Top Bourbon Cocktails In Philadelphia

With September being National Bourbon Heritage Month, indulging yourself with bourbon cocktails is a must. And, with many bars around Philly serving this American whiskey, it won't be hard to find one to enjoy all month long. With that said, read on for some of the best bourbon cocktails in the city.

Bank & Bourbon
1200 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 231-7300
www.bankandbourbon.com

Bank & Bourbon if found in the lobby of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and, as it has more than 75 types of bourbon, rye and whiskey, is a popular place for a well-crafted cocktail. It is known for its barrel-aging program and locker membership program where guests have the opportunity to barrel-age their own bourbon. However, if you simply want a well-made drink, you've come to the right place. For a taste of history from the colonial era, try the Secret Knock, a favorite milk punch cocktail of Benjamin Franklin derived from his recipe that he sent to a friend in the 1700s. The cocktail is made with milk, green tea, lemon and house-aged whiskey.

Bourbon & Branch
705 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0660
www.bourbonandbranchphilly.com

Bourbon & Branch is in Northern Liberties and has more than 100 whiskeys, including single malt scotch, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey and, yes, American bourbon. All of the whiskeys are available in one-ounce pours for tasting, but if you'd rather indulge yourself in a specialty cocktail, Bourbon & Branch has a list that well represents the classics, like a Manhattan or a Whiskey Sour. Its Old Fashion is one of the best in town, made with Jefferson Bourbon, cherry, orange and angostura bitters.

The Library Bar
The Rittenhouse
210 W. Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-9000
www.lacroixrestaurant.com

The Library Bar, named for its collection of books and fine art, is an intimate (it only sits 20!) cocktail lounge just off the lobby of Rittenhouse Square. Its sophisticated and cozy and features an extensive cocktail list including the Perfect Square, the bars interpretation on the Perfect Manhattan. It is made with bourbon, Dry Vermouth, Licor 43, house-made Old Fashioned Bitters and bourbon marinated cherries. Pair your cocktail with charcuterie and small bites, like pork rillettes, fingerling potato and oysters.

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The Treemont
231 S 15th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(267) 687-2237
www.thetreemont.com

The Treemont is a restaurant in Center City owned by Chef Chip Roman of Blackfish and Ela fame. It serves both small plates ready-made to share with your friends and family, like chick pea fritters and heirloom tomato bruschetta, and large entrees, including braised beef short rib and Scottish salmon. Its bar also serves wine, cocktails and mocktails. For a bourbon drink perfect with dinner or all on its own, try the Noble Bachelor, made with bourbon, citrus, Averna and crème de cassis.

Stateside
1536 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 551-2500
www.statesidephilly.com

Stateside, as the name might suggest, uses locally-sourced ingredients and only serves food and drinks found in the United States. This place has an extensive list of American bourbons that are available in two-ounce pours. However, it also serves a collection of specialty and classic cocktails. On the classic cocktail list, order the Gold Rush, which is comprised of Bulleit bourbon, lemon and honey and served on the rocks. Enjoy your drink with a small snack, like pimento cheese and marinated olives, or share a small plate with your drink-mates, including lettuce wraps and lamb ribs.

Related: Top Whiskey Bars In Philadelphia

Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.