Sips & Swirls of Summer

Easy to beat the heat this summer, so let's raise a glass with delightful drinks of the season. With warming temperatures, we are ready for the refreshing over-ice concoction, and we found you delish libations that promise to add a touch of warmth to your spring evenings:
 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: 

Cozy by the Fire: As the temperature cools down and classrooms full, All Set has a way for you to wine down next to a wood-fired oven and patio. Enjoy half-price bottles of wine as well as happy hour deals from 3-6pm. 8630 Fenton Street; allsetrestaurant.com

Class is in Session: Capital Wine School has a unique way for you to learn about Champagne. With teacher, Claudia Chamberlain, you can learn about the history, grapes, terroir, aging and more that are shaping the champagne industry. capitalwineschool.com

That's a Spicy Cocktail: Peter Chang's Nihao has launched a new menu of spice-driven cocktails with blends of Sichuan peppercorns, chili and more. 1550 Crystal Dr Suite F; nihaoarlington.com

The Beast is Back (Mark Your Cal) : Snallygaster season is approaching very quickly and tickets are going fast. If you've been waiting to purchase your Basilisk tickets, this is your sign to jump on the opportunity. At the festival on October 12th, you can enjoy over 450 beers from over 175 brewers and enjoy the best of the best in food trucks, live music on two stages, entertainment and family fun all on Pennsylvania Ave in the heart of Washington DC. Purchase tickets here. 

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: 

Feels Like 1969: The owners of Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken have opened 1969,a vintage-themed bar celebrating milestones and events from that memorable year through custom art and retro pieces. Serving as the neighborhood’s new late-night spot, the drink menu at 1969 features extensive beer options including draft Miller High Life, Astro Cosmic Kolsch, and Union Jack, or buckets featuring 5 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon or Narragansett. The menu also features themed cocktails such as the Harvey Wallbanger made with Cirrus Vodka, Galliano liqueur, and orange juice or classic options like the Side Car made with cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206; astrobeerhall.com

Mixologists, Grab Your Shakers: Prepare for a competition where the only buzz is from pure creativity. The inaugural NO FUN Cocktail Competition is inviting bartenders and cocktail creators nationwide to showcase their most entertaining zero-proof cocktails via social media. The finals will be held in person at the Mindful Drinking Fest in Washington, D.C., on January 10, 2025, challenging participants to prove that fun knows no boundaries—even without alcohol. Learn more here. 

Sips of Mexico: Pascual has just introduced a Hoja santa old fashioned using the Hoja santa herb. The cocktail features reposado, tequila and Xila aperitiv. 732 Maryland Ave NE; pascualdc.com

Kombucha, It’s Good For You: Brindle Boxer Kombucha is now open at The Square. The brews include custom blends of flavors sourced from around the world. Try flavors such as the ginger blue elderflower and more. 1850 K St NW; drinkbrindle.com

Class Is In Session: School is back in session! Neighborhood Restaurant Group is thrilled to offer a limited number of half-year memberships for our signature Beer Academy - a course in craft beer led by Partner and Beverage Director, Greg Engert. Each quarter, Beer Academy members enjoy a Zoom class covering a rotating topic in the world of beer accompanied by 8 delicious brews — as Greg and other special guests from the brewing industry explore the histories and traditions of both rare and classic brews. churchkeydc.com

An Industry Night for the Industry: The KNEAD Hospitality + Design team just launched Hospitality Industry Nights every Sunday and Monday at all MI VIDA locations from 7:30 PM until close for a special night dedicated to their friends in the hospitality industry. Enjoy 20% off on food and beverages. Just show your ID and proof of employment, like a business card, to take advantage of this offer. mividamexico.com

New from Erik Bruner Yang: A new Asian-Latin neighborhood cocktail bar from Chef Erik Bruner Yang has landed and is called Providencia. Providencia's menu explores the cross-cultural ingredients of the partners’ native Taiwan and El Salvador through a tightly curated snacks and drinks menu.  Located on an under-the-radar alleyway corner off of H Street NE, near Maketto, the two-story space includes a 15-seat bar downstairs and an intimate upstairs lounge. Enjoy unique cocktails inspired by agua fresca and other Taipei-inspired cocktails. 1321 Linden Ct. NE; instagram.com

Sips of Mexico: Pascual has just introduced a Hoja santa old fashioned using the Hoja santa herb. The cocktail features reposado, tequila and Xila aperitiv. 732 Maryland Ave NE; pascualdc.com

Lebanese-Style Martinis: New to the Georgetown waterfront, River Club dedicates a section on their cocktail menu to providing an immersive tableside bar service, where bartenders skillfully prepare the cocktails. You can choose from the Lebanese-style Arrak Service (served tableside with water and ice on the side and serves 2 to 4 people, $65), Italian Amaro Service (served tableside “shakerato style” with a lemon twist, $22), and Spain-inspired Vermut Service (served tableside on the rocks or with sparkling water, $22). 3000 K St. NW; riverclubdc.com

Mahjong Mondays : By popular demand, JOY by Seven Reasons is introducing Mahjong Mondays at the Chevy Chase restaurant. Led by Mahjong expert, Caryn Fagan, guests will learn how to play this fascinating game of strategy and hear the history of Mahjong which traces its roots back to 19th-century China. While building friendship and getting into the competitive spirit, JOY will also offer a special menu + two new signature cocktails + a NA option to sip on during the game: The “BIRDBAM” ($15) (Aperol, Lillet Rose, Sparkling Wine, Strawberries, Oranges), The “GREEN DRAGON” ($14) (Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Olives), and the “JOKER” ($12) (NA - Passion Fruit, Lime, Rosemary, Indian Long Pepper). 5471 Wisconsin Ave; sevenreasonsgroup.com

Wine Wednesday : On Wednesdays, enjoy half off the entire wine list at Joon! All glasses and bottles are half priced. The extensive wine list features unique makers from California, France, Italy and Spain. Pair with signature Persian inspired dishes from Michelin-starred Chef Chris Morgan. 8045 Leesburg Pike suite 120; eatjoon.com