Cocktail Recipes From Race Street Cafe's Philip Saunders

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 28, 2014 7:00 am EST

Race Street Cafe is a rustic bistro, and along with its delicious seasonal menu, the eatery offers an impressive drink menu. Friendly bartenders will serve any of the 15 beers that are on tap, along with a list of original cocktail selections. The Cafe offers a seasonal cocktail menu as well, since sometimes, we need to spice up annual social gatherings with a little something extra. Race Street Cafe's bartender Philip Saunders has crafted a few recipes for you to try on your own. If you prefer to take the party out on the town, however, then stop by Race Street Cafe and let the professionals serve up some specialty drinks for you and your friends.

Philip Saunders
Race Street Cafe
208 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-6181
www.racestreetcafe.com

HANGOVER WAKE UP – This drink combines caffeine with coconut water to hydrate and get you over the hump after a long night, but includes enough of a boozy kick to give you a pleasant morning buzz.

2 oz horchata
1 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz coffee
2 oz coconut water
Shake and pour in a pint glass over ice

PURPLE RAIN – Gin and grapefruit are a classic combination, but the addition of the purple basil not only makes this drink pretty in a glass but gives it a sweet taste and fragrant aroma. It is fun, unique and a little funky... just like Prince.

In a high ball combine:

1 lime wedge
6 purple basil leaves muddled together
2 oz red grapefruit juice
2 oz blue coat gin
1 oz agave syrup
Add ice and garnish with basil and a lime wedge

GINGERONI – A spin on the traditional Italian cocktail, the addition of the ginger brandy mellows the bitter taste of the campari while adding a refreshing zing to your palate.

1 oz campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz ginger brandy
1 oz *Tanqueray*
Pour over ice and garnish with an orange wedge

NAUGHTY BLANCO – Never drink a margarita again! The naughty blanco has all of the citrus flavor of a really good margarita, but without the sour stomach you get from a store-bought mix. The Naughty Blanco goes down so easily, you will quickly understand how it got its name.

In a rocks glass filled with ice combine:

2 oz tres agave tequila
3 oz blood orange soda
1 oz lime juice
Top off with tonic and garnish with a lime wedge

PHILLY DERBY – On the day of the Kentucky Derby, it's traditional to watch the ponies while sipping a mint julep, but then again, we are not in Kentucky! By using Philly-made Root liquor as the main spirit, you can drown your sorrows over your loss or celebrate your win with a drink that is closer to home in Philly.

In a rocks glass, combine:

1 tsp raw sugar
8 mint leaves muddled
3 oz Root liquor
1 oz bullet rye
Add ice and top with club soda

Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.