Top Sangria In Philadelphia

As the temperatures rise in Philadelphia, many people seek lighter foods and refreshing drinks like fruity sangria. While every sangria is a bit different, they all include the addition of fruit to wine, making for a cocktail that's a bit sweeter and lighter than your usual red and whites. Whether you're outside people watching or taking advantage of air conditioning, here are your top spots for sipping this perfect summer cocktail.

Amada
217-219 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
www.amamarestaurant.com

When tapas are the star of the menu, exceptional sangria is mandatory. Chef Jose Garces delivers at Amada, his Old City restaurant that serves updated but authentic Andalusion small plates. Gather a group of friends and order favorites like lamb meatballs, crab-stuffed peppers and spicy potatoes, then wash it all down with sangria to match your mood … or your food. Sangria is offered in three varieties, all prepared in the traditional Spanish style, with just a few updates. In all three, wine is mixed with seasonal fruits, fresh herbs, orange liqueur and brandy and then poured over ice. Blanco is made with white wine, pear, apple and orange and is available at $8 per glass or $32 for a pitcher. Temporado combines spiced rose wine with port and cranberries for $9 per glass or $36 for a pitcher. And the most popular, Tinto, is a mixture of spiced red wine, apple, orange and cinnamon for $8 a glass or $32 for a pitcher.

Related: Top Meatball Dishes in Philadelphia

El Vez
121 S. 13^th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800
www.elvezrestaurant.com

Like all Stephen Starr restaurants, El Vez boasts creative food right alongside creative décor. Enjoy classic Mexican dishes with a twist while taking in the over 50 Day of the Dead dioramas, or take a break in between courses to get your picture taken in the old-fashioned photo booth. If the weather's nice, grab a table outside to inhale the fresh air along with your delicious Mexican food. Favorite menu items include the homemade guacamole (there are seven choices!), chile and chicken enchiladas and slow-roasted pork tacos. In addition to a variety of margaritas, El Vez offers two sangrias that are must-tries when you visit. The sangria blanca is made with white wine, orange liqueur and seasonal fruit and sweetened with agave syrup, while the sangria roja combines red wine, orange liqueur, seasonal fruit and brandy.

Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2^nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com

There's no need to wait until five o'clock to enjoy your drinks at Bar Ferdinand. While this hip Spanish tapas restaurant in Northern Liberties is a pleasure any time of day, it's the Saturday and Sunday brunches from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that receive the most rave reviews. Not your standard pancakes and French toast kind of place, Bar Ferdinand offers a variety of egg dishes such as a grilled spicy sausage sandwich topped with fried egg, pine nuts and spinach. Healthy options include the citrus and shaved fennel salad and tapas like date and bacon empanadas. Get a serving of fruit in with a glass ($7.50) or pitcher ($24) of sangria. Choose from sangria red wine with brandy and mixed fruit or white wine sangria with melon, mixed fruit and berries.

Cuba Libre
10 S. 2^nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

Visiting Cuba Libre feels a bit like going on a tropical vacation - no small feat when you're in Old City. High ceilings, vines and trellises give the illusion of dining in a Havana courtyard and the updated Cuban menu completes the experience. Order a selection of tapas such as potato and beef croquettes, pork ribs with guava sauce or shrimp ceviche with avocado salsa. Or go big with the seafood paella, strip steak or lime garlic chicken. The fruity sangria is the perfect complement to your food. The tropical red and tropical white sangrias are both made with Pisco Porton (a premium white spirit) and seasonal fruit. The red sangria combines these ingredients with a malbec wine and blood orange puree, while the white sangria uses a chardonnay and lemongrass syrup. Both sangrias are available at $8.50 per glass, $23.50 for a half pitcher or $37.50 for a full pitcher.

Jet Wine Bar
1525 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 735-1116
www.jetwinebar.com

As the name implies, Jet Wine Bar has its focus on drinks, with food as the side. Wines are available by the glass or bottle, or you can order a flight to try a variety of vino from around the world. The sangria changes seasonally and is perfect for sipping on a warm spring day when Jet Wine opens its large front windows. Crisp and light, this season's variety is a mixture of white wine, blackberry brandy and house-made simple syrup infused with rosemary. Order a glass for $6 or visit during happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to get a glass for just $5. If you'd like something to munch while enjoying your drinks, just ask a server for some suggestions from the menu of snacks, sandwiches, cheeses and meats. All of the foods have been chosen to enhance the flavors of the restaurant's wine.

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Michelle Hein is a copy editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery...perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer boyfriend would love to open. Examiner.com.