BY ALEXANDRA LESHNER| July 25, 2013 |
Food & Drink
The bar at
the celebrated
Barbuzzo.
Rouge’s outdoor
dining is ideal for
people watching.
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Amuse
There’s no better place to sip a cocktail than this chic spot tucked inside the hotel Le Méridien. A must-try is bartender Eric Davidson’s creation the Live and Let Die—Finlandia Grapefruit Fusion, a housemade grapefruit cordial, fresh-squeezed OJ, and lemon-lime soda—named for one of his favorite James Bond films. 1421 Arch St., 215-422-8222
Barbuzzo
Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran’s Mediterranean bar on 13th Street has garnered plenty of praise for its effortless flavor pairings and affordable fare. While snacking on Barbuzzo’s bites, try the Sanguinello, a mixture of Ketel One Oranje, blood orange purée, Chambord, and lime. 110 S. 13th St., 215-546-9300
The Continental Mid-town
Cap off the warm summer evenings with The Astronaut, The Continental Mid-town’s most popular “pop cocktail.” You’re sure to take a stroll down memory lane with this fusion of peach vodka and orange Tang, poured into a glass rimmed with the fluorescent powdered drink. 1801 Chestnut St., 215-567- 1800
Duel Piano Bar
The Key Lime Martini at this funky venue is the brainchild of mixologist Justin Kelly. Pinnacle Key Lime Whipped vodka, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lemonade and lime juice are combined to form the bright concoction, which is served in a glass rimmed with graham cracker and garnished with a lime wheel. 1420 Locust St., 267-687-1161
Fork
The famed Old City eatery not only dishes up inspired seasonal cuisine, but its cocktail menu is just as fresh and flavorful. With several citrus-spiked beverages to choose from, we suggest the medley of citrus-infused vodka, St-Germain, fresh orange juice, lemon bitters, and egg white. 306 Market St., 215-625-9425
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
Inspired by the pre-Prohibition era, this drinking establishment is committed to perfecting the art of the cocktail. From the “Required Reading” section of the drink menu, try a sip of Pimm’s Cup: Pimm’s No. 1, lemon and lime juices, ginger syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, acid phosphate, and cucumber, served tall with club soda. 112 S. 18th St., 267-467-3277
Liberté
Settle into Sofitel’sluxe lounge for a taste of its thoughtful menu options and artisanal cocktail offerings. At Liberté’s massive bar, Lounge Manager Stephen Menei recommends delectable specialties like the 120 South, a citrus-infused blend of Champagne, orange liqueurs, sugar, and orange bitters. 120 S. 17th St., 215-569-8300
Opa
This modern Greek hot spot may be known for its Mediterranean fare and its highly acclaimed Drury Beer Garden, but its selection of specialty sippers is also worth your time. For a classic drink spiked with refreshing citrus notes, try the Opa Martini: white wine, vodka, lemon, and orange blossom. 1311 Sansom St., 215-545-0170
R2L
Chef Daniel Stern’s sleek, Art Deco–inspired restaurant and lounge has instantly become a hot spot for Philadelphia’s elite and the perfect hangout for late-night drinks. While gazing at the skyline from R2L’s perch on the 37th floor, sip the Bitter Truth: Bulleit bourbon, Aperol, grapefruit, and rhubarb bitters. Two Liberty Place, 37th Fl., 215-564-5337
Rouge
This Rittenhouse Square mainstay is a longtime favorite of Philadelphians and visitors alike. If you’re able to score a seat at this one-of-a-kind eatery, don’t bypass the extensive drink list. The cocktails here are full of flavor, like the First Blush, made with blood orange-infused Skyy vodka, Aperol, grapefruit, and PellegrinoAranciataRossa. 205 S. 18th St., 215-732-6622
Square Peg
This Midtown Village haunt is the perfect mash-up of classic Americana, familiar comfort food, and a touch of the unexpected. Try a sip of its playful homage to the Orange Julius and a favorite television show with the Almost Sunny in Philadelphia: SvedkaClementine, Combier, Tuaca, orange juice, and egg white. 929 Walnut St., 215-413-3600
The Ten Six Club
Take a trip Down the Rabbit Hole with The Ten Six Club’s tribute to the tale that inspired its name (“10/6” is inscribed on the Mad Hatter’s hat). This fruity mélange—made from orange-infused English gin, orange juice, and ginger shrub—is one of five house-made cocktails served in a reusable glass flask. 1709 Walnut St., 215-751-0201