I’m one of those people who easily develop philia (meaning friendship, in Greek) with a bar, so when the beautiful Philia in Thessaloniki announced its brand new cocktail menu, I couldn’t resist sharing a few highlights with you.
By Eleni Nikoloulia
Philia is an all day bar that, according to co owner Prodromos Tzastas, puts hospitality above all else, embracing the philosophy that sharing is caring.
Early drinking and aperitivo moments are at the heart of its identity. That’s why the new menu, titled “What If”, includes eight signature cocktails, two of which are non alcoholic, and three others that fall into the low ABV category.
The Philia team focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, with a strong commitment to minimizing waste. A great example of this is their “second life cordial”, a clever creation made from leftovers from the brunch and dinner menus, repurposed into new, creative cocktail recipes.
The new “What If” menu is built around the idea of classics, but different. Familiar drinks with a fresh twist, like the “Apple Martini but different”, which combines gin, dry white vermouth, green apple, dill, and a handmade eucalyptus soda, garnished with dill oil for an aromatic finish.
Another standout is the “Rum Sour but different”, a rich, sweet and sour rum cocktail where the spirit is cooked with banana peels and finished with a homemade banana and miso horchata.
Since Philia’s menu changes seasonally several times a year, there’s always something new to discover. But the bar’s creativity doesn’t stop there. The team often hosts pop up stores to support the local community. And every Sunday morning, they lace up their sneakers for the Philia Running Club, jogging along Thessaloniki’s seaside with regulars and new friends alike.
Because at Philia, it’s not just about cocktails, it’s about connection, community, and good vibes all around.
