From Champagne Pops to Adult Milkshakes, These Are the Best Frozen Drinks in Philly
Don't miss out on these chilly cocktails. They're worth the brain freeze.
The spiced pineapple mezcal margarita from Puttshack is one of our favorite frozen drinks in Philly this summer. / Photograph by Gab Bonghi
Nothing beats a frozen cocktail in the summer. The beads of condensation from the icy glass are a relief from the sweltering heat, and the chilled drinks, though brain-freeze-inducing, are a refreshing escape from the summer sun. From piña coladas to boozy milkshakes and everything in between, we love these drinks, and we know you will, too. Here are the best frozen cocktails in Philadelphia to cool you down during these dog days of summer.
Spiced Pineapple Mezcal Margarita at Puttshack, Center City
Frozen cocktails are usually on the sweeter side, but Puttshack has a chilled margarita that’s got a spicy kick to it. They’re serving a habanero-spiced pineapple margarita served with their Jalapeño Hellfire popsicle. Habaneros and jalapeños may add spice, but when paired with the acidity of pineapple, the contrasting flavors have a chilly, tingly cooling effect. 1625 Chestnut Street.
Philly Chilly at Middle Child Clubhouse, Fishtown
Clubhouse always has at least one drink spinning in their Philly Chilly machine, and this summer it’s a piña colada swirled with strawberry. There’s coconut, rum, pineapple, and grapefruit, plus an optional rum floater that I highly recommend. 1232 North Front Street.
Nigori Piña Colada at Royal Izakaya, Queen Village
For a lighter, more floral take on a piña colada, the bar team at Royal Izakaya swaps some rum for sake in the nigori piña colada. It’s a drink worthy of skipping dessert to enjoy. 780 South 2nd Street.
Tequila Basil Elderflower Slush at Bud & Marilyn’s, Midtown Village
I’m not sure why the description of this drink as a slush is so appealing — it might be because it harkens back to childhood slushy days. But the childhood comparisons end there, since this drink is spiked with tequila and sweetened with a basil syrup that keeps it balanced and herbaceous. It’s finished with elderflower and lemonade for a refreshing, icy drink. 1234 Locust Street.
The Mango One at LMNO, Fishtown
LMNO knows that you’re coming for seafood and tequila and mezcal and to be generally transported to some kind of ’70s coastal Mexican dreamworld. An important feature of that is their spicy frozen mango margarita, which is heavily dosed with tequila and triple sec. For optimal results, get a pitcher. 1739-1749 North Front Street.
Champagne Pops / Photograph courtesy of Twisted Tail
Champagne Pops at Twisted Tail, Society Hill
Popsicles are a childhood favorite. The Champagne Pops at Twisted Tail, however, are an adulthood favorite. With their fresh-fruit popsicles (in rotating flavors like pineapple, strawberry, lemon, and blueberry) served in a glass of Champagne, this chilly, boozy treat is the perfect mix of nostalgic and grown-up fun. 509 South 2nd Street.
Frozen Bois at Manatawny Stillworks, East Passyunk and Fishtown
At the East Passyunk Festival earlier this spring, the longest line in sight was for Manatawny’s frozen piña colada. The bad news is that it’s no longer available, but the good news is that they do offer Frozen Bois, seasonal slushies made fresh daily with in-house juices, syrups, and spirits. They change them up regularly, so just ask your bartender for details. 1603 East Passyunk Avenue, 1321 North Lee Street.
Adult Milkshakes at Craftsman Row Saloon, Washington Square West
We love a restaurant that gives milkshakes the respect and attention they deserve — even better if some of those shake recipes are built around booze. We’re partial to the Salty Dog, a vanilla-chocolate mix spiked with Frangelico and vodka. 112 South 8th Street.
Frozen Mojito at PHS Pop-Up Garden, Graduate Hospital and Manayunk
Have you noticed the bright blue or purple cocktails popping up around the city’s bars? That vibrant shade comes courtesy of butterfly pea flowers — and the PHS Pop-Up Garden is spiking their frozen mojitos with this natural dye to give them a vivid lilac shade. If that doesn’t appeal, no worries: They’ve got five other frozen drinks available right now. 1438 South Street, 106 Jamestown Avenue.
Frozen Piña Colada at Blue Corn, Bella Vista
A great piña colada will transport you to the tropics — it should involve fresh pineapple, coconut milk, and not too much sugar. Blue Corn has all those elements, plus you can get excellent tacos. 940 South 9th Street.
