Honestly it depends. You clearly aren't looking for a blowout...but going indirect can get you lost in the friend matrix. It really can most of the times without direct intent. This is the hardest for most.
I'd poke her and message her. It doesn't have to be cocky funny or anything, but cocky funny (i.e. you're the shit) helps.
I'd poke her and say "Hope you didn't miss me too much. Then again of course you did...lets get some drinks and I'll let you catch up with me.

"
I wouldn't take her to a bar personally. It's asking for AMOGing toddlers. When you see her, establish the frame that you're a man and she's a woman and you're going for what you want (she is consciously aware of your direct intent).
If you don't set the frame right away, the whole night is just "oh its my friend from the grad program. hes cool. just drinks. (and she brings along friends)"