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McClellan’s Retreat rolls out a large tiki drink menu for August.
McClellan’s Retreat

18 Destinations for a Late Summer Cocktail Around D.C.

Soak up the last month of summer with a deliciously refreshing drink

by Vinciane Ngomsi
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McClellan’s Retreat rolls out a large tiki drink menu for August.
| McClellan’s Retreat
by Vinciane Ngomsi

The hottest days of summer are (hopefully) behind us, but patio season remains in full effect around D.C. Rather than phasing out fruity and thirst-quenching cocktails, some area bars opt to embrace or even unleash new seasonal sippers to sign off on summer.

Take advantage of D.C.’s knack for extended sunshine and flock to one of these 18 spots before bartenders start turning to pumpkin spice. For prime patios around town, go here.

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Primrose

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This summer, Primrose introduced a number of boozy and refreshing beverages to match the French restaurant’s aesthetic. The “Piña Piña” ($17) is comprised of Chartreuse, pineapple, lime, and cream coconut. And the “Punch Noir” ($15), which incorporates brandy, blackberry shrub, citrus and homemade cacao bitters, is an ideal post-dinner drink.

3000 12th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20017
(202) 248-4558
(202) 248-4558
The “Couleur Fleur” (pea flower tequila, elderflower liqueur, agave, lime).
Primrose

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Seven Reasons

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Seven Reasons recently debuted two cocktail menus by bar manager Carlos Boada. The first, which pairs with their new prix fixe menu, includes a salty and fresh “Mango Bajito” (Sagamore rye, Disaronno, sherry oloroso, mango, lemon, sumac, guajillo, egg whites). On the Ceviche Patio, guests can opt for a smoky new “Bourbon Street” (Elijah Craig, apricot, thyme, nutmeg, orange) or fruity “Mule de Uva” (Grey Goose, aloe vera liqueur, orange liqueur, grapes, taro, lime, ginger beer, oregano).

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 417-8563
(202) 417-8563

Also featured in:

Haikan

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Haikan’s rendition of a Long Island iced tea, dubbed “Tokyo Tea,” is made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and midori. Wash it down alongside a large bowl of sapporo-style ramen.

805 V St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
(202) 299-1000
(202) 299-1000

Also featured in:

Lulu’s Wine Garden

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Try a frozen Aperol spritz or ranch water (pineapple-infused tequila, homemade lime cordial, Topo Chico mineral water) at this breezy bar off U Street NW. The spiked refreshers are cheaper during its “golden hour” (Tuesdays to Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.) alongside discounted bites, wines by the glass and bottle, and beers.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463

Also featured in:

Gogi Yogi

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The Korean barbecue restaurant in Shaw brings back its “Soju Slushies” for summer. Flavors include white peach, strawberry, mango, passionfruit, and piña colada ($12); add a shot of vodka, tequila, gin, or rum for $4 more.

1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
(202) 525-4167
(202) 525-4167
The colorful lineup of “Soju Slushies” at Gogi Yogi.
Gogi Yogi

Also featured in:

Lupo Pizzeria

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The “Frozen Lupotini” is the trendy Logan Circle pizza pad’s frothy take on an espresso martini, made with chocolate, vanilla, vodka, and coffee. Or spring for a new “Frozen Italian Mule” (vodka, limoncello, candied ginger, lemon).

1908 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-6137
(202) 506-6137

Also featured in:

doi moi

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Pair Vietnamese street food with Doi Moi’s “8-8-8” daiquiri special. Until 8 p.m. daily, eight tasty types are $8 each (watermelon Thai basil, mango, strawberry, and dragonfruit, to name a few). While patio season is still in full effect, there’s a $13 vodka-based spritz in flavors like strawberry and lemongrass and white peach and rosemary.

