Celebrate National Spritz Day in Philadelphia and Beyond

photo: Bittersweet Spritz at 48 Record Bar by Gab Bonghi

There is nothing quite as refreshing as sipping on a spritz in the midst of some sweltering summer days. National Spritz Day is approaching on Thursday, August 1. Whether you just want to enjoy a classic Aperol Spritz or try a a variety of innovative creations, here are some places to try no matter where you are in/around the city!

1) 48 Record Bar, the high-tech listening room and cocktail bar perched above Old City’s legendary Sassafras, is celebrating National Spritz Day in grand style with their week-long Spritz Week. Kicking off Wednesday, July 31 and running until Sunday, August 4, the bar will feature a limited-time special menu of varying spritzes – plus a surprise, daily spritz that will rotate each day. Spritz Week tipples include: 

• Suzanna ($14) – Suze, strawberry, lemon, Cava Rosé
• Bittersweet Spritz ($13) – Cocchi Americano, Génépi des Alpes, lemon, orange & grapefruit bitters, seltzer
• Rosie ($14) – Tito’s vodka, citrus vodka, pomegranate, honey, lemon, rosewater, Cava Rosé
• South Spain ($14) –Amontillado Sherry, R&W Peach, lemon, pomegranate, seltzer
• Polyester Dinosaur N/A ($12) – Pineapple, turmeric-honey syrup, ginger, lemon, Tajin rim, ginger ale or seltzer

The Polyester Dinosaur is also on 48 Record Bar’s regular beverage menu, and can be enjoyed during the listening room’s normal hours, or at one of its many monthly activations – which include record release parties, live performances, and more.

2) 101, Philadelphia’s luxurious and members-only cocktail lounge, has swiftly become synonymous with exquisite cocktails – and their Papaya Spritz ($20) is certainly no exception. Available exclusively to members and their invited guests, this vibrant and fruity tipple is fashioned with Grey Goose L’Orange, St. Germain, papaya, lime, Prosecco, and pink peppercorn, and serves as the perfect addition to a time well spent in 101’s ultra-luxe underground space.

3) Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City’s swanky rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is the perfect place to enjoy delicious cocktails year-around. With National Spritz Day finally here, guests can enjoy a Sunset Spritz ($18) with Stoli Citrus vodka, Aperol, wild berry tea, fresh lemon and Prosecco while taking in the unparalleled views from Assembly’s rooftop. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made here.  

4) At The Table, Wayne’s venerable and award-winning fine-dining restaurant from chefs Alex Hardy and Tara Buzan-Hardy, offers a crisp and bubbly Italian Spritz ($14), comprised of Rosato Spumante Brut, orange liqueur, and Italian spritz. This freshly-minted cocktail is ideal for enjoying on At The Table’s outdoor patio, which has recently launched for the first time in the restaurant’s new expansive location since relocating in September 2023. The restaurant also offers this cocktail in a non-alcoholic variation ($8), made with Lyle’s Italian Spritz, elderflower syrup, and sparkling water.

5) Jansen, Mt. Airy’s contemporary and award-winning New American restaurant by Chef David Jansen, features a refreshing spritz on its widely-acclaimed beverage menu called the Scintillate Peach ($17). Made with fortified wine and farm-fresh peach, this invigorating sipper is crafted with L.N. Mattei Cap Corse Blanc Aperitif, Prosecco, house-made peach syrup, rose tea, and lemon, and serves as the perfect complement to a seat at Jansen’s beautiful (and shaded!) outdoor patio. Reservations at Jansen are highly encouraged and can be made via Resy.

6) MilkBoy, the landmark locale of the iconic Philadelphia-born brand located in Center City, offers a creative twist on the classic Spritz at their South Street location: the Smells Like Teen Spritzer ($10). Crafted with Aperol, elderflower, strawberry, lime, and bubbly, this refreshing libation can be savored al fresco amidst MilkBoy’s inviting sidewalk seating area – and serves a lovely accompaniment to the bar’s vast selection of starters, sandwiches, small plates, and other food specials.

7) Oltremare, the new seafood-forward modern Italian restaurant from Chef-Owner and restauranteur Townsend Wentz, recently launched a coastal Italian-inspired happy hour featuring small bites, discounted wines and beer, and spirited spritzes. Available Tuesday through Friday from 4:30pm – 6pm, imbibers can sip on a classic Aperol Spritz (Aperol, Prosecco, soda) or the trending Hugo Spritz (St. Germain, Prosecco, mint, soda) for just $12 each. 

8) Panorama Wine Bar, Philadelphia’s premier wine bar in the Penn’s View Hotel boasting a Guinness World Record custom-built wine keeper offering over 120 wines on tap, is zesting up the summer with a refreshing seasonal cocktail. Imbibers looking to cool off and celebrate the holiday can opt for an Limoncello Fresco Spritz ($16)composed of Homemade Limoncello, Prosecco, Elderflower Liqueur, club soda and a baby basil sprig. Luca Sena, Napoli native and owner of Panorama Wine Bar and Penn’s View Hotel, pays homage to his Italian upbringing with this cocktail, crafted using his family’s cherished limoncello recipe. Reservations are available on Opentable.

9) Red Owl Tavern, the contemporary kitchen and bar located across from Independence Hall in Old City, offers a classic Aperol Spritz ($16) in addition to their seasonal zero-proof interpretation, aptly named Amalfi Spritz ($16) – crafted with Lyre’s Orange Italian Spritz, blood orange, sumac, Sicilian lemon soda, and Prosecco. Red Owl Tavern also offers The Kelly Green ($16), comprised of Ketel One, cucumber, mint, lime, and Fever Tree Yuzu Lime. Guests are encouraged to savor these refreshments while exploring Red Owl Tavern’s newly revamped breakfast, brunch, and dinner menus. 

10) Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located in the Ghost Light Inn with 180 degree views of the Delaware River, is home to a gorgeous outdoor patio, perfect for sitting outside to indulge in a cold spritz while soaking in the beautiful weather. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a Stella Spritz ($17) composed of gin, blood orange elderflower, oolong tea syrup and sparkling wine while dining al fresco. Reservations can be made here. 

11) Townsend, Chef Townsend Wentz’s French restaurant and bar on East Passyunk Avenue, features a variety of newly-added spritzes on the ever-evolving seasonal cocktail menu. Spritzes include Basque Spritz, comprised of basque rose vermouth, grapefruit, and soda — also featured during happy hour for just $10, the Elderflower Spritz, fashioned with elderflower liqueur, lemon, and soda, and the ‘Tivo’ Tif, made with Campari, orange, and sparkling wine.