Rhubarb — known for its bright pink stalks and unmistakably tart flavor — is seeing a surge in popularity among mixologists in Philadelphia this spring. As the vegetable comes into season from April to June, local bars and restaurants are updating their cocktail menus to feature this unique ingredient, creating innovative drinks that highlight its distinct taste.
At Honeysuckle, located at 631 N. Broad St., this recently opened establishment has reimagined the classic Last Word cocktail. Their version, titled I Said What I Said, fuses Hi Tail hibiscus-infused gin with lime juice, Génépy, Chartreuse Vegetal de La Grande, and a sweet beet and rhubarb syrup.
Southwark, at 701 S. 4th St., is serving a visually appealing drink called Lawyers, Guns & Money. This cocktail captures the flavors of a boozy strawberry rhubarb pie, made with sumac-infused mezcal, ginger, Lillet Blanc, Sfumato, rhubarb, and strawberry. The peach-colored mixture is served in a rocks glass garnished with a lime wheel.
For those who enjoy a tart twist on a traditional martini, Middle Child Clubhouse at 1232 N. Front St. offers a refreshing option. Their summer cocktail combines gin, vermouth, Acqua di Cedro, citrus tea, and tonic syrup, all infused with rhubarb and topped off with a strip of the vegetable.
Leo, within the Kimmel Center at 1414 Spruce St., has also joined the rhubarb craze with a cocktail aptly named Intermission. This concoction mixes white rum with fresh mint, lime, club soda, and sweet rhubarb simple syrup, resulting in a refreshing drink perfect for a night out.
A.bar at 1737 Walnut St. puts a twist on the classic gin rickey by adding rhubarb, basil, Salers, and Majora Amaro to create the Gin Richard. This delightful drink offers a sophisticated take on a familiar favorite.
Over at Forsythia, 233 Chestnut St., beverage director Chris Harrop has crafted the Concrete Jungle Bird, a pink version of the classic tiki cocktail. This vibrant drink combines rum infused with caramelized pineapple, lime, Campari, pineapple Demerara syrup, and a splash of rhubarb juice.
If you’re in the mood for a unique version of a Manhattan, Otto’s Taproom & Grille at 1216 N. 29th St. serves the Rhubourbon Manhattan. This creative cocktail features bourbon, rhubarb, vermouth, lime, and Cointreau, making it a must-try this season.
Another delightful option is the Ruby Club at Alice, 901 Christian St. This cocktail showcases its rich jewel tones, blending rhubarb, raspberry, dry gin, and yellow chartreuse into a stylish coupe glass.
At River Twice, located at 1601 East Passyunk Ave., enjoy the simplicity of the rhubarb sour, made with bourbon, lemon, and one notably large ice cube. It’s a straightforward yet satisfying drink that highlights the seasonal flavors.
Finally, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. at 1715 Rittenhouse Square introduces the Wheelhouse, which features Nardini Rabarbaro, an Italian aperitivo made from Chinese rhubarb roots. This distinctive cocktail is accentuated with Peychaud’s bitters, mint, sugar cane, lime, and two Italian liqueurs, Meletti and Bruto Americano.
As rhubarb fans and cocktail enthusiasts flock to these venues, it’s clear that this seasonal ingredient is taking Philadelphia’s cocktail scene by storm. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor these delicious drinks before they transition to summer flavors.
image source from：https://www.phillyvoice.com/rhubarb-cocktails-philly-bars-restaurants/
