
Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profilePepp & Dolores
Cincinnati, OH · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Pepp & Dolores pairs a smart Italian-leaning cocktail list with a deep regional wine program. Six cocktails at $15 each show amaro-forward creativity, while the wine list spans Northern Italy to the Americas with house pours by the liter. A dedicated zero-proof section and local craft beers round out the program.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Nocino Old Fashioned, made with Wild Turkey Rare Breed and nocino. For something lighter, the Limoncello & Tonic highlights house limoncello. Wine drinkers should consider the house red, a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo by Cirelli, available by the liter.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Italian wine enthusiasts will appreciate the regional organization and big bottle formats. Cocktail fans looking for amaro-driven drinks will find several options. The zero-proof section makes it welcoming for non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the pasta menu is in season; the beverage program is designed to complement the kitchen's output. Evenings are likely lively, so a visit for a relaxed dinner works well.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are $15, zero-proof drinks $12, and beers $6-$9. Wines range from a $9 Lambrusco can to a $550 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with house wines at $12 a glass or $48 a liter.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine list's regional depth and large-format options are a standout, as is the house limoncello used in cocktails. The zero-alcohol section, featuring Seedlip-based drinks, is a thoughtful addition.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Six cocktails at a fair price, blending Italian amari and house limoncello with classics like an Espresso Martini. Creative but not overly experimental.
Menu strengths
- — Use of amari and house limoncello adds Italian character.
Standout selections
- — Nocino Old Fashioned – Wild Turkey Rare Breed, nocino, simple syrup, bitters.
- — Molto Margarita – Espolòn Reposado, amaretto, Aperol, lime.
Pricing: All six signature cocktails are $15.
Wine
Extensive list organized by Italian regions plus American wines. House wines by the glass, half-liter, or liter, and a Big Bottles section.
Menu strengths
- — Regional organization aids navigation.; Large format options for sharing.
Standout selections
- — Brunello di Montalcino '17 – Casanuova delle Cerbaie, $38 glass / $152 bottle.
- — Barbera d'Asti '24 – Renato Ratti 'Battaglione', $66 bottle.
Pricing: Wine prices range from $9 for a Lambrusco can to $550 for a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Beer
A compact list of eight options, including Italian lager, local brews, cider, and a non-alcoholic choice.
Standout selections
- — Peroni Nastro Azzuro – 16oz draft, $8.
- — Rhinegeist Truth IPA – 12oz can, $7.
Pricing: Beer prices range from $6 to $9.
Nonalcoholic
Two Seedlip-based mocktails and one N/A beer. Small but thoughtful selection for designated drivers or abstainers.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero-alcohol section on the menu.; Uses Seedlip spirits for complexity.
Standout selections
- — Pineapple Punch – Seedlip Spice 94, pineapple, sour, grapefruit, mint, calabrian chili oil.
- — Blood Orange Mule – Seedlip Garden 108, lime, blood orange, ginger beer.
Pricing: Zero-alcohol cocktails are $12; non-alcoholic beer is $7.
Spirits
Spirits appear only as cocktail ingredients. No dedicated spirits menu, so the program is not independently assessable.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails feature a variety of spirits, including house limoncello.
Pricing: No standalone spirits list or pricing.
How it sits with the food
The Italian-focused wine list and amaro-forward cocktails are built to pair with the housemade pasta menu. A crisp Pinot Grigio or a liter of house red would suit a range of dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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