Sip your way into summer at DC’s top cocktail lounges.
Quill at The Jefferson
barmini by José Andrés
From James Beard “Outstanding Chef” recipient, José Andrés, cocktail lab and minibar, barmini by José Andrés, offers more than 100 signature drinks and custom cocktail flights. Light wood floors, hanging fixtures of greenery and individual nooks at the all white bar make it the perfect spot to indulge on your next cocktail flight—hand-crafted based on your favorite libations. With no online menus to spoil the surprise, it’s no secret barmini tops the list of DC’s most premier cocktail lounges. 501 9th St. NW, 202.393.4451, minibarbyjoseandres.com
Denson Liquor Bar
Situated a stone's throw away from Capitol Hill, Denson Liquor Bar is sure to have any cocktail connoisseurs’ tastebuds buzzing. With back-lit liquor shelving and private booths in toe, the bar compliments sips like the Bridgetown—a mux of dark rum, velvet Falernum, hints of pineapple and honey—with delectable charcuterie boards, small plates options and sweet fixes. 600 F St. NW, 202.758.3867, densondc.com
The Gibson
Situated behind a heavy hidden door on U Street, find The Gibson. With black glossed crown molding, shelves of bottles reaching the ceiling and a quaint outdoor patio, owners Ian and Eric Hilton will surely help you find your new favorite cocktail for the summer. On their seasonal menu, try the Star Child, a Jin Jiji gin with passion fruit liqueur, or the Innuendo, a coconut cartel rum made with banana liqueur and blackstrap bitters that will quench your summer thirst. 2009 14th St. NW, 202.629.1081,thegibsondc.com
Morris American Bar
Steps away from the convention center, spend an evening in Morris American Bar’s elegant, retro diner ambiance. With each cocktail crafted by leading mixologists Doug Fisher, Rita Kirkpatrick and Rhine Dizon, this spot does not disappoint—The Strawberry Kitty may just be your new summer drink, made with red wine, lime ginger and strawberries. Or, for a less fruity beverage, opt for the Garden Party, a Cynar, lime, cucumber, honey and egg white cocktail. 1020 7th St. NW, 833.366.7747, morrisbardc.com
Quadrant Bar and Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
At the Quadrant Bar and Lounge, sip zesty cocktails sourced from the finest ingredients around the world for a drink as rich in culture as it is flavor. After a bite of Chef Pedro’s roasted black angus filet mignon, put your trust in any of Quadrant’s mixologists to create the hand-crafted cocktail of your dreams—any cocktail lounge whose drinks were featured on “Good Morning Washington” is worth the try. 1150 22nd St. NW, 202.974.5566, ritzcarlton.com
Quill at The Jefferson
Just in time for summer, sip signature cocktails on the rocks while taking in soft breezes on Quill’s luxurious outdoor patio. Situated inside the lavish Jefferson DC hotel, the downtown lounge has an extensive wine list, beer selection and witty-named cocktails. Offerings such as the Bananas Foster The People, a black seal rum, and imPEARed Vision, a pear-flavored gin cocktail made with champagne, are sure to satisfy. 1200 16th St. NW, 202.448.2300, jeffersondc.com
Photography by: Courtesy of The Jefferson Hotel DC
