. We don’t have an identity other than that we play piano music. We have regulars, walk-ins and food service industry employees. When people in the industry come, you know you have a good product. There might only be six people in here, but they’re all socializing together. It’s not a stuffy bar. People interact with the piano player, bartender and each other.

What’s your signature cocktail?
I have infusions that I make myself. I made a vodka infusion with hot peppers, onions, garlic and peppercorn. It’s great for a Bloody Mary or a Hot & Dirty – a take on a dirty martini. I’ve also done a bourbon infused with fig and almonds served straight on the rocks. If you like bourbon, you’ll love this.

What’s the best cocktail to order here?
Classic Old Fashioned. Pick your poison – bourbon or switch it up. I’d also recommend our signature drink – the 88 Negroni made with Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Luxardo Cherry Liquer, Yellow Chartreause and Fernet. It tastes like sunshine. The Seelbach is my favorite – and it’s also a classic. It’s made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Cointreau, Bitters and champagne. The combination of ingredients doesn’t seem like it goes together, but it works amazingly well.

What are you selling that most bars aren’t?
Here, you can purchase a bottle of Fernet for $55, put your name on it and enjoy a shot from it whenever you come in. Referred to as the “bartender’s handshake,” Fernet is an Italian digestif; it’s popular in the food service industry. It tastes like Jagermeister, but without the sugar.

What stands out here?
Our extensive and high end selection of scotches and bourbon. Phil, the owner, loves scotches. We’ll serve your scotch in a snifter alongside a carafe of water and a rocks glass with ice. Add a little bit of ice and water as you go. These elements will change the profile flavor of the scotch; different notes will come out.

What’s your favorite scotch?
Jura - it’s more of a bourbon, but really smooth. A lot of scotches on the higher end taste smokier. We offer tastings so you can figure out what type of scotch you like.

88 lounge, drink, joshua baptista, piano bar providence, providence monthly

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