5 ICONIC Cocktails Born in Philadelphia (And Where to Drink Them)

Written By Gabriel Hoffman

Philadelphia doesn’t just serve history — it pours it. From the nation’s first cocktail books to legendary bars that sparked global trends, the City of Brotherly Love has been shaking things up for centuries. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or a budding mixologist, these cocktails are essential Philly pours — each with a story and a spot that does it justice.

1. The Clover Club Origin: The Clover Club cocktail traces back to the late 1800s and is named after a gentlemen’s club that met at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philly. It’s a pre-Prohibition drink made with gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white — balanced, frothy, and feminine, yet assertive.

The Ranstead Room does an elevated version, but if you want the full-circle experience, head to Clover Club in Brooklyn — founded by famed bartender Julie Reiner, it pays homage to the Philly classic.

2. The Fish House Punch Origin: One of America’s oldest punch recipes, this 1732 blend of rum, cognac, peach brandy, and lemon was born at Philadelphia’s Schuylkill Fishing Company (also known as the "State in Schuylkill"). It’s strong, citrusy, and steeped in colonial charm.

Olde Bar and Southwark have both done renditions — ask the bartender if they can craft one. Or bring it to your own party as a summer batched option.

3. The Philadelphia Eggnog Origin: Our city is also known for rich, indulgent eggnog that’s anything but grocery-store basic. The Philadelphia-style eggnog uses a whipped meringue and folds in spirits like bourbon, rum, or brandy for a creamy, decadent holiday treat.

While not on every menu year-round, Friday Saturday Sunday and Zahav are known to play with creative takes on classics during seasonal menus. Ask around during the holidays!

4. The South Street Sling (Modern Philly Original) Origin: A contemporary twist on the Singapore Sling, this modern classic emerged from the craft cocktail revival of the 2010s, nodding to the artsy, rebellious spirit of South Street. Often featuring gin, herbal liqueur, citrus, and house bitters.

Rex at the Royal or Charlie was a Sinner — both establishments excel at modern cocktail interpretations with bold presentation and story-forward menus.

5. The Citywide Special Origin: Not your typical "craft" cocktail, but a cultural staple. The classic Citywide — a cheap beer and a shot of whiskey — is Philly’s unpretentious gift to dive bar culture.

You can sample this taste of true Philly culture at Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, where the Pabst and Jim Beam combo is credited as the original. Still $4 on Wednesdays.

Bonus: Bars Keeping the Spirit Alive

  • R&D (Fishtown): A hub for history-rich cocktails with modern techniques.

  • The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.: Named after a Prohibition-era front, it’s one of Philly’s most influential cocktail spots.

  • Bloomsday Café: For seasonal, botanical-forward drinks rooted in fresh ingredients.

Philadelphia’s cocktail scene is as layered as its history — rich, bold, and always evolving. So next time you're sipping in the city, raise your glass to a recipe with roots.
Gabriel Hoffman