1800 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 733-5131
(202) 733-5131

Also featured in:

McClellan's Retreat

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General manager Brian Nixon celebrates the August return of his annual Tiki Trail bar crawl in D.C. with a menu full of island favorites like a pina colada, Penicillin, Zombie, and Mai Tai ($13 to $20) plus spins on tropical classics. All can be served in a pineapple for $5 more. As part of the month-long crawl, guests can buy a treasure hunt-style map and collect a stamp for each participating bar they visit. Guests who collect all 10 will receive an invitation to an end-of-the-trail luau on Sunday, September 11.

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009
(202) 265-6270
(202) 265-6270
The “Bananadan” cocktail comes with overproof rum and Giffard creme de cacao.
McClellan’s Retreat

Also featured in:

Electric Cool-Aid

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The all-outdoor standby in Shaw boasts a plethora of chilled drinks like a mango frosé with house-infused ancho habanero vodka or the “frozen that started it all”: an icy rendition of an Irish coffee.

512 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 921-9021
(202) 921-9021

Also featured in:

Jane Jane

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The rotating cocktail menu at Jane Jane currently features summer-themed sips like “Patio Szn” (Jamaican rum, créme de cacao, coconut créme, pineapple) and the the ironic “Wouldn’t You Rather Be At Home” (tequila blanco, mezcal, Cap Corse blanc, rhubarb bitters).

1705 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 481-2166
(202) 481-2166

Destino

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Beverage director James Simpson’s seasonal cocktail menu includes options like the “Como La Flor” (charanda, rum, lychee, coconut, pineapple) and “Barracuda” (Puerto Rican rum, chicha syrup, guanábana, hibiscus bitter, lime). Plus, classic cocktails like the daiquiri, paloma, and margarita are $3 off during happy hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 866-0933
(202) 866-0933

Also featured in:

Bottles Wine Garden

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The West End “secret” wine garden that opened in May dedicates an entire page of its menu to the ultimate summer drink: rosé.

2500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20037
(202) 652-1941
(202) 652-1941
Bottles Wine Garden is all about the pink drink this summer.
Bottles Wine Garden

Also featured in:

Cranes

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One of the featured happy hour cocktails at Michelin-rated Cranes is aptly called “Summer is Here” (shochu, watermelon, lemon, and cilantro). A Tajin rim provides a nice kick, while a watermelon ice cube prevents the drink from being watered down.

724 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 525-4900
(202) 525-4900

Also featured in:

Silver Lyan at Riggs Washington DC

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For those thirsting for something sparkly, the Riggs hotel’s award-winning cocktail den Silver Lyan can be of service. Its “Frosted Tips” aperitif includes gin, frozen white grape, honeydew sherbet, and aloe soju, finished with a lingonberry stardust.

900 F St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20004
(202) 638-1800
(202) 638-1800
The “Frosted Tips” cocktail at Silver Lyan.
Caitlin Isola

Also featured in:

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

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Thanks to a retractable ceiling, Buena Vida’s retooled rooftop is open all year long. One standout cocktail includes the al pastor margarita, a savory and smoky blend of bacon and serrano tequila, pineapple, agave, lime, and smoked jalapeno salt.

2900 Wilson Blvd #103, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 888-1528
(703) 888-1528

Also featured in:

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Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

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From meats to drinks, this beloved barbecue spot in Clarendon finds a way to smoke it. The berry mojito ($13) muddles a variety of smoked fruits with rum, mint, lime, and soda. Another fan favorite is the watermelon cucumber collins ($14): gin, smoked watermelon, cucumber, lime, and soda.

1051 N Highland St, Arlington, VA 22201
(571) 312-8791
(571) 312-8791

Also featured in:

ARTECHOUSE DC

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After checking out Ase: Afro Frequencies, the current exhibit at the futuristic and immersive art museum, head to its air conditioned-blasted XR bar for cocktails developed by local mixologists Andra Johnson and Torrence Swain. The “Braided Queen” caramelizes plantains to showcase their sweet and savory elements, while the “Rebuild” features cacao nib and angostura bitters from Trinidad. 

