Four DC Bartenders Share Libations Inspired By Their Dads For Father's Day

Four DC bartenders share a paternal potable they’ve created that’s inspired by the wisdom and lessons they’ve gleaned from their dear old dads.

The Father’s Spirit at Bresca

DOMINIK LENIKOWSKI
Assistant Bar Manager, Doyle

When Lenikowski’s father came over from Poland to visit him for the first time, it had been years since they had seen one another. Stirred by Poland’s slowly flourishing cocktail scene, the Doyle barman wanted to concoct something for his dad combining two flavors they love. Like Father, Like Son shakes Noah’s Mill bourbon with honey-pepper syrup, lemon, egg white, Averna Amaro and espresso. Says Lenikowski: “Coffee and bourbon tie it all together, just like me and my dad.” The Dupont Circle, 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 202.448.4301, doylecollection.com

ARI AND MICAH WILDER
Mixologists and Partners, Zeppelin

The bartending brothers were raised in San Francisco and DC. Micah says this status “gave us an open-minded perspective… to embrace change and grow.” Their patriarch is partial to the simplicity of an Old-Fashioned. Their Stone Cutter—named for a Japanese folktale that asks you to be true to yourself—stirs Legend Shinji Fukuyo bourbon, orange bitters and Choya plum liquor. “He encouraged us to explore new territory,” says Micah. 1544 Ninth St. NW, 202.506.1068, zeppelindc.com

WILL PATTON
Bar Manager, Bresca

Patton has ruminated about everything from literature to the Caps with his pops over whiskey sours. But he most recalls dad’s oft-given (and equally oft-ignored) guidance about relationships and buying a motorcycle. A Very Good Advice is the “aha” moment when Patton admitted father does indeed know best, with Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon, Madeira, fermented apricot syrup, Amaro Nonino and egg white. Quips Patton: “He set down his beer, looked me dead in the eye… threw up his hands and said, ‘Well, duh!’” 1906 14th St. NW, 202.518.7926, brescadc.com