Mojitos at Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (multiple locations).

Where to Drink Rum in Washington, D.C.

The spirit continues to gain ground around town

by Travis Mitchell@travisjmitchell Aug 23, 2016, 10:00am EDT

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Mojitos at Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (multiple locations).

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by Travis Mitchell@travisjmitchell Aug 23, 2016, 10:00am EDT

It's summer and there's no better time to taste test rum-infused cocktails topped with tiny umbrellas.

And as boundary-pushing cocktail bars (and $14 drink prices) continue to rise in D.C., bartenders are rediscovering the versatility and complexity of a good rum. Recent affection for summertime tiki drinks, which heavily favor rum, has also fueled newfound appreciation for the tropical spirit all year long.

Bars are starting to carry a greater selection of rums from a variety of countries, including aged and rare bottles. Twists on classic recipes like daiquiris, dark and stormys and Mai Tais are figuring more prominently on area menus.

Just this week, Colada Shop opened in Sterling with two rum cocktails: Cha Cha Cha! (rum, sugar cane juice, lime, palo santo syrup, mint) and the Original Cuba Libre (aged rum, Mexican cola, angostura, lime). Still not convinced rum is here to stay? Visit a serious cocktail bar like Copycat Co. or The Columbia Room. Rum may not be the emphasis, but they'll be able to craft a snazzy concoction to satisfy any rum lover. And get primed for the arrival of some new places making their own rum in the near future, like distilleries Cotton & Reed and District Distilling.

Archipelago

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The tiki craze is in full swing at this island-inspired U Street bar. Drinks carry playful names like The Retired Stripper and the Drowsy Gator with a whole lineup of fun drink accessories from mini umbrellas to skull toothpicks. There are also classics cocktails, like the Mai Tai and piña colada.

1201 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 627-0794

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Bar Charley

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Stop in the downstairs Dupont bar and enjoy one of the two tiki drinks on draft, which are reasonably priced around $8.95. Or opt for a freshly made (not frozen) piña colada.

1825 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 627-2183

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Bar Pilar

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It's not surprising that a bar named in honor of Ernest Hemingway’s fishing boat can whip up rum drinks with ease. The frequently-changing cocktail menu here often includes dark and stormys and other rum-based recipes.

1833 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 265-1751

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Civil Cigar Lounge

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Whiskey may be the most popular beverage choice at this cigar lounge, but they also stock the rare Black Tot rum, which goes for $75 an ounce.

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20015

(202) 364-0800

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Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

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August is rum month at the Penn Quarter location of this Cuban-inspired chain. To celebrate, the bar is offering two special rum flights priced at $16 each. The bar has an extensive rum list with over 90 varieties to choose from.

801-A 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 408-1600

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Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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Whiskey is the main attraction at this Adams Morgan bar, but don’t overlook the small tiki bar at the rear of the roofdeck. Stop by Thursday through Saturday during the warmer months to cool off with a tropical drink. The Coco Face, for example, blends Hamilton Demerara Rum, Ancho Reyes liqueur, almond-coco cream, cinnamon-chili honey syrup, and pineapple.

2007 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 588-7388

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Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

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The rum list at this restaurant varies by location and includes dark, white, spiced and aged selections. There are also house specialty cocktails. Area locations in Tysons Corner and Rockville (as well as further-flung Annapolis).

1927 Old Gallows Rd, Tysons Corner, VA 22182

(703) 854-1728

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Rumba Café

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Live Latin music and a signature mojito bar jive well together at this lively Adams Morgan destination.

2443 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 588-5501

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Southern Efficiency

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Despite specializing in American whiskey, this neighborhood Shaw bar is a non-intuitive place to find quality rum drinks, like the refreshing pineapple-infused rum julep. The menu changes from time to time, but the talented bartenders should have no trouble making classics like a daiquiri on the spot.

1841 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 316-9396

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Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge

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This new addition to the Alexandria Waterfront just opened, and tiki drinks are the main focus here. The majority of the cocktails here are rum-based, including two on tap.

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101 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 935-8890

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Whitlow's on Wilson

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The rooftop tiki bar at this Clarendon spot might feel cliche, but it’s open seven days a week and is a great place to grab a tropical drink on a warm summer evening.

2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 276-9693

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