Backlash to Elderflower

Oh, Philly - I'll give you an A for effort, but i have to say, a little disappointed on the cocktails consumed last night. I've been wanting to try this place Apothecary Bar + lounge (above) eversince reading about it in Food & Wine. The have a cool concept: bottle service cocktails. If you don't want to shell out $50+ for a full carafe, you can order just one of their signature Elixirs or a Classic, which is an old-school sip with an Apothecary twist. Most of the cocktails at Apothecary are made with quality spirits, bitters, fresh juices, and herbs. It was a little hard to choose one from the menu (and, unfortunately, the bartender wasn't much help). I picked the Immunity Idol (it is AI season, after all). The menu describes this sip as "an analeptic of high style for all systems needed" - whatever that means. The problem: too much St. Germain. I should have known, but I was so impressed by my last St. Germain cocktail that I thought the liqueur had redeemed itself. Not so much. You might feel differently though, so here's the mix: Hendricks gin, St. Germain, fresh pineapple and orange, orange bitters, echinaecea, hawthorn root, and elderberry liniment. I don't recommend trying to make this one at home - but check it out if you're in town.

I do, however, recommend the Abricot from Parc (below) - can't go wrong with a Stephen Starr sip. This one was made with Ricard Pastis (think licorice), apricot liqueur and puree, lemon juice, and cloves. It was delicious...wish I could have eaten there too.