D.C. area bars and restaurants got the green light to sell to-go cocktails early in the public health crisis, so an array of mixologists around the city have had months to figure out how to translate their favorite drinks for takeout. Fall flavors found behind bars this month include pumpkin, apple, and rhubarb, all designed to capture the crisp season. This map highlight some longtime hits that continue to sell well, with a sprinkling of seasonal specialties. Here are two dozen options to sample right now.
Read More24 To-Go Cocktails to Try Around D.C. Right Now
Sip old favorites and seasonal drinks in the comfort of home
Burro Loco at Tequila & Mezcal
Partner Israel Montero makes this habanero-spiced mezcal cocktail with lime and agave at the sister bar to Taqueria Habanero in Columbia Heights.Takeoutcocktails range from $10 to $13. —Gabe Hiatt
Wang Cheung at Queen’s English
Co-owner Sarah Thompson curates a funky wine list and creates the cocktails and this Hong Kong-style Cantonese restaurant in Columbia Heights. The $13, batched Wang Cheung (bourbon, Bonal French apertif, pei pah koa medicinal syrup) is a signature drink and tribute to chef Henji Cheung, Thompson’s husband. Takeaway is available for dinner six days a week (closed Wednesdays).— G.H.
Amazonia at Seven Reasons
The high-end Latin hit has an Instagram channel with tutorials on how to prepare its cocktails at home. The to-go Amazonia ($14) is a complex mixture of rums, Rujero Singani, Whistle Pig Rye, Bativia Arrak, Fino Sherry, creole and angostura bitters, thyme, Yerba Mate tea, papaya, and lemon.
F*ck Trump at The Green Zone
The Middle Eastern bar in Adams Morgan has kept around a timely drink that’s been a hit since day one. A “furious Arab-Mexican resistance fusion” of rum, Ilegal mezcal, fizzy Vimto, and lemon is best served over crushed ice ($14). An online happy hour for takeout and delivery orders slashes prices Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Also featured in:
Rojo Bloody Maria at Roy Boys (Multiple locations)
導演弗蘭克·米爾斯tequila-base飲料d bloody maria at this fried chicken and oyster spot, which offers takeout and delivery from locations in Shaw and Navy Yard. A $30 batch serves three to four.— G.H.
Pisco Punch at Service Bar DC
This service worker hangout on U Street NW, known for affordable cocktails and vibrant flavors, has started bottling a pisco drink infused with concord grapes, apples, citrus, and aromatic tea ($15). Service Bar’s $12 Old Fashioneds with Wild Turkey and Spanish brandy are a steal.— G.H.
Pina Kamala at Capo Italian Deli
The Shaw deli’s popular Fauci Pouchy cocktails are now joined by an accompanying cast of characters, like this ode to the Democratic vice presidential candidate with Don Q Rum, pineapple, orange, and nutmeg ($14).
冰小姐nt Tea with Vodka at Compass Rose
The global restaurant near U Street NW has a new weekend bakery, La Bodega, that slings bottled cocktails like a Moroccan mint tea brewed from Calabash Tea & Tonic leaves alongside vodka and fresh lime ($10).
Mezcal at 600t
Muddled cucumber, blackberries, lemon, basil, Mezcal Union Uno, and soda unite in the simply named Mezcal as part of the rebooted cocktail bar’s debut lineup of to-go bottled cocktails ($16 to $18). Old Fashioned connoisseurs will appreciate varieties that employ high-end bourbons.
No Mountains Near Normandy at McClellan's Retreat
The Dupont Circle cocktail bar’s new “hot stuff” menu ($15) makes a portable, warming drink with Plantation OFTD, cardamaro, Vecchio amaro, and hot cider.
Also featured in:
The Rickey at Truxton Inn
The library-themed cocktail bar with a hidden patio out back sends out D.C.’s iconic rickey ($13) with Old Forester signature bourbon or Catoctin Creek watershed gin, lime, club soda. New fall additions play with pumpkin puree, apple, and coffee and cocoa bitters.
