It’s that time of year where family comes to town, friends are off from work, and you want to soak in every minute. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best holiday cocktails to sip on this season in Philadelphia.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
This rooftop lounge is a prime spot for cocktails simply for its views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. But while here this holiday season, Philadelphians can also check out the venue’s Alpine Heights pop-up, which features aprés ski-inspired decor and menu items, including the Cherry Apple Hot Cider ($17) and the All White Hot Chocolate ($18.)
The former boasts bourbon, apple cider, cherry and winter spices, while the latter is made with Stoli Vanilla, samba, chocolate liqueur and white chocolate.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, assemblyrooftop.com
Butcher Bar
Butcher Bar’s back room has been transformed into the Yule Lodge, which features holiday decorations, sweet and savory bites, a shotski ($18), and the Noggin’ on Heavens Door cocktail ($14). The drink is served out of a large moose mug, or, visitors can opt to sip on Chef John’s family recipe for spiced Mulled Wine ($14.)
2034 Chestnut St., butcherbarphilly.com
Front Street Cafe
There are a few choices in terms of festive cocktails at Front Street Cafe this season. Their limited-edition holiday menu spans the Maple Espresso Martini ($15, a seasonal blend of Manatawny Maple Whiskey, Kahlua, and espresso,) the Snickerdoodle ($12, vodka, cinnamon, caramel, and cream), and a Seasonal Sangria ($12, a “holiday twist” made with apple and white wine.)
1253 N Front St., frontstreetcafe.net
The Prime Rib at LIVE! Casino
“Drinks in Toyland” is The Prime Rib’s latest holiday pop-up, and it will be housed in the restaurant’s front entrance foyer/bar until Jan. 11.
Drinks-wise, different seasonal flavors like chocolate peppermint and gingerbread are on display with the Chocolate Peppermint Martini and the Gingerbread Espresso Martini. The former features Tito’s Vodka with chocolate liqueur, simple syrup, and peppermint syrup with a crushed peppermint/chocolate rim, and a peppermint stick, while the latter boasts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila, Cantera Negra Café liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and freshly brewed espresso served in a coup glass garnished with a gingerbread cookie crumb rim, whipped cream, and a gingerbread man.
900 Packer Ave.,philadelphia.
Red Owl Tavern
There’s a menu chock full of holiday cocktails at this Old City locale. Seasonal sips (all $17) span the Milk & Cookies (a “playful take on a White Russian”), the Snow Globe (a seasonally inspired margarita), the Sweet Potato Pie (a liquid version of the holiday dessert topped with egg white foam), the Jingle All the Way (a festive vodka spritz) and more. These seasonally driven creations are available now for a limited time.
433 Chestnut St.,redowltavern.com
Tinsel
It’d be hard to think of seasonal drink options and not think of Tinsel. Options span The Son of a Nutcracker! (Jim Beam, apple cider, ginger beer and star anise), World’s Best Hot Chocolate (Absolut Vodka, hot chocolate, whipped cream and toasted marshmallow) Bah Humbug! (Corralejo Tequila, cold brew, caramel, Crème de Cacao and whipped cream) and more. Returning this year to the cocktail menu is also the fan-favorite Canned Goods cocktail comprised of Hornitos Tequila, apple cider, Redbull, and a rosemary garnish. A portion of the proceeds from this cocktail will be donated to the local nonprofit, MANNA.
116 S 12th St., facebook.com/Tinselphilly
Char & Stave
Locals can head to either Char & Stave’s Chestnut Hill or Ardmore location to try out the Sour & Spice & Everything Nice cocktail ($12). The drink is made with Bluebird Distilling Winter Whiskey, five-spice, lemon, tiki bitters, and egg whites, and is available this holiday season.
8441 Germantown Ave. and 21 Rittenhouse Pl., charandstave.com
Uptown Beer Garden
The Uptown Express pop-up is still in full swing at this Center City locale. For the holiday season, Uptown has a slew of themed libations like the Candy Cane Lane ($18, Hornito’s Tequila, peppermint bark cream liqueur and Crème de Cacao,) the Very Merry Mule ($18, Jameson Whiskey, cranberry, lemon and ginger beer), the Snow Miser ($16, Klyr Rum, blue curacao, pineapple and coconut) and more.
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
