Cozy up with a sweater and a cocktail at one (or all) of these 12 DC bars and restaurants that are fully embracing fall flavors on their cocktail menus this year.
We Did it All for Don
Still not quite over summer? Located in the Union Market neighborhood, Masseria’s “We Did it All for Don” cocktail is the perfect drink to ease yourself into autumn. With Smith & Cross Rum, sherry, lime, passionfruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it has the refreshing fruit flavors of summer infused with the spicy, warm sensations of fall.
Masseria|1340 4th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Cool “Disco” Dan
Not your average sea salt caramel: for a new twist on a fall favorite, try the Cool “Disco” Dan at The Gibson in the U Street Corridor area. Named after D.C.’s most famous graffiti tagger, this drink contains Domaine d’Èsperance blanche armagnac, manzanilla sherry, linie aquavit, cherry heering, salted caramel syrup, and orange bitters.
The Gibson|2009 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Caramelized Peach Old Fashioned
Opaline on 15th Street offers another variation on sea salt caramel with its Caramelized Peach New Old Fashioned, which is a combination of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Hennessy VS, salted caramel syrup, and peach bitters.
While you’re here, also give their spiced Manhattan a try. With Woodford Bourbon, house spiced sweet vermouth, angostura, and spiked cherry, you’re sure to warm right up.
Opaline|806 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005
Coastal Plane
Located near Dupont Circle, Iron Gate’s Coastal Plane cocktail (a creative and flavorful infusion of bonded bourbon, vanilla-infused cappalletti, amaro vecchio del capo, and a hint of lemon) + a cozy, crackling fire either on their patio or indoors = the essence of an ideal fall evening.
Iron Gate|1734 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036
Gintown University
Both the drinks and the environment at CUT Bar and Lounge at the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown will have you feeling warm and cozy in no time. Bartenders here serve up drinks the old fashioned way in this beautiful bar with rich wood and a view of the canal. Embrace the fall season with spice and the “Gintown University,” made with gin, bitter lemon, and cardamom pepper syrup.
CUT Bar and Lounge|1050 31st St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Pump-gave
Don’t fill up on too many tortilla chips before you have the chance to try the pump-gave cocktail from Taqueria del Barrio in the Pentworth neighborhood. It’s the perfect way to incorporate your favorite fall flavor into your taco Tuesday. This decadent cocktail contains Sombra Mezcal, Peligroso Tequila, lemon, and pumpkin.
Taqueria del Barrio |821 Upshur St. NW, Washington, DC 20011
Pumpkin Mojito
Trust us, these cocktails are worth a little extra time in the car.
Red’s Table in Reston has cocktails with the flavors you expect in fall with a bit of added adventure. Try the Pumpkin Mojito: rum, pumpkin, mint, and lime or the Brandied Apple made with apple-infused brandy, cointreau, lemon, caramel, and apple.
Red’s Table|11150 South Lakes Drive, Reston, VA 20191
Mezcal Manzana
If you are feeling fancy this fall, head over to the Living Room in the Georgetown Ritz Carlton for some ritzy fall cocktails.
Mezcal Manzana: ilegal mezcal, apple cider, cointreau, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon
Autumn Rickey: vigilant gin, lime juice, and spiced maple syrup
Vdc Hot Toddy: Virginia highland, orange rooibos honey syrup, and orange bitters.
Rich in fall flavors like apple, maple, and cinnamon, these are the cocktails you have been waiting to indulge in all year long.
The Living Room|3100 South St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Bobby Clermont
Located in the Navy Yard District, The Salt Line’s Bobby Clermont cocktail, made with Woodford Reserve, Copper & Kings Apple Brandy, vanilla, Yzaguirre Rojo vermouth, bitters has all satisfying and sweet combination of crisp apple and warm, gentle vanilla.
The Salt Line|79 Potomac Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Mandarin Smash
Ambar Restaurant on Capitol Hill has incorporated a myriad of fall cocktails into their drink menu that are sure to offer something for everyone to enjoy this season. Here are a few:
Mandarin Smash: vodka, lime, cinnamon, pomegranate juice, and mandarins.
Ambar Manhattan #2: rye whiskey, carpano antica vermouth, and 6 spice syrup habanero bitters.
Greyhound: gin, grapefruit juice, and agave infused rosemary.
The Painkiller: bourbon, lime, cayenne ginger tea, honey, and chocolate coconut infusion.
Ambar Restaurant|523 8th St. SE, Washington, DC 2003
All Sorts of Little Pleasures
Hank’s Cocktail Bar in the Pentworth neighborhood has just about every fall flavor you can think of incorporated into a delicious drink.
“All Sorts of Little Pleasures” is like campfire smores in a glass, with angel’s envy bourbon, marshmallow, burnt sugar syrup & mole.
Or try “Becky Doesn’t Brunch,” which has the classic fall pumkin flavor you’re been craving with a bit of a twist: absolut elyx, pumpkin, fall spices, and egg white.
Hank’s Cocktail Bar|819 Upshur St. NW, Washington, DC 20011
Small Town Kid
Espita Mezcaleria in the Shaw neighborhood is embracing the rich, smooth essence of autumn in their cocktails this fall. Try them out for yourself:
Small Town Kid: espadín, krupnikas honey liqueur, nux alpina walnut, madeira, lemon.
Hold On We’re Going Home:espadín, peach liqueur, cocchi rosa, suze, citrus
Espita Mezcaleria|1250 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Feature Photography by Lindsey Clotter
