No matter what spirit wets your whistle, National Cocktail Day 2022 is the perfect opportunity to check out some of the best libations the City of Brotherly Love has to offer.
Bluebird Distilling
The award-winning grain-to-glass craft distillery has a few reasons to celebrate the spirited holiday. Beverage Director Matt Giarratano has whipped up tasty creations to try, including the Bored Bermuda Yacht Club ($11) composed of dark rum, coconut rum, pandan, lime, falernum, and nutmeg; the Vicious Dissent ($12) crafted with barrel-rested gin, agave salvaje reposado, dry vermouth, honey, lavender, habanero, and a salt rim; and the Cozy Campfire Chat ($11) prepared with White Rye Whiskey, chocolate and chicory-pecan bitters, and a toasted marshmallow.
To add to Bluebird’s offerings, the Distillery’s sister company, Char & Stave Coffee (which just opened in Ardmore), will be offering a selection of signature cocktails and mocktails courtesy of Giarratano. Philadelphians who head to the newly opened cafe from Bluebird Distilling’s Master Distiller and Founder Jared Adkins can sip on the Rising Sun, crafted with Sugarcane Rum, mint, lemon, honey, plus green and chamomile tea; the Caffè Negroni composed of Juniperus Gin, cold brew, bitter Italian soda, and an orange peel; and lastly, the Char & Stave Martini made with Bluebird Vodka, house-roasted espresso, and toasted cardamom.
100 Bridge St., bluebirddistilling.com and 21 Rittenhouse Place, charandstave.com
REX at The Royal
The recently opened Southern-styled bar and eatery offers Lowcountry cuisine, but also, dynamite cocktails courtesy of bar manager Joshua Scheid. So what can you sip on for National Cocktail Day? Think a Por Dio ($13) prepared with blanco tequila, carrot, turmeric, lime, and Galliano; Hoodoo Voodoo ($12) composed of chicory liqueur, brandy, cold brew coffee, and cinnamon; and the Royal Martini ($21) crafted with olive oil washed Spanish gin, Spanish dry vermouth, herbs de Provence, and Birchrun blue cheese stuffed olives.
1524 South St., rexphl.com
Oloroso
This Spanish tapas hotspot boasts exclusive Spanish wines, dessert wines, sherry, and an ever-evolving craft cocktail menu—all of which will be available this Thursday. Cocktail highlights include their G n T ($14) composed of Nordés Spanish Gin from Galacia, tonic, and a fresh sprig of rosemary adding “a distinct pine essence”; Esteban ($15) crafted with gin, Bonanto, vermouth blanc, and sage syrup; and The Good Reverend ($15) composed of whiskey, lemon, spiced tea, and vermouth tinto.
1121 Walnut St., olorosophl.com
Townsend EPX
At this re-vamped destination from Chef Townsend Wentz, libation-lovers can indulge in a Duck a L’orange constructed from Duck Whiskey, Grand Marnier, absinthe, and spice; The Provencal Fizz, composed of lavender-infused gin, cognac, lemon, cider, and egg white; and the Rose Quartz, crafted with Espolon Blanco, Campari, lemon, Luxardo, and a cherry.
1623 E. Passyunk Ave., townsendepx.com
Urban Farmer
Located inside of The Logan Hotel, Urban Farmer offers a few options for those looking to celebrate the spirited occasion. Cocktail highlights include the Yuzu 92 ($16) crafted with Bluecoat Gin, yuzu, gentian and rosemary; and the Old Curmudgeon ($16) made with bourbon, lemon, Aperol, cynar, and red pepper jelly.
In addition, for those looking to enjoy a delicious mocktail, Urban Farmer also offers a Pal-No-Ma ($7) composed of grapefruit, lime, agave, sea salt, and soda; Pomegranate Spritz ($7) prepared with pomegranate, lime, rosemary, and soda; and a Zen Martini ($7) crafted with bergamot-fennel tea, lemon, honey, orange, and cardamom.
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
The Twisted Tail
The Twisted Tail knows how to whip up a great cocktail—and you can try one of their many options this Thursday. Libation options include their Champagne Pop, a lemon or strawberry popsicle with Champagne; The “Boog,” which boasts The Twisted Tail Buffalo Trace Barrel Select, locally sourced blueberries and honey, rosemary, and lemon; and their Smokestack Lightening composed of mezcal, orange, lemon, sweet vermouth, and a cherry.
509 S. 2nd St., thetwistedtail.com
Royal Boucherie
This Old City hotspot is a no-brainer when thinking about where to go for National Cocktail Day 2022. As a release states, highlights from the extensive, ever-growing line-up include a vibrant Castles Made of Sand ($14) composed of Hendricks Gin, Crème de Violette, orange liqueur, and lemon; Parisian Rose ($13) crafted with hibiscus-infused bourbon, lemon, and egg white; and Monet Exchange ($14) consisting of Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain, Dolin Blanc, grapefruit, lemon, and rosemary.
52 S. 2nd St., royalboucherie.com
New Liberty Distillery
New Liberty gives South Kensington a spirited kick, and they do so with their impressive list of cocktails. Highlights include their Applebottom composed of Dreadnought White Rum, apple cordial, bitters, maple syrup, and ginger beer; Seafoam crafted with Powderhorn Vodka, matcha, and Crème de Coconut; and their own spin on a classic cocktail, the King’s Manhattan featuring Kinsey Rye Whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura and orange bitters, and an orange peel for garnish. Philadelphians can sip on these treats in their recently re-opened third-floor tasting room to make the experience extra special.
1431 N. Cadwaller St., newlibertydistillery.com
Forsythia
Forsythia is a great option if you’re looking to celebrate National Cocktail Day in Philadelphia. As a release states, whether sipping solo or alongside small plates, diners can enjoy the RBG&T, composed of gin, rose, lemon, and aromatic tonic; Smoking Carrot, crafted with mezcal, carrot and ginger cordial, and lemon; The Blackstar, prepared with gin, blackberry gastrique, hibiscus and lemon; or the Ay Dios Miso composed of tequila, pomegranate, and miso.
233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com