The Tramp at Chaplin's Restaurant
Shaw’s original ramen bar fashioned a to-go cocktail table on its patio for easy takeaway service. The drafty Tramp ($12) — half off during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — comes with Bulleit Bourbon, benedictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and burnt orange peel.
Best Ever Margarita at Serenata
Managing partner Andra “AJ” Johnson offers a spicy to-go margarita ($13) at this pan-Latin cocktail bar at the La Cosecha market. The “best ever” version stirs together blanco tequila, orange Curacao, lime, and a thick, fiery gomme syrup made with pineapple and nopal (cactus paddle).— G.H.
Also featured in:
Quince at Residents Cafe & Bar
The year-old Dupont Circle bar has expanded its palm-filled patio to seat more fans. Takeout customers can also enjoy its signature espresso martinis, made with ghee, vanilla, chocolate, Borsci, Galliano Ristretto, and vodka ($15). The Quince (lime, pineapple, ginger, peychauds, Ramazzoti Rosato tequila, and club soda) is part of its latest fall menu.
Cap Spritz at St. Anselm
Diners flock to the Union Market district for chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s buttery biscuits, steakhouse fare with flair, and inventive cocktails. A rosewater-spin on an Aperol Spritz comes with Apertivo Cappelletti, Badenhorst Caperitif, and Simonet sparkling wine ($24). All to-go cocktails are designed for two.
Also featured in:
Strawberry Shake at Ghostburger
The cheeseburger and cheesesteak ghost kitchen run out of Espita Mezcaleria in Shaw offers a version of a boozy milkshake (sans ice cream) that aims to replicate a melty consistency. The strawberry shake ($11) includes sweetened milk, reposado tequila, and strawberry liqueur.— G.H.
Sweater Weather at Columbia Room
The respected Blagden Alley cocktail bar’s latest fizzy, bottled creation is filled with Nikka Coffey Grain, cinnamon, and clarified apple ($15). The bar’s accompanying Your Only Friend sandwich pop-up was just extended through December. Takeout customers can also support theBack to Blackpop-up here by buying drinks from Andra “AJ” Johnson (Serenata) and Richard Sterling (Thamee).
Adult Juice Boxes at Calico
Considered a pioneer in the pouched cocktail game, this backyard Blagden Alley bar fills portable pouches with fruity tequila, gin, or vodka drinks ($12).
White Negroni at King Street Oyster Bar
“攪拌和嚴重”一節在跳躍NoMa oyster bar features a potent Negroni built with Roku gin, strawberry-infused yellow Chartreuse, and Capitoline White Vermouth ($12). Its popular happy hour, with $5 sangrias and house punches, is also available for takeout
Passion Sour at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
The Dupont Circle hotel restaurant now bottles its destination pisco sours in 12-ounce bottles for pickup ($20). A new pineapple-infused version (dine-in only) puts a tropical spin on the Peruvian staple to keep summer in season.
Also featured in:
Gooseberry Smash Gin at Blend 111
Pressed-to-order juices and seasonal fruits play starring roles in fall cocktails at this Latin-leaning cafe in Vienna. This $16.50 concoction comes with gooseberries, elderflower, and lime.
3PM in Istanbul at Zaytinya
José Andrés’s Mediterranean mainstay in Penn Quarter marries vodka, Aperol, lemon, lavender, mint, vanilla, lime, grapefruit for this pickup and delivery drink for two ($12) or eight ($40). A Pom Fili option mixes red wine, vodka, orange, and ginger flavors.
Celia at Colada Shop (Multiple locations)
The Cuban cafe, now making waves on the Wharf, is known for its rum cocktails. This best seller comes with Bacardi Superior, lime, tart cherry, watermelon syrup, and salt ($11). The Southwest location also has frozen cocktails like a guava frosé.
Pomegranate Margaritas at Taco and Piña
Shirlington Village just got the okay to allow patronsto carry open containers, making it possible to pick up and enjoy the taco shop’s hibiscus and pomegranate margaritas by the pint ($9) or quart ($26) while walking throughout the Arlington restaurant district.