Tour

A Philadelphia Cocktail Crawl

By Alia Akkam

Rivalries were inflamed last fall when the Yankees and the Phillies duked it out for World Series glory, and soon there might be another reason for the cities to duel: cocktails.

While New York is ahead of the curve with its myriad stylish speakeasies and celeb bartenders whipping up newfangled cocktail creations, Philly – always well regarded for its sophisticated eateries – has now garnered a rep of its own for quality tipples. As you tour the historic “City of Brotherly Love," unwind with a well-made libation from one of these lairs.

Zahav
Most patrons head to Zahav, tucked away in beautiful Society Hill, for the creative Israeli cuisine from chef Michael Solomonov. To complement the likes of fried cauliflower and duck-confit-stuffed peppers, sip a Marble Rye. The pumpernickel and caraway-infused whiskey with celery soda is earthy, cooling, and captures the aura of an Old World Jewish deli with a glamorous twist.

Tinto
Jose Garces dominates Philly’s Latin scene with his mini-empire of colourful restaurants. At his Basque-influenced wine bar Tinto, off Rittenhouse Square, vino is the favourite companion to jamón. Look beyond the cava and sangria, however, and you will be treated to a well-edited selection of cocktails like the Basque Punch, with pisco, Torani Amer liqueur, citrus and grenadine.

Bar Savona
Even if you’re not out exploring nearby Valley Forge or King of Prussia Mall, Bar Savona in Gulph Mills is well worth the half-hour detour, simply because of bartender Papi. He’s worked among the cocktail elite in London and whips out lovingly made creations like the Maple Old-Fashioned with Canadian whisky and amaro. Drinking one from the marble bar, it’s hard to believe you’re in the suburbs.

Southwark
In the edgy Queen Village neighbourhood, rife with tattoo shops, sits comfy Southwark. The cocktails here aren’t meant to impress with their sense of adventure but with their quality. Southwark has amassed a stellar rye and gin collection, in particular, which translates to classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver #2 and the Aviation.

Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
Faux speakeasies are de rigueur these days, but the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company is the real thing: During Prohibition it was a local purveyor of illicit hooch. In a nod to its past, the romantic subterranean bar is dimly lit and features handmade cocktails like the Restraining Order – tequila with Aperol and celery bitters.

Bar 210
The grand Rittenhouse Hotel is the epitome of Philadelphia chic, and its restaurant, Lacroix, seduces with high-end French food and wine. If you don’t feel like getting gussied up, there’s another reason to head here: the intimate Bar 210. Perch yourself at one of the few stone cocktail tables and sip a Gin and Honey, made with Philadelphia’s own Bluecoat gin, the quintessential expression of the city’s cocktail culture. Overlooking serene Rittenhouse Square, there might not be a more relaxing way to take in the city.

(Alia Akkam is a New York-based editor and writer covering food, travel, drinks and design.)

BARTENDER: Courtesy Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
ZAHAV: Photo by Jason Varney
TINTO: Courtesy Garces Restaurant Group