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The Main Line region’s restaurant scene is full of delightful winter cocktails for sipping throughout the holiday season.
I’d recently moved into the town of Bryn Mawr, and making friends was taking longer than expected. As a Brit from London, there seemed to be reminders everywhere of my novel surroundings – the multiple pieces of paper when paying a restaurant check, new transport links to get used to, remembering that ‘unit price’ doesn’t mean the final cost of an item in stores.
But striding toward the brightly lit windows of Bryn Mawr’s Fiore Rosso one evening, I was determined to make my environment feel less new. The space was chic and industrial-looking, with a high, vaulted ceiling, pipes running from one side of the room to the other, and exposed brick behind the long marble top bar. That evening the classic Negroni called my name and it didn’t dissapoint.
Fiore Rosso is just one of the gorgeous places to get a cocktail this holiday season. These Main Line spots offer top-notch libations for gatherings of friends, romantic outings or to unwind after a long week.
Autograph Brasserie
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 964-2588
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Hang out in an elegant bar with contemporary flair. The mouthwatering cocktail You’re Killing Me S’mores is a must-try. It blends bourbon, dark chocolate, honey syrup and a freshly toasted marshmallow, striking the perfect balance between spicy and sweet so you can close your eyes and imagine yourself cozy next to a campfire.
Nectar
1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, (610) 725-9000
This upscale Pan-Asian restaurant offers a unique selection of cocktails. The Mango Ginger Martini—mixing vodka, orange liqueur, mango puree and a splash of passionfruit ginger syrup—is a favorite. From the first sip to the last, your taste buds will be zinging from the interplay between succulent mango, warming ginger and tart lime.
Limoncello
9 N. Walnut St., West Chester, (610) 436-6230; 499 E. Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs, (610) 524-3112
With two popular locations in West Chester and Chester Springs, family-owned Limoncello specializes in Southern Italian cuisine and a lively bar scene. Happy hour takes place on Tuesday through Friday. Try the Lavender Lemon Drop cocktail with Absolut citron, lavender simple syrup, lemon and a splash of sour, a masterful blend of floral undertones and citrus zest.
Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft
29 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 486-7477
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This speakeasy-inspired tavern specializes in elegant, often unforgettable cocktails. Indulge during a frosty winter night with a Thunder Blanket, a delightful concoction of mezcal, aged rum, apple cinnamon syrup and amaro, seamlessly combining a richly warm flavor with the sweeter notes of fresh apple.
White Dog Cafe
379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, (610) 896-4556; 200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-3700; 981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 822-2100
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White Dog Cafe has long been celebrated for its commitment to sourcing local and sustainable ingredients, and its seasonal cocktails are no exception. Try the Winter Cranberry Sangria this winter, a blend of white wine, gin, cranberry, and citrus. This refreshing, warming and elegant cocktail is perfect for a relaxing evening over the holidays. The venue also has some of the most comfortable chairs you’ll ever sit upon!
Related: Winter Date Night Ideas Across the Main Line Region