1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C., DC 20024
Artechouse

Also featured in:

GATSBY

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Cool off across from Nationals Park with Gatsby’s icebox daiquiri (frozen rum, grapefruit liqueur, pink grapefruit, Calamansi lime, demerara) and “Greta’s Punch” (mango-infused vodka, rhubarb liqueur, strawberry, ginger, mint, bubbles).

1205 Half St SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 817-3005
(202) 817-3005
The “Greta’s Punch” at Gatsby.
Rey Lopez for Gatsby

Also featured in:

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Primrose

3000 12th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20017

This summer, Primrose introduced a number of boozy and refreshing beverages to match the French restaurant’s aesthetic. The “Piña Piña” ($17) is comprised of Chartreuse, pineapple, lime, and cream coconut. And the “Punch Noir” ($15), which incorporates brandy, blackberry shrub, citrus and homemade cacao bitters, is an ideal post-dinner drink.

3000 12th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20017
(202) 248-4558
(202) 248-4558
The “Couleur Fleur” (pea flower tequila, elderflower liqueur, agave, lime).
Primrose

Seven Reasons

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Seven Reasons recently debuted two cocktail menus by bar manager Carlos Boada. The first, which pairs with their new prix fixe menu, includes a salty and fresh “Mango Bajito” (Sagamore rye, Disaronno, sherry oloroso, mango, lemon, sumac, guajillo, egg whites). On the Ceviche Patio, guests can opt for a smoky new “Bourbon Street” (Elijah Craig, apricot, thyme, nutmeg, orange) or fruity “Mule de Uva” (Grey Goose, aloe vera liqueur, orange liqueur, grapes, taro, lime, ginger beer, oregano).

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 417-8563
(202) 417-8563

Haikan

805 V St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001

Haikan’s rendition of a Long Island iced tea, dubbed “Tokyo Tea,” is made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and midori. Wash it down alongside a large bowl of sapporo-style ramen.

805 V St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
(202) 299-1000
(202) 299-1000

Lulu’s Wine Garden

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Try a frozen Aperol spritz or ranch water (pineapple-infused tequila, homemade lime cordial, Topo Chico mineral water) at this breezy bar off U Street NW. The spiked refreshers are cheaper during its “golden hour” (Tuesdays to Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.) alongside discounted bites, wines by the glass and bottle, and beers.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463

Gogi Yogi

1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, D.C., DC 20001

The Korean barbecue restaurant in Shaw brings back its “Soju Slushies” for summer. Flavors include white peach, strawberry, mango, passionfruit, and piña colada ($12); add a shot of vodka, tequila, gin, or rum for $4 more.

1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
(202) 525-4167
(202) 525-4167
The colorful lineup of “Soju Slushies” at Gogi Yogi.
Gogi Yogi

Lupo Pizzeria

1908 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The “Frozen Lupotini” is the trendy Logan Circle pizza pad’s frothy take on an espresso martini, made with chocolate, vanilla, vodka, and coffee. Or spring for a new “Frozen Italian Mule” (vodka, limoncello, candied ginger, lemon).

1908 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-6137
(202) 506-6137

doi moi

1800 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Pair Vietnamese street food with Doi Moi’s “8-8-8” daiquiri special. Until 8 p.m. daily, eight tasty types are $8 each (watermelon Thai basil, mango, strawberry, and dragonfruit, to name a few). While patio season is still in full effect, there’s a $13 vodka-based spritz in flavors like strawberry and lemongrass and white peach and rosemary.

1800 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 733-5131
(202) 733-5131

McClellan's Retreat

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009

General manager Brian Nixon celebrates the August return of his annual Tiki Trail bar crawl in D.C. with a menu full of island favorites like a pina colada, Penicillin, Zombie, and Mai Tai ($13 to $20) plus spins on tropical classics. All can be served in a pineapple for $5 more. As part of the month-long crawl, guests can buy a treasure hunt-style map and collect a stamp for each participating bar they visit. Guests who collect all 10 will receive an invitation to an end-of-the-trail luau on Sunday, September 11.

