Best Bets
2009 Dining Guide: 10 top cocktails
By Tom Sietsema | Washington Post Staff Writer | Updated 10/23/2009
Shaken or stirred, classic or contemporary: the drinks scene in town has something for everyone.
The Majestic
Alexandria, VA
The tropics -- and old Hollywood -- come to mind when sipping the Honolulu ($9.75). The gin-based drink, with fresh pineapple and lemon juices and angostura bitters, was served at the Brown Derby in Los Angeles.
Rasika
Washington, DC
Save it for dinner: Laphroaig Scotch, allspice dram (rum) and spiced honey stir things up in the slyly potent West Islayer ($12).
The Source
Washington, DC
How refreshing! The Source combines pear vodka, fresh Bosc pear puree and a touch of simple syrup in its Asian Pear Drop ($12), garnished with a slice of the crisp fruit.
Trummer's on Main
Clifton, VA
The name is a disaster, but the Titanic ($13) goes down oh-so-smoothly. The indulgence gets its kick from champagne, vodka, muddled green grapes, verjus, elderflower liqueur and a snowy sorbet pretending to be an iceberg.
Palena
Washington, DC
Having knocked back dozens of Manhattans around town in pursuit of perfection, I can safely say that the $12 version at Palena meets the mark. Elevating its performance are Carpano vermouth from Italy and the syrup and fruit from tiny Amarena cherries.
J&G Steakhouse
Washington, DC
I'm a purist when it comes to most of the classics, but I have to admit: The margarita shot through with fresh ginger ($10) is a swell twist on tradition.
2941
Falls Church, VA
The Autumn Sweet Tea ($11) blends Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka, fresh orange juice and house-made nutmeg syrup. The finishing touch: a splash of Grand Marnier.
Restaurant Eve's Tasting Room
Alexandria, VA
In tomato season, Restaurant Eve delivers the best bloody mary ($12) ever, punched up with lemon grass, serrano chilies, red onion and a hint of citrus. Made with tomato water and strained, the racy cocktail is also clear.
CityZen
Washington, DC
The Dark and Stormy is also a tongue-teasing knockout. General manager Jarad Slipp credits "all the TLC" that goes into the drink: Gosling's Black Seal rum for starters, but also house-made ginger syrup and juice from muddled limes.
PS 7's
Washington, DC
One of mixtress of ceremonies Gina Chersevani's many excellent adventures is the Grape Smash ($10). Fueling the fun: cachaca, fresh grapefruit juice, muddled grapes and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
More Best Bets
Restaurants
- Best seafood
- Best cheese plates
- Best oyster happy hours
- Best ice cream
- Best outdoor seating
- Best Italian
- Best pizza
- Best burgers
- Best takeout
- Best steak
Bars & Clubs
- Best bars with fireplaces
- Best Places to Watch the Game
- Best bars for fun and games
- Best Dance Floor Action
- Best Irish pubs
- Best dirt-cheap happy hours
- Best bars without televisions
- Best People Watching
- Best bets for finding fans of your favorite team
- Best Wine Bars
Events
- Best Ongoing DJ Nights
- Best bets for museums this week
- Best Happy Hour Deals
- Best Quick Trips
- November Mixtape
- Best bets for music this week
- Best bets for movies this week
- Best bets for theater this week
- Best of FotoWeek
- Best Events for October-December
Visitors Guide
Questions/Comments?
Send Us Your Feedback
Use this form to submit questions and comments about washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide.
Submit a Listing for the Going Out Guide
This form is to suggest a listing to be included in the online Going Out Guide only. We welcome community submissions, but we are not able to publish all listings we receive. The Going Out Guide only publishes entertainment listings. If you would like to submit an event listing to the Washington Post newspaper, call 202-334-6000.
Thank You
Your update/correction will be reviewed by the Going Out Guide staff.
Thank you for writing to us about washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide.
Thank you for submitting a listing for washingtonpost.com's Going Out Guide. We will review your submission for consideration.
You should receive an SMS shortly.
Your e-mail has been sent to the following recipient(s) :
Thank You
We're sorry. We experienced an error in submitting your request. Please try again later.