Philly's 5 Best Gin and Tonics

by Caroline Russock in Roundups

Originally crafted to ward off malaria in members of the British East India Company, it's been quite some time since the gin and tonic has been sipped for its purely medicinal purposes. If you're planning on traveling to a mosquito infested jungle or simply sipping an afternoon G&T alfresco, there's something magical about the combination of botanically infused gin and slightly sweet tonic. Here's a look at who's mixing up the best G&Ts in Philadelphia.

Olde Bar
Jose Garces' stunning remake of Philadelphia golden age seafood destination, Bookbinder's, features a stunning cocktail menu, much of it gin-centric. An international selection of gins can be served tall with tonic (try the extra herbal The Botanist, an Islay dry style from Scotland) or go for one of the gin classics like a Ramos Fizz made with Ford's gin, frothy egg white and orange blossom water. (125 Walnut St.; 215-253-3777)

Victoria Freehouse
It's no big surprise that the oh-so-very-British Victoria Freehouse has a serious gin and tonic contender on the menu. The Freehouse’s take, dubbed the Double G&T, adds a refreshing combo of lime, thyme, mint and ginger into the mix. Bonus points: The Double G&T is only $7 during the daily 4 to 7 PM happy hour. (10 S Front St.; 215-543-6089)

Oyster House
Crisp and herbal gin is the perfect pairing for the briny bivalves that Oyster House shucks by the hundreds each day. While their bar isn't huge (but it is consistently packed during buck-a-shuck happy hour), Oyster House has amassed an impressive gin collection including Martin Miller's, an English/Icelandic gin that works just as well in a house martini as it does in a G&T. (1516 Sansom St.; 215-567-7683)

Talula's Garden
It's hard to imagine a more civilized place to sip a gin and tonic than Talula's Garden. Appropriately enough, Talula's take on the G&T, called the Dreamer, is a garden fresh cocktail with Bluecoat, muddled cucumber, a fresh herb syrup and tonic. While this cocktail certainly can be enjoyed indoors, we highly suggest taking it out into the garden for maximum G&T enjoyment. (210 W Washington Sq.; 215-592-7787)

Crow & the Pitcher
This little Rittenhouse bar serves up what could almost be described as a deconstructed gin and tonic. Called the Crow & the Tonic, this cocktail is made with gin, demerara sugar, lime juice and cinchona bark. The cinchona is a natural source of quinine, which is what gives tonic its zing. (267 S 19th St.; 267-687-2608)

Photos via Bluecoat American Dry Gin and Victoria Freehouse