`At Passports and Pours, our love for travel and cocktails takes us to some of the most exciting places. Washington, DC, with its rich history, political drama, and growing culinary scene, has become one of our favorite cocktail destinations. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges with breathtaking views, we’re taking you on a cocktail journey through the capital city. These are the 10 best cocktails in Washington, DC that we’ve personally tasted and believe you absolutely need to try.
The Rickey at Off the Record – A Must-Try Classic in Washington, DC
It all started with a classic: the Rickey. As DC’s official cocktail, it feels like the perfect introduction to the city. One sip at Off the Record and we were hooked. This bar, nestled under the Hay-Adams Hotel, oozes old-world charm. We sat in red leather chairs, imagining the political whispers that have echoed in this very room. The Rickey, made with gin, lime, and club soda, was bright and refreshing—an ode to DC’s timeless spirit, and without a doubt, one of the best cocktails in Washington, DC.
Recipe:
- 2 oz gin or bourbon
- Juice of half a lime
- Club soda
- Lime wheel for garnish
Pro tip: Ask the bartender about the bar’s political caricatures that line the walls. It’s like sipping on history while getting the inside scoop!
Honeycomb Old Fashioned at Bresca – A Unique Twist on a Classic in Washington, DC
For a cocktail experience that’s as artistic as it is flavorful, we visited Bresca, a Michelin-starred restaurant with an outstanding cocktail program. Their Honeycomb Old Fashioned immediately caught our attention. It’s a creative take on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring honeycomb-infused bourbon and bee pollen. The combination of sweetness and depth made this one of the most memorable drinks we’ve had and solidified its place among the best cocktails in Washington, DC.
Recipe:
- 2 oz honeycomb-infused bourbon
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Bee pollen and honeycomb for garnish
Pro tip: Bresca’s cocktails are all about balance, and they pair exceptionally well with the restaurant’s tasting menu. If you’re in the mood for a true dining experience, we highly recommend booking a table to enjoy both the food and drinks.
Mirror Old Fashioned at The Mirror – Speakeasy Vibes in DC’s Best Cocktail Scene
We love the thrill of stepping into a speakeasy, and The Mirror gives you exactly that experience.Hidden behind a large mirrored wall, this bar feels like you’ve discovered a secret treasure in the heart of DC. Their Mirror Old Fashioned is a perfectly executed classic—smooth, rich, and just the right amount of boozy. It’s no wonder this cocktail is often considered one of the best cocktails in Washington, DC for those seeking a timeless drink with a speakeasy vibe.
Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist and cherry for garnish
Pro tip: The entrance to The Mirror can be tricky to find—look for the large mirror and a discreet door behind it. Once inside, it’s a cozy, intimate space perfect for quiet conversation and classic cocktails.
Bee’s Knees at The Green Zone – The Best Prohibition-Era Cocktail in Washington, DC
On a hot summer day, we found refuge at The Green Zone, a bar that specializes in Middle Eastern flavors. Their twist on the Bee’s Knees, featuring gin, lemon, and spiced honey syrup, was refreshing and vibrant, instantly becoming one of our favorites. If you’re searching for the best cocktails in Washington, DC, this Prohibition-era classic with a twist should be on your list.
Recipe:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz honey syrup
- Lemon twist for garnish
Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying some of their Middle Eastern-inspired small plates. The flavors pair perfectly with the cocktails.
The Proper Martini at Service Bar – Classic Elegance Among Washington, DC’s Best Cocktails
We’ve always believed that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Service Bar’s Proper Martini is proof of that. There’s no need for gimmicks here—just expertly crafted martinis served in a lively, unpretentious space. Whether you’re a gin or vodka fan, they’ve mastered the balance. We paired ours with their famous fried chicken, and while that might sound unconventional, it’s a pairing we didn’t know we needed!
Recipe:
- 2 oz gin or vodka
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Pro tip: Don’t skip happy hour! This is one of the best times to enjoy the martini at a steal, along with some of the bar’s standout dishes.
Cherry Blossom Sour at Vue Rooftop Lounge – A Seasonal Favorite Among the Best Cocktails in DC
If there’s one thing we look forward to every spring in DC, it’s the cherry blossoms. But we found another way to celebrate them—by sipping on a Cherry Blossom Sour at Vue Rooftop Lounge. The view of the White House, paired with this gorgeous cocktail made of cherry liqueur and bourbon, was unforgettable. The egg white gave it a frothy finish, while the cherry flavors made us feel like we were drinking a bit of springtime.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz cherry liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Cherry garnish
Pro tip: Make sure to visit around sunset—the light is just perfect, and the vibe is unbeatable.
Pisco Punch at Copycat Co. – A South American Twist in DC’s Cocktail Scene
We love cocktails with a story, and the Pisco Punch at Copycat Co. has one worth telling. This Peruvian-inspired drink, with its pisco base and pineapple syrup, was a refreshing break from the heat during one of our DC summers. The bar itself is laid-back, and the drinks are playful, making it the perfect stop for something a little different.
Recipe:
- 2 oz pisco
- 1 oz pineapple syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Pro tip: Head upstairs after your drink for some of the best dumplings and street food in the city!
The Cloak & Dagger at Allegory – A Mysterious Cocktail Experience in Washington, DC
Walking into Allegory, located inside the Eaton Hotel, feels like stepping into a storybook. The bar is filled with art, and the cocktails are equally as imaginative. We were drawn to the Cloak & Dagger—a mezcal-based drink with layers of smokiness, herbal notes from the Chartreuse, and a bright kick of lime. Every sip felt like unraveling a mystery, making this one of our most memorable cocktail experiences in DC.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Lime wheel for garnish
Pro tip: Ask about the inspiration behind each drink—the stories are as creative as the cocktails themselves.
Mai Tai at Tiki TNT – Tropical Flavors Among DC’s Best Cocktails
We’re suckers for a good tiki bar, and Tiki TNT delivered in spades. Their Mai Tai was everything you want from a tiki drink: strong, fruity, and a little bit of vacation in a glass. Watching the boats drift by on the Potomac River while sipping this rum-forward cocktail made us feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Recipe:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz orgeat syrup
- 0.5 oz orange curaçao
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Pro tip: For the full tropical experience, head to the rooftop and catch the sunset—it’s one of our favorite spots in the city.
Irish Coffee at The Dubliner – A Cozy Classic Among Washington, DC’s Best Drinks
After a long day of exploring Capitol Hill, there’s nothing better than winding down with an Irish Coffee at The Dubliner. This beloved Irish pub near Union Station is as authentic as it gets. Their Irish Coffee, with its blend of smooth whiskey, strong coffee, and sweet whipped cream, was the perfect nightcap to our DC adventures.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- Freshly brewed coffee
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Whipped cream for topping
Pro tip: Visit during one of their live music nights for an even more authentic Irish experience.
At Passports and Pours, each cocktail tells a story, and Washington, DC has some of the best stories to share. Whether it’s sipping a classic Rickey or enjoying a Smoked Manhattan, the city’s cocktail scene offers a delicious blend of history, innovation, and global flavors. Next time you’re in the nation’s capital, join us on this cocktail adventure and discover the best cocktails in Washington, DC for yourself.