Drink Up in D.C. With These Perfect Punches

Drink from a bowl or just get a glass

by Travis Mitchell@travisjmitchell Jun 28, 2016, 3:00pm EDT

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Brine

| R. Lopez

by Travis Mitchell@travisjmitchell Jun 28, 2016, 3:00pm EDT

There's a communal feel to sipping on a glass of punch. It is in many ways the original party drink, and bars have begun to rediscover the art of crafting a great punch. It's also an ideal option for happy hours and lazy afternoons.

The specifics are up for interpretation. Punches tend to be rum-based, but there are plenty of drinks based on whiskey and even gin. But true punches follow a standard ratio of ingredients. It's usually one part sour, two parts sweet, and three parts booze. It's not uncommon for bars to craft punches in batches, with recipes changing depending on everything from the weather or the bartender's taste. The result is a smooth cocktail that's balanced in flavor and has just the right amount of bite.

From swank cocktail bars to neighborhood hangouts, here are a dozen area spots to settle in with a cup or bowl of a great punch this summer.

2 Birds 1 Stone

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Head to this cocktail bar beneath Doi Moi and sip on the $10 punch du jour which, naturally, rotates each day according to the whims of the bar staff.

1800 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Alfie's

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Alfie's serves up a rotating patio punch for $5 to wash down the kitchen's sweat-enducing Thai cuisine. It makes a limited amount each day though, so arrive early for the best chance at a glass or two.

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3301 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

(202) 853-3901

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All Set Restaurant & Bar

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Guests who stop in during happy hour can score some New England vibes and $7 glasses of house punch. The special menu is available from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. to close on Sunday.

8630 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 495-8800

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Brine

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The punch at this seafood restaurant in Mosaic Distrcit changes daily but the formula sticks to the traditional combination of sweet, sour, and booze. It sells for $9 for a four ounce serving.

2985 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031

(703) 280-1000

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Hank's Oyster Bar

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This neighborhood seafood spot mixes up a daily punch during happy hour for $5. Swing by Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 3 p.m. until close.

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633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 733-1971

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Lincoln

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The $49 Emancipation Punch No. 6 here is truly a group affair. The recipe is packed with Pimms, Greenhat seasonal gin, green tea, cucumber syrup, lemon sour, and lavender bitters.

1110 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 386-9200

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Mulebone

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The Southern-inspired drink list here currently features two seasonal punches for $10 per glass and $45 for a pitcher. Or come for brunch and take advantage of bottomless punch for $12. The bourbon punch has peach, mint and lemon juice. The bar's bubble punch mixes white rum, Batavia arrak, pineapple, lemon, and a sparkling wine float.

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2121 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 332-6432

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Petworth Citizen & Reading Room

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Check out the chalkboard for the daily punch option. At $6 a pop, it's worth a roll of the dice to taste what the bar has concocted.

829 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

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Thally

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On the list of "Thallytails" is a daily punch for $12. It's mixed in small batches so when it's gone, it's gone.

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1316 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 733-3849

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The Columbia Room

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The outdoor punch garden is just one section of this upscale cocktail bar. The expertly-crafted punches are between $14 and $15 and range from whiskey-focused, to gin-based, and everything in between.

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124 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 316-9396

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The Fainting Goat

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Punches are a relatively affordable option at this socialable watering hole, with four seasonal options on the menu at $9 each. Among the choices is the fruity and refreshing Cara Cara punch, which blends Irish whiskey, oranges, and hibiscus.