Indulge in the flavors of Summer Cocktails with these tasty libations from a selection of Philly hot spots.
Summer has arrived, and Philadelphia’s bars and restaurants enthusiastically celebrate by presenting a diverse selection of delectable summer cocktails. Whether your taste buds crave a cool cucumber martini or a revitalizing frozen Aperol spritz, the options are endless. It’s time to explore the top destinations in Philadelphia to relish a refreshing summer beverage.
Dock Street Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s renowned craft brewery, offers a taste of the ’90s with its new seasonal cocktails and mocktails. Created by General Manager Jackie O’Hare, these drinks pay homage to the decade. Enjoy cocktails like “Life Finds A Way” featuring dark rum, white rum, peach, lemon, and mint, or opt for the refreshing mocktail “You’re A Virgin Who Can’t Drive” with aloe, pineapple, coconut, tarragon, and mint.
CO-OP Restaurant & Bar, located near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, presents a collection of summertime sippers. Beverage Manager Rachael Benedetto has crafted a menu with the Virginia Beach “Gin & Tonic” shaken with Beefeater gin, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Aperol, lime, pineapple, and cilantro. The Garden State Cucumber Martini offers a cool and refreshing option, featuring Hendrick’s Gin, Aloe Liquor, basil, and lemon.
The Twisted Tail, a Southern-inspired restaurant and bar on Headhouse Square, invites guests to indulge in their Champagne Pop, a glass of champagne served with a homemade popsicle made from local fruit. Enjoy the delightful combination while taking in the view from the sidewalk patio overlooking the neighborhood. The “Boog,” featuring TTT Buffalo Trace, NJ blueberries, NJ honey, lemon, and rosemary, is another must-try option.
Stella of New Hope, situated along the Delaware River, presents a selection of refreshing drinks perfect for enjoying on their patio or riverside promenade. Sip on the Orchid Beach, a delightful blend of vodka, grapefruit, rosemary, honey, and citrus, or try The Last Match with mezcal, gin, almond, lime, raspberry liqueur, and egg white. The Stella Spritz, featuring vodka, blood orange juice, Prosecco, and thyme, is another popular choice.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge, located on the ninth floor with stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, invites guests to experience The Grove at Assembly. This Mediterranean-inspired pop-up offers delightful summertime drinks, including the Frosé with rose, cocci rosa, dry vermouth, strawberry, and lemon. The Frozen Aperol Spritz, a blend of Aperol, orange, grapefruit, lemon, and Prosecco, is perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
Bolo, a Latin American dining room and rum bar in Rittenhouse Square, offers tropical-forward cocktails that showcase their expansive rum selection. Savor the Piña Colada, a creamy blend of Don Q Gold, coconut cream, pineapple, ginger, and Amarena cherry. The Mojito, made with Don Q Crystal, muddled mint, lime, and club soda, is a refreshing classic. Don’t miss the La Floridita Daiquiri, featuring Plantation 3 Star Rum, maraschino, key lime, and sugar.
Red Owl Tavern on Independence Mall presents a lineup of refreshing summertime cocktails created by Lead Bartender Christopher Devern. The Razzle Dazzle, made with Leblon cachaca, canton ginger, raspberry syrup, and fresh muddled limes, offers a delightful burst of flavors. Try the Summer Thyme Spritz, a medley of Hanson Cucumber Vodka, cucumber, lime oleo sacchurum, fresh lime, and Yuzu Lime Fever Tree soda. The Watermelon Ricky, featuring Hendrick’s Gin, St Germain, watermelon, lime, and club soda, is another crowd-pleaser.
Art in the Age, Old City’s unique bar and tasting room, presents their special twist on a classic drink with the Shishito Margarita. This tart and fresh libation features tequila, shishito simple syrup, lime juice, cucumber juice, and a few drops of saline solution and is garnished with a blistered shishito and flaky sea salt.
Char & Stave, Bluebird Distilling’s coffee roastery and café by day transforms into a cocktail bar by night. Enjoy coffee and tea-infused cocktails, such as the Rising Sun, made with Bluebird Sugarcane Rum, mint, lime, honey, and chamomile tea. Fan favorites from sister distillery Bluebird Distilling, including the Bluebird crafted with Bluebird Vodka, blueberry, mint, lime, and club soda, are also available.
Philadelphia’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene has something for every taste bud this summer. Whether you prefer the refreshing flavors of fruits and herbs or the rich profiles of rum and whiskey, these establishments offer a delightful array of summer cocktails to satisfy any craving. Embrace the season’s vibrations and savor the flavors of these carefully libations.