Summer Cocktails at Le Méridien Philadelphia and The Rittenhouse Hotel

The start of last week was a tasty one! We were invited to the Le Méridien Philadelphia, Amuse, to try out their new sparkling drink menu for the summer. My friend Megan and I wandered down the list of bubbly goodness, beginning with a "Nice Pear", made with Grey Goose La Poire, grenadine, lavender simple syrup and Ruffino Prosecco. It was not only pretty, but a nice balance of tart and sweet. Next up, a little non-alcoholic cocktail called PA Pomme, with apple cider and fresh lemon. It was so very delicious, you could even turn it up a notch by throwing in some bourbon for a backyard bbq. All were extremely refreshing but the winner went to "With Love" (shown above) with it's 'award-winning' flavor, just a perfect cocktail for the warm weather. The bar is small and "clean", not too flashy or overly decorated. The hotel showcased some pretty amazing "urban-style" artwork by local artists, Sean Richwood. The mix of paint and print compliments the modern interior of the hotel, with industrial lighting fixtures, such as oversized bulbs and acrylic chandelier reflection wall sconces. It's a mouth full, but these are pretty cool, check them out here. The hotel also collaborates with the community by rotating work by local Philly artists throughout the restaurant and lobby every six months. After the cocktails and delicious pretzel bites with honey mustard cream cheese dip (yummy), we bounced over to 210 West Rittenhouse Square. Time to check out the new Library Bar inside the Rittenhouse Hotel.
The Library Bar reminds me of a scene from one of my old romance novels (don't laugh). You know the one. There's a handsome Duke who lives is some enormous English estate and drinks sherry next the fireplace with his giant dog sittin at their feet. The bar is nestled up to exquisite patio and garden area. Separated into two rooms, the bar itself has the most beautiful mirror with our lovely city map etched into the glass. You will have plenty of concoctions to choose from, along with the classics. We went with the Peach Fizz (ironically sans peach liqueur) and the NA cocktail, suitably dubbed "The Librarian". Peach Fizz was a hit, great mix of ingredients that had you picking apart the flavors. The Librarian was a bit too sweet for my taste buds, although, you could just swap the ginger for some club and be perfectly content. This nook is ideal for an after work or dinner drink, or the ideal place to escape to raucous of center city bar life. I will definitely be returning for a stiff drink, a good read and their bar nuts and chips:)

Le Meridien Hotel 1421 Arch Street Philadelphia, 19103
Rittenhouse Hotel Library Bar 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia PA 19103