Continental’s Innovative New Cocktail Menu
After 18 years, The Continental Restaurant & Martini Bar has decided to revamp its cocktail menu. The new menu, which launches today (who said fling was over?), will feature unique and stylish cocktails created by David Tang and The Continental’s team of in-house experts.
“It was time for a change,” says general manager Joshua Mann of the decision to create a new cocktail menu. “These cocktails are a bit darker, with more intrigue. They’re not quite fun, kid cocktails anymore.” He pauses and laughs, “But, we’re still not going to look down on you if you order a vodka tonic or anything!”
The new menu features whimsical craft cocktails separated into four categories: Local Flavor (highlights drinks inspired by our neighborhoods), 2nd & Market (new takes on drinks served at Continental over the years), A Nod to Tradition (pays homage to the classics) and Destination Libations (cocktails meant to take you away). The Continental will also offer a featured daily cocktail inspired by seasonal ingredients.
Since Stephen Starr first opened the restaurant in 1995, The Continental has prided itself on serving premium libations and whimsical craft cocktails in a bustling, 60’s-style diner setting. These new cocktails certainly stay true to The Continental’s mission, providing diners with stylish sips while enjoying the fun, modern setting.
Penn Appetit had a sneak peek of 10 of the new cocktails. From delicate fruity blends to fiery margaritas, the cocktails impressed us with their wide range of flavor, style, and presentation.
The Fix
We first tried the Fix, a beautiful cocktail layered with ice, Oxley Gin, blackberry, and lemon. The hint of lemon added a refreshing note to the cocktail, while the blackberry masked the usually strong flavor of the gin.
18th and Sansom
The next two cocktails, the 18th and Sansom and the 18th and Locust, were a play on popular cocktails served at the Dandelion and Parc, respectively. “With these cocktails,” chuckled Joshua, “we’re trying to prove that we can do it better. That our cocktails are better than our sister restaurants!” Although we had never tried the original inspiration for Continental’s cocktails, we’re convinced that Continental has given Dandelion and Parc some stiff competition.
Made with Dewar’s, honey & lemon, and rosewater, this seemingly innocent cocktail featured a dark twist. Served with a flambeed top, the 18th and Sansom [pictured above] consisted of smoky flavors that interlaced into the otherwise refreshing blend.
18th and Locust
The 18th and Locust, made with Smirnoff, fresh grapefruit, and elderflower, also contained a surprising twist of flavor. Served with a molded Campari and rosemary ice cube, the cocktail changed flavors with each sip as the ice cube melted. At first, the cocktail contained strong tones of citrus and grapefruit; a few sips later, and the cocktail changed to emphasize the flavors of the elderflower.
Olde City Iced Tea
The Olde City Iced Tea, a play on the Long Island, consisted of Light Booze, Dark Booze, and House-Made Chai Cola. A stand-out among the cocktails, this strong drink carried rich and slightly spicy flavors. The Chai Cola can also be ordered as a stand-alone soda.
Hawaii 5-o
Made with Smirnoff vanilla, fresh pineapple, Triple Sec and lime, the Hawaii 5-o transported us to the calm of the beach. Served with an adorable paper umbrella, we felt as though we were sipping on paradise and tucking our toes into the sand.
Mint Julep
Elegant layers of color, from purple to pink and green, characterized this cocktail. Made with Bulleit Bourbon, mint, honey, grapefruit, and bitters, the Mint Julep tasted light and refreshing.
The Collins
The Collins featured Ketel One, celery, lemon, Chartreuse, and rosemary water, making a drink fit for the lazy days of summer.
Spicy Margarita
The Spicy Margarita contained Sauza Silver, Citrus Agave, and jalapenos. Not for the feint of heat, the margarita sent a fiery flavor down our throats.
Snap Pea Mojito
The Snap Pea Mojito contained Bacardi Silver, snap peas, mint, and lime and tasted very much like a traditional mojito.
Finally, we indulged in the cocktail served in a flask. Meant for two, this unique cocktail comes bursting with citrus-y flavors and is meant to be had straight out of the flask. But, for those that don’t feel quite as comfortable with their cocktail buddy, the flask is also served with two glasses filled with perfectly symmetrical ice cubes.
Our top picks? The Hawaii 5-o and the Olde City Iced Tea
The full menu, which launches today, is below:
MENU
Local Flavor
Mint Julep
Bulleit Bourbon, Mint, Honey, Grapefruit, Bitters
Acai Daiquiri
Veev, Grenadine, Lime, Strawberry
Birch Beer
House-Made Root & Chai Tea Cola with Amarena Syrup
Presbyterian
Jim Beam Rye, Lime, House-Made Ginger Cream Soda
Au Pear
Bison Grass Vodka, Fresh Pear Juice, Fresh Ginger
Old City Iced Tea
Light Booze, Dark Booze, House-Made Chai Cola
2nd & Market
The Astronaut
Peach Vodka & Tang
The Continental Martini
Tito’s Served As You Like
O-Rama
Smirnoff Raspberry, Champagne, Orange Bitters
18th & Locust
Smirnoff, Fresh Grapefruit, Elderflower, Campari-Rosemary Ice
18th & Sansom
Dewar’s, Honey & Lemon, Rosewater
A Nod to Tradition
Old Fashioned
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Bitters
Gimlet
Beefeater, Mint, Cucumber, Lime
Collins
Ketel One, Celery, Lemon, Chartreuse, Rosemary Water
Sidecar
Remy V.S., Cointreau, Lemon
Fix
Oxley Gin, Blackberry, Lemon
Destination Libations
Snap Pea Mojito
Bacardi Silver, Snap Peas, Mint, Lime
Spicy Margarita
Sauza Silver, Citrus Agave, Jalapeno
Hawaii 5-0
Smirnoff Vanilla, Fresh Pineapple, Triple Sec and Lime
Castaway
Bacardi Gold, Kahlua, Fresh Pineapple