clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Mojitos at Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (multiple locations).
Mojitos at Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (multiple locations).
Official

Where to Drink Rum in Washington, D.C.

The spirit continues to gain ground around town

View as Map
Mojitos at Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (multiple locations).
| Official

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.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Archipelago

Copy Link

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.

Bar Charley

Copy Link

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.

Bar Pilar

Copy Link

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.

Civil Cigar Lounge

Copy Link

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.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

Copy Link

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.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Copy Link

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.

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

Copy Link

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).

Rumba Café

Copy Link

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

Southern Efficiency

Copy Link

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.

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge

Copy Link

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.

Whitlow's on Wilson

Copy Link

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.

Archipelago

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.

Bar Charley

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.

Bar Pilar

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.

Civil Cigar Lounge

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.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

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.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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.

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

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).

Rumba Café

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

Southern Efficiency

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.

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge

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.

Whitlow's on Wilson

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.

Related Maps