East Liberty has long been a destination for Pittsburgh nightlife from past spots such as the Shadow Lounge, 6119 and the Ace Hotel to hot newcomers such as The Bridge Music Bar and Margaux. Today, TLC Libations, Pittsburgh’s first Black woman-owned craft cocktail distillery, celebrates its grand opening inside Oasis Taproom at 5975 Broad St.
Founded in 2017 by a mother/daughter duo — Diane and Erika Turner — TLC specializes in “pour ready premium cocktails” available in bottles. They include Mango-Pineapple Mimosa Punch (with mango-pineapple vodka), Ladies’ Brew (berry whiskey), Gentleman’s Brew (lemon-ginger whiskey) and Strawberry Basil Sangria (strawberry vodka).
“They’re smooth, balanced and refreshing, no matter the weather or time of year,” says Erika Turner. “We can’t wait for folks to come out to Oasis Taproom for a free first taste.”
TLC’s grand opening will be a four-day event starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7 with a Schenley High School, Alumni Social Hour. That’s followed by an Artists’ Showcase on Thursday, Sept. 8 and a Bring Your Own Vinyl Social Hour with a fish fry on Friday, Sept. 9. The grand opening festivities conclude with the Official Oasis Opening Block Party starting at noon on Saturday, Sept. 10.
TLC was part of Ascender’s startup incubator, and the Catapult: Startup to Storefront entrepreneurship program at The Gallery on Penn, an incubator for minority-owned businesses.