The Hotel Nacional cocktail at D.C.’s Colada Shop.

D.C.’s Top Cocktails, Spring 2018

The best beverages to drink right now

by Tierney Plumb Mar 23, 2018, 1:29pm EDT

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The Hotel Nacional cocktail at D.C.’s Colada Shop.

| Colada Shop [Official photo]

by Tierney Plumb Mar 23, 2018, 1:29pm EDT

D.C.’s cocktail scene is always changing. From bold new spirits to enticing mixers, local bartenders are constantly mixing things up.

The beverages listed here stand out of the pack because they are either brand new, have a funky presentation (think: collectible bar ware), or the starring ingredients may just be the new trend to taste before anyone else.

For our guide to D.C.’s hottest new bars, check out this list. For a broader view of the drinking landscape, check out this list of essential bars.

Note: The featured bars and restaurants are not ranked. The map is arranged geographically from north to south.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Sound off in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

Chapulin Colorado at Taqueria del Barrio

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This Petworth eatery just turned one, and its list of $9 margaritas includes the Chapulin Colorado with Don Julio silver, triple sec and lime, mixed with an ancho chile cherry syrup.

821 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

(202) 723-0200

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Chapulin Colorado (left) is one of several new spring margaritas at Taqueria del Barrio.

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Ti’ Punch at A Rake's Bar

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The hot new bar inside Adams Morgan’s Line hotel makes drinks using only locally grown ingredients (so, no citrus), but searches the globe for inspiration. One of its latest creations is a twist on a popular Caribbean punch featuring pressed sorghum cane (sweetener), fresh verjus (acidic fruit juice), and choice of rum (the base).

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1770 Euclid Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 588-0525

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Smithed at Bin 1301 Wine Bar

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This U Street bar’s newly revamped cocktail menu includes a seasonal drink made with bourbon, drambuie, lemon, and cranberry.

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1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 506-7716

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Hotel Nacional at Colada Shop

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This seasonal cocktail channels the tropics via white rum, dark rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice, lime apricot puree.

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1405 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 332-8800

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Millefiori at Iron Gate

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Translating to a “thousand flowers” in Italian, Iron Gate bar manager Nick Farrell makes this cocktail with local producer Don Ciccio’s newly released Cerasum cherry blossom liqueur, elderflower liqueur, hibiscus soda, and an orchid garnish ($14).

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1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

(202) 524-5202

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Hip to It at Supra

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This new Georgian restaurant’s debut cocktail menu includes a martini with chacha, Georgian rosehip juice, lemon, and a dusting of rose powder ($12).

1205 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 789-1205

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Smoke on the Horizon at Momofuku CCDC

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This spicy cocktail combines tequila, blood orange, campari, and mezcal ($12).

1090 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 602-1832

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The Smoke on the Horizon cocktail at Momofuku.

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Rice N Roses at Dirty Habit

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This Penn Quarter bar is serving a floral and nutty concoction ($13) made with Nigori sake, vodka, lychee-rose syrup, lemon, and Crème de Noyoux. Head bartender Sarah Ruiz prepares the syrup by simmering dried roses into a tea, and then adding sugar and lychee. Rose petals act as the final garnish.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

(202) 449-7095

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The Rice N Roses cocktail at Dirty Habit.

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2901 Cup at Ambar - Clarendon

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The expanding brand from Balkan restaurateur Ivan Iricanin has a new cocktail on the menu made with an aperitif blend, lime juice, ginger ale, and seasonal fruit. The name is an ode to Ambar’s street address.

2901 Wilson Blvd, 22201, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 875-9663

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The Mez-skull at Mi Vida

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In addition to serving frozen margaritas and pouring aged tequilas, the Wharf’s new Mexican restaurant also makes a handful of specialty cocktails. The striking Mez-skull combines smoky mezcal, tangy raspberry juice, and chewy tapioca pearls.

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98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

(202) 516-4656

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The Continuing Resolution at Chloe

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First-time restaurateur Haidar Karoum’s new Navy Yard restaurant boasts a solid cocktail menu; this rum-based drink is made with Blackwell Jamaican Rum, kumquat, grapefruit and Xocolatl mole bitters ($12).

1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

(202) 313-7007

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The Continuing Resolution cocktail at Chloe.

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Dirty Dirty Chai Chai at Vermilion

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This Old Town Alexandria mainstay mixes together Kopper Kettle chai-spiced rum, coffee-infused zucca, and chai-spiced almond milk into its foamy new creation ($12).