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.
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