Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThe Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
Philadelphia, PA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company is a Prohibition-era themed cocktail bar on Rittenhouse Square, known for pushing drink innovations. The menu features creative cocktails like the clarified milk punch Schuylkill Punch and the pho tincture-infused Scoreboard, Motherphocker. The spirits list is extensive, with pours up to $142.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Schuylkill Punch for a clarified milk punch, or the 75 Ninjas vs 1 Karate Man for a force-carbonated whisky number. The Scoreboard, Motherphocker, with pho tincture, is a standout, and the Amaro Buck offers a refreshing amari-based option.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, boundary-pushing drinks will find much to appreciate. Those with a taste for unusual ingredients like pho tincture or clarified milk punches will be especially pleased. The extensive spirits list also appeals to connoisseurs of whiskey, tequila, and amari.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for late-night escapades, as the venue describes itself as Philly's spot for creative cocktails and late-night adventures. The Prohibition-era theme suggests a moody, speakeasy vibe best experienced after dark.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $18 to $24, with featured drinks like the 75 Ninjas vs 1 Karate Man at $24. Wine by the glass starts at $16, and spirits pours can reach $142. Beer and non-alcoholic options are more modest, at $7-$9.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Prohibition-era theme with an unmarked door sets the stage, but the drinks deliver on the promise of innovation. Unique ingredients like pho tincture, beef and onion vodka, and green curry appear in cocktails, and the bar's reputation for pushing drink innovations is a key draw.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Inventive and experiential cocktails with unique ingredients like pho tincture and clarified milk punches. The menu features a mix of originals and classics, with standout offerings like the Schuylkill Punch and 75 Ninjas vs 1 Karate Man.
Menu strengths
- — Creative and innovative recipes with unique ingredients.; Strong reputation for pushing drink innovations.
Standout selections
- — Schuylkill Punch ($18) – Demerara rum, falernum, allspice, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, clarified with milk.
- — 75 Ninjas vs 1 Karate Man ($24) – Japanese whisky, mango, blanc vermouth, force carbonated.
- — Scoreboard, Motherphocker – London dry gin, Cointreau, scorched stock syrup, pho tincture; praised as refreshing and unique.
- — Amaro Buck ($20) – vodka, blended amari, ginger, sage, lime, soda.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $18 to $24, with most between $19 and $22.
Wine
A compact but diverse wine list covering Burgundy, New Zealand, Sonoma, Languedoc, and Champagne. Pricing is reasonable for the category, with a notable Vire-Clesse Chardonnay and Veuve Clicquot. No community feedback specific to wine.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including French, Italian, Spanish, and New World wines.
- — Reasonable pricing for a cocktail bar, with accessible glass pours.
Standout selections
- — Vire-Clesse Chardonnay ($17/$65) – Domaine, Burgundy, France.
- — Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut ($30/$150) – Reims, Champagne, France.
- — Athena Rose ($16) – Domaine de la Tour de Gâtigne, Languedoc, France.
Pricing: Glasses from $16 (Athena Rose) to $30 (Champagne), bottles up to $150 (Veuve Clicquot).
Beer
Limited beer selection with just three options, but includes a City Wide Special combining Miller High Life and Old Grand Dad Bonded for $12. The focus is clearly on cocktails and spirits.
Menu strengths
- — City Wide Special offers a value pairing of beer and whiskey.
Standout selections
- — Miller High Life Lager ($7); Tonewood Fuego ($8)
Pricing: Beers priced at $7 for Miller High Life and $8 for Tonewood Fuego.
Nonalcoholic
Creative non-alcoholic offerings with sophisticated ingredients like blackberry, fennel, celery, and lavender in the Forager Soda. The A Shoeless Hobo includes cold brew and cherry cordial. These are clearly crafted with the same innovative spirit as the cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Creative sodas with unique botanical ingredients.; Force-carbonated options add a cocktail-like experience.
Standout selections
- — Forager Soda – blackberry, fennel, celery, black pepper, lavender, juniper, sage, acid phosphate, forced carbonation.
- — A Shoeless Hobo – cherry cordial, cold brew, black tea, orange tincture, forced carbonated.
Pricing: Passion Fruit Soda is $9; other sodas listed without prices.
Spirits
Extensive spirits list spanning multiple categories, with high-end offerings like Macallan 18 and Don Julio 1942. Prices are competitive for the category. The breadth supports the bar's cocktail program and appeals to connoisseurs.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive and diverse selection across all major spirits categories.
- — Includes rare and premium bottlings such as Don Julio 1942 Ultima Reserva.
Standout selections
- — Don Julio 1942 Ultima Reserva ($142)
- — Booker's Little Book Chapter 6 ($63)
Pricing: Spirit pours range from $21 (Ocho Reposado) to $142 (Don Julio 1942 Ultima Reserva).
How it sits with the food
While the bar does not emphasize food, the creative cocktails with savory elements like pho tincture could pair with rich, umami-forward dishes. The clarified milk punches are versatile, and the amari-based drinks might complement charcuterie or aged cheeses.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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