Atop the Hotel Monaco on 5th and Chestnut Streets in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, Stratus Rooftop Lounge is the perfect spot for a sophisticated, relaxing evening. Upon entering, I was greeted by the sight of cozy couches, a glowing, backlit bar, and a garage door window wall, which presumably raises in the summer for an al fresco experience for all.
Bess Gulliver, Stratus’ mixologist, aims to bridge the gap between mainstream mixed drinks (e.g. Red Bull and vodka, anyone?) and the varied and more sophisticated world of craft cocktails. She emphasizes her passion for “having a conversation about cocktails — about good drinking.” Bess graciously served up samples of four delicious cocktails from Stratus’ extensive menu: Ginger Negroni Royale, Eve Dreaming, Altos Fresca, and the Cherry Hill Manhattan, all created with a focus on natural bar ingredients.
The most refreshing of the drinks I tried were the Eve Dreaming and the Altos Fresca, both from Stratus’ Signature Men. The Eve Dreaming, apparently French inspired, combines the taste of Calvados, a French apple brandy, lemon, simple syrup, and Peychaud’s bitters. The apple and lemon lend themselves to a sweet and pleasant cocktail throughout the year.
The Altos Fresca contains Stratus’ own cucumber-infused tequila and house-created lime agave cordial and is served up over a giant ice cube, which slows down the dilution of the drink. I can’t wait to sprawl on one of their chaise lounges some afternoon this summer, sipping an Altos Fresca, nice and slow, and enjoying a warm breeze. Perfect.
With its mix of cherry, bourbon, and allspice, the Cherry Hill Manhattan, also from the Signature menu, is an excellent festive cocktail for the holidays or winter season. I appreciated how it features the sweetness of cherries with the kick of allspice. It’s made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Lillet Blanc, Heering Cherry Liqueur, and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram.
In addition to the Signature drink menu, Stratus offers a “Bubbles” menu, featuring sparkling cocktails. Options include the Stratus, Temptation, and Ginger Negroni Royale. I sampled the latter, made with Prosecco, Tanqueray gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and ginger liqueur.
Not only does Stratus offer a diverse drink menu, it also serves up an array of tasty bites. You can keep it light with the Dips or Social Bites options, including a Trio of Snacks, which includes popcorn, olives, and spicy peanuts, or order one of their three pizza options: serrano ham with fresh mozzarella and arugula; roasted vegetable with pesto and balsamic; and duck confit with preserved onion and manchego. Hungry guests can also order sliders, either with Kennett Square mushrooms and jack cheese or spicy pulled pork with caramelized onions. If you’re interested in something a little sweet, perhaps the bag of cider donuts may interest you. It certainly interests me!
Be sure to stop by throughout the year to enjoy any of Stratus’ creative cocktails, delicious snacks, and excellent decor and atmosphere, all working together to form a winning combination.
Find the Stratus Rooftop Lounge at 437 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, or online here.
Photographs credited to Lisa Yoder.
