Philly's Finest Frozen Drinks to Cool off With This Summer

by Caroline Russock in Roundups

Once you’re indoctrinated into the world of booze, a big shift in summer beverage choice happens. What was once the realm of lemonade, cold cans of sodas, and the occasional Slurpee turns into a world of frosty beers, frozen margaritas, and gin and tonics. Fortunately, there are plenty of places around town to enjoy the best of both worlds — we’re talking about adult (i.e. boozy) versions of milkshakes, slushies, and other frozen drinks. Here are some of our favorite finds.

Alla Spina
Beer and ice cream make for a perfect pairing at Alla Spina where they’re pouring two spiked shakes, raspberries and cream with raspberry ale and fiordilatte soft serve and a creamsicle with citrusy Allagash white and orange sorbet. (1410 Mt. Vernon St.; 215-600-0017)

Triangle Tavern
The Rita’s right around the corner from Triangle Tavern might not be coming back this season, but you can still get your water ice on. At Triangle, they’re using a lemon-vodka base to mix up some dangerously drinkable adult takes on Water Ice in flavors like strawberry, hibiscus, and peach. (1338 S 10th St.; 215-800-1992)

Lo Spiedo
Down at the Navy Yard, Lo Spiedo is brewing their own ginger beer. It’s not exactly kid stuff with a bit of spice and a slight AVB, but it’s perfect for summertime sipping especially when poured into a float with a scoop of cinnamon semifreddo. (4503 S Broad St.; 215-282-3184)

Yachtsman
Philadelphia’s premier spot for all things Tiki related might not have a wall’s worth of frozen drinks machines (and that’s probably a good thing), but behind the bar they’re mixing up all sorts of fruit-forward cocktails that will have you feeling some serious tropical vibes. Because everyone likes a drink in a coconut, we suggest you start out with the Caribe Welcome, a blend of Don Q rum, apricot liqueur, coconut cream, lime juice, and coconut water. (1444 Frankford Ave.; 267-909-8740)

Khyber Pass Pub
It’s easy to think of Khyber as a beer and shot spot, but hidden in the rear of the bar there’s a frozen drinks machine that is churning up something very special; Frozen mint juleps. This is not a Derby Day special, these bad boys are available all year-round and pack a serious (and very sweet) punch. (56 S 2nd St.; 215-238-5888)

Photo via The Yachtsman