Drink: Velvet Goldmine

There is plenty of velvet art on the walls in the funky new Franky Bradley's. But the liquid art in my cocktail glass, the Velvet Goldmine, is a variation on a French 75 inspired by a portrait of David Bowie that was actually bedazzled for owner Mark Bee's quirky collection by artist and friend Scott Johnston. Bowie wrote a song by the same name about his attraction to another man, which seems a fitting theme for a cool new drink in the heart of the old Gayborhood. And throwback Franky Bradley's gives the fizzy lemon-and-gin classic a glam rock blush. A tablespoon of cranberry puree (cut with sugar and lemon zest) is added to an ounce each of Bluecoat Gin and simple syrup, three-quarters of an ounce of lemon juice, and then topped with Cava in a coupe. This sparkling pink elixir is so refreshing – tart yet balanced – it brightens this moody tavern and may even give Ziggy Stardust a reason to dance. - Craig LaBan
Velvet Goldmine, $10, Franky Bradley's, 1320 Chancellor St., 215-735-0735.