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009
(202) 265-6270
(202) 265-6270
The “Bananadan” cocktail comes with overproof rum and Giffard creme de cacao.
McClellan’s Retreat

Electric Cool-Aid

512 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

The all-outdoor standby in Shaw boasts a plethora of chilled drinks like a mango frosé with house-infused ancho habanero vodka or the “frozen that started it all”: an icy rendition of an Irish coffee.

512 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 921-9021
(202) 921-9021

Jane Jane

1705 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The rotating cocktail menu at Jane Jane currently features summer-themed sips like “Patio Szn” (Jamaican rum, créme de cacao, coconut créme, pineapple) and the the ironic “Wouldn’t You Rather Be At Home” (tequila blanco, mezcal, Cap Corse blanc, rhubarb bitters).

1705 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 481-2166
(202) 481-2166

Destino

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Beverage director James Simpson’s seasonal cocktail menu includes options like the “Como La Flor” (charanda, rum, lychee, coconut, pineapple) and “Barracuda” (Puerto Rican rum, chicha syrup, guanábana, hibiscus bitter, lime). Plus, classic cocktails like the daiquiri, paloma, and margarita are $3 off during happy hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 866-0933
(202) 866-0933

Bottles Wine Garden

2500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20037

The West End “secret” wine garden that opened in May dedicates an entire page of its menu to the ultimate summer drink: rosé.

2500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20037
(202) 652-1941
(202) 652-1941
Bottles Wine Garden is all about the pink drink this summer.
Bottles Wine Garden

Cranes

724 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

One of the featured happy hour cocktails at Michelin-rated Cranes is aptly called “Summer is Here” (shochu, watermelon, lemon, and cilantro). A Tajin rim provides a nice kick, while a watermelon ice cube prevents the drink from being watered down.

724 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 525-4900
(202) 525-4900

Silver Lyan at Riggs Washington DC

900 F St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20004

For those thirsting for something sparkly, the Riggs hotel’s award-winning cocktail den Silver Lyan can be of service. Its “Frosted Tips” aperitif includes gin, frozen white grape, honeydew sherbet, and aloe soju, finished with a lingonberry stardust.

900 F St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20004
(202) 638-1800
(202) 638-1800
The “Frosted Tips” cocktail at Silver Lyan.
Caitlin Isola

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

2900 Wilson Blvd #103, Arlington, VA 22201

Thanks to a retractable ceiling, Buena Vida’s retooled rooftop is open all year long. One standout cocktail includes the al pastor margarita, a savory and smoky blend of bacon and serrano tequila, pineapple, agave, lime, and smoked jalapeno salt.

2900 Wilson Blvd #103, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 888-1528
(703) 888-1528

Related Maps

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

1051 N Highland St, Arlington, VA 22201

From meats to drinks, this beloved barbecue spot in Clarendon finds a way to smoke it. The berry mojito ($13) muddles a variety of smoked fruits with rum, mint, lime, and soda. Another fan favorite is the watermelon cucumber collins ($14): gin, smoked watermelon, cucumber, lime, and soda.

1051 N Highland St, Arlington, VA 22201
(571) 312-8791
(571) 312-8791

ARTECHOUSE DC

1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C., DC 20024

After checking out Ase: Afro Frequencies, the current exhibit at the futuristic and immersive art museum, head to its air conditioned-blasted XR bar for cocktails developed by local mixologists Andra Johnson and Torrence Swain. The “Braided Queen” caramelizes plantains to showcase their sweet and savory elements, while the “Rebuild” features cacao nib and angostura bitters from Trinidad. 

1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C., DC 20024
Artechouse

GATSBY

1205 Half St SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003

Cool off across from Nationals Park with Gatsby’s icebox daiquiri (frozen rum, grapefruit liqueur, pink grapefruit, Calamansi lime, demerara) and “Greta’s Punch” (mango-infused vodka, rhubarb liqueur, strawberry, ginger, mint, bubbles).

1205 Half St SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 817-3005
(202) 817-3005
The “Greta’s Punch” at Gatsby.
Rey Lopez for Gatsby

Related Maps