Not Only Neat: Finding Scotch Cocktails Around D.C.

A dozen cocktails made with Scotch around town.

by Travis Mitchell@travisjmitchell Oct 21, 2014, 10:00am EDT

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by Travis Mitchell@travisjmitchell Oct 21, 2014, 10:00am EDT

Scotch whisky is a spirit with a deep, complex flavor. But it's unfortunately been steeped in some long-held stereotypes here in America, often thought of as nothing more than an expensive and pungent gentleman's liquor, best enjoyed neat or maybe on the rocks and with a splash of water.

Those views are shifting, though. Over the past few years, the revolution in cocktails has spurred bartenders to experiment with including scotch in their creations. At the same time, American whiskey's growth in popularity is creating more openness to and curiosity in drinking and learning about Scotch whisky.

"People are being more receptive to scotch in cocktails," says Frankie Jones, head mixologist at The Gibson. "It's no longer being thought of as your grandfather's drink."

The vast flavor profiles of scotch, whether blended or single malt, mean there is something everyone can enjoy, from peat-heavy to something lighter and sweeter.

Declining price is another reason that bartenders have begun working scotch onto their menus. "Single malt prices are becoming more conducive to making cocktails," says Trevor Frye, beverage director at Jack Rose.

As the weather turns cooler, many bars and restaurants around D.C. are including more scotch-based drinks on their menus. From classics to unique recipes, here are several bars around town to discover and enjoy scotch cocktails.

2 Birds 1 Stone

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The frequently-changing menu at this cocktail bar is currently featuring the too little too late, made with single-malt scotch, lemon juice, Amaro and black tea.

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

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Art & Soul

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The cocktail menu at this Capitol Hill restaurant changes with the season and right now features the bear, made with both scotch and rye, citrus and Drambuie.

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225 Pennsylvania Ave SE, #1, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 548-0105

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Bar Charley

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The Glasgow is one of several scotch-forward cocktails available at this unassuming bar, just south of Adams Morgan. It’s made with 10-year old scotch,dry vermouth and absinthe.

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

(202) 627-2183

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Bar Pilar

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The Dreadlock mullet cocktail here gives scotch a lighter twist, combining it with cucumber, lemon and hum - an uncommon botanical spirit.

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

(202) 265-1751

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DC Coast

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Grab a seat at the bar here and enjoy a classic Blood and Sand made with blended scotch, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur.

1401 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 216-5988

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Dram and Grain

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The monkey manders is one of the most popular cocktails at this speakeasy. It’s an exclusive recipe made with blended scotch, raspberry syrup, lemon juice and an egg white.

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

(202) 607-1572

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The Gibson

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The bartenders at this U St. speakeasy will be happy to create a scotch cocktail upon request. A new fall cocktail menu will launch in about week, so stop in later this month for updated options..

2009 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 232-2156

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Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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There are a variety of scotch cocktails to choose from here, including the talisker last word, which consists of Talisker 10 year whiskey, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur and lime juice. Or, try a penicillin, considered one of the modern classic scotch cocktails.