In preparation for the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, let’s get ourselves ready for the delicate aromas and sights the city is about to experience. A perfect pick-me-up before the big week? Light cocktails with hints of floral. From tasting sweet roses and tranquil lavender to tart elderflowers and fruity hibiscus, look no further for your dream spring drink.
a.bar
Ring in the spring with a.bar’s Tiptoe Through The Tulips. Your tastebuds will cherish this springtime blend of St. Germain—an elderflower French liqueur—pear eau de vie, sparkling wine and Bluecoat Elderflower Gin. A popular floral sign of spring, the elderflower perfectly combines sweet and tart together for a delicate cocktail. 135 S. 18th St., 215.825.7030, akitchenandbar.com
aether
With the goal of an herbal, refreshing and less spirit-forward concoction, aether’s Le Provence was created to be an easy-to-drink delight. With pink peppercorn infused gin, house-made lavender-sage simple syrup, yellow chartreuse, creme de violette, lemon and a flamed sage leaf on top, this bright purple cocktail pays homage to the lavender fields in Provence, France. 1832 Frankford Ave, 267.875.1832, aetherfishtown.com
Leda & The Swan
Ever wondered what the ancient Greek gods sipped as they ruled over mankind? If we had to guess, it would be Return To Olympus by Leda & The Swan. When you order this smoked, layered cocktail comprised of rye whiskey, rose syrup, lemon, egg white and a rich vrarac float, you are guaranteed to taste the floral nectar of the gods. 1224 Chestnut St., 267.214.0086, lnsphilly.com
Townsend
Enough fooling around because Time Waits For No One is here at Townsend. The ultimate combo of fresh and herbal flavors, this spring staple cocktail merges Plymouth Gin with Meletti Amaro—think hints of anise and saffron—as well as black pepper, lemon, sage, apricot, lavender, honey and egg white. 2121 Walnut St., 267.639.3203, townsendphl.com
Alma de Cuba
Looking for a simple, sweet drink? Look no further than Alma de Cuba’s Maestra Mule. With the restaurant’s house-made ginger beer and Pennsylvania-brand Faber vodka, all that’s left is hibiscus—the perfect, light floral element that gives this drink its tart and fruity flavor—combined beautifully with a sour lime. 1623 Walnut St., 215.988.1799, almadecubarestaurant.com
Fond Philly
The Flower Show isn’t the only floral display Philadelphia is known for. Who could forget about the infamous Cherry Blossom Festival happening in April? There is no better time or place for a cherry floral concoction than springtime in Philadelphia. We’ve found the perfect way to prep your senses for the new season with Fond Philly’s Aviation—a heavenly blend of gin, creme de violette and lemon with maraschino liqueur. 1537 S. 11th St., 215.551.5000, fondphilly.com
Founding Farmers
Imagine snacking on raspberries in a rose garden—the two sweet scents twisting together into a delicious springtime fantasy. If bottling that experience was possible, Founding Farmers at the King of Prussia Center gets as close as mixologists possibly could. Order their Floradora and sip on a sweet rosewater cocktail with gin, raspberries, jerk soda and ginger topped with lime and raspberry. 255 Main St., King of Prussia, 484.808.4008, wearefoundingfarmers.com
Forsythia
Hummingbird bitters? Quite possibly the most precious element ever seen in a cocktail. Named after the creator’s grandmother and her love for the tiny, winged creature, Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters is a combination of rose, cardamom, toasted almond and orange peel among other flavors. Add in Bluecoat Elderflower Gin, rose, lemon and tonic, and you’ve got the RBG & T cocktail at Forsythia. 233 Chestnut St., 215.644.9395, forsythiaphilly.com
Photography by: Photo by Sean McGuire, photo by Cara Moschetti, photo courtesy of Society Hill Films, photo courtesy of PUNCH Media, photo by Leah Sprague, photo courtesy of PUNCH Media, courtesy of Founding Farmers, photo by Lexy Pierce
