Adams Morgan’s Pitango Cafe Embraces Italian Cocktails

The boozy, all-day cafe local chain Pitango planted in Adams Morgan last fall is now serving Campari-laced cocktails, Aperol-fueled spritzes, and vermouth nightcaps thanks to consulting bar vet Fabian Malone.

Malone, who is currently mixing up fresh takes on throwback beverages including Singapore Slings and wine coolers at neighboring Lucky Buns and fine-tuned the frozen drinks at Mexican-themed Mayahuel in Woodley Park, tells Eater he worked with Pitango’s team to build up drink choices beyond the draft prosecco offered on opening day. His solution: creating batch versions of a classic Negroni, Aperol spritz, Old Pal and others, and encouraging management to stock assorted after-dinner pours.

The updated drink list features six cocktails — Malone’s current favorite: the Macellerie, featuring gin from local producer Catoctin Creek Distilling Company plus amaro and vermouth — along with two imported amaros and four vermouths. There’s also a half dozen, booze-spiked affogatos.

“I hope it gets so big, they decide to do a full bar,” Malone says.