Inside Sparkling Pink, the Ritz-Carlton’s Barbiecore Holiday Speakeasy
A grand hotel in Center City has gone full Barbiecore this holiday season with a private cocktail bar that’s all things pink, posh, and picturesque.
“Our goal was to infuse fun, immersion, and uniqueness into a memorable experience at the Ritz-Carlton,”
This Saturday, November 25th, Sparkling Pink will open its doors to the public at the Ritz-Carlton (1400 South Penn Square). The former cigar-vault-turned-all-pink-speakeasy is a collaboration between the hotel and national events group, Bucket Listers, that aims to provide customers with a lavish VIP experience during the holiday season. From now until New Year’s Eve, attendees will have the opportunity to sip speciality cocktails, taste festive snacks, and enjoy the social media-worthy decor.
And yes, practically everything inside of this winter wonderland space (including the Christmas trees, wreaths, bells, ornaments, furniture, cocktails, and snacks) is pink on purpose.
“Our goal was to infuse fun, immersion, and uniqueness into a memorable experience at the Ritz-Carlton,” says Dabe Rybicki, director of public relations for the city’s location. “This collaboration has allowed us to curate an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a delightful escape into a world of playful extravagance as we bring a touch of whimsy and a dash of sparkle to Center City.”
The cocktail bar features over nine holiday-themed beverages (priced between $12 to $22) that include a wide range of spirits. Upon entry, customers will be greeted with the Christmas cosmo, Sparkling Pink’s complimentary “welcome” cocktail that’s made with Tito’s vodka, orange liquor, white cranberry, lime, and Fever Tree tonic. Other notable libations on their menu include the marshmallow mingle (Tito’s vodka, chocolate liquor, orange liquor, coffee bitters, toasted marshmallow), starry night (velvet falernum, green chartruse, and cocchi vermouth), spice cookie (Ancho Reyes chili liquor, DiSarano amaretto, absinthe, burnt sugar syrup, lime, and egg white), and winters in Manhattan (Maker’s Mark bourbon, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, Dolin Dry vermouth, and candy cane bitters).
The snacks at Sparkling Pink, prepared by executive chef Patrick Morrison, are intended to compliment the cocktails at the bar. They include a simple, yet seasonal, presentation of sweet and savory treats. Expect fruity macaroons, buttery cream filled beignets, and a tasty trail mix that includes spiced popcorn, candied pretzels, and dried monk fruit — all given with a dash of pink powdered sugar and glitter.
Admission to Sparkling Pink starts at $35 per person (price range is determined by time of day) and includes a 75-minute reservation, a welcome cocktail (or mocktail), and complimentary snacks. All attendees must be 21 or older in order to attend. Customers can pay more to try additional holiday cocktails on the menu. Reservations are now available online and can only be made in advance as the Ritz-Carlton won’t be selling tickets at the door. This exclusive holiday event runs from Saturday, November 25th to Sunday, December 31st.
