Movers and Shakers: Philadelphia’s Cocktail Scene
ABOUT LIZ EINHORN
Mixologists and beverage artisans are raising the bar for Philadelphia’s cocktail scene. Meet a few of the people rocking Philly’s drinks world.
Joshua Scheid, Bar Manager, Rex at the Royal
The Storyteller
LIKE MANY CAREER ORIGIN STORIES in the hospitality industry, Joshua got his start in beverage when someone didn’t show up for their shift and his boss said “You’re a bartender now.” Since then, he’s made a career out of devotedly learning his craft, focusing on ingredients and designing drinks that transport the guest. Today, he oversees the bar program at Rex at the Royal, where he aligns the bar with the restaurant’s Low Country—inspired culinary program; several of the offerings use only spirits and ingredients from the American South.
“I’m inspired by the idea that taste is created around the world by the migration of people, and the cultural and culinary values they bring with them,” he says. “I like to imagine that my cocktails tell stories of flavors traveling around the world and landing in a local spot, right where you are at the moment you’re drinking them.”
At the helm of the Rex’ bar program, Joshua strives to offer a variety of spirits and styles of drinks so that there’s a little something for everyone. He loves to feature local spirits, as well as cool spirits from companies that do right by the Earth and their employees, and seasonal produce. The drinks menu always includes two seasonal spirit-free cocktails. Other nonalcoholic off-menu options are also available and carefully crafted. “I want my zero-proof offerings to have the same level of experience as anything else on the menu, because if you’re sitting at my bar, I want you to have a great time and to taste something interesting.” His drink approach also includes trying out new techniques. For the fall menu he shares he’s learning how to use the kitchen’s smoker. Smoked cocktails? Sign us up.
REX AT THE ROYAL
1524 South St., Philadelphia
267.319.1366
rexphl.com
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