Libations of the Season: TheList’s List of Good Sips
Sweater weather, meet shaker season. The DMV’s bars are trading beachy spritzes for cider highballs, smoky mezcal riffs, and hot-toddy cozies all made for crisp nights. We’ve rounded up the most sip-worthy fall beverages that are shaking (and stirring) the season.
Thirsty for more? Keep the sunsets going on Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).
Feeling flighty? Browse our Flights list, here.
Martini mood? Our Martini Guide is here.
Need something snug? Slip into our Underground Bars roundup, here.
Ill-affected by the shutdown? At least there's some fun specials to cheer you up, here.
Want this week's best food? Go here.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Farewell Celebrations: After six unforgettable years of shaking, stirring, and celebrating the flavors of Latin America, Serenata will officially close its doors on Saturday, November 2, 2025. To mark the occasion, the bar will host a Goodbye Celebration Night at 6:00 PM featuring live DJ sets, guest bartenders, and one final toast with the community that has made Serenata a beloved gathering place. While Serenata’s story is coming to a close, the space will continue its tradition of creativity and hospitality. Beginning November 11, 2025, the venue will transform into a Holiday Coquito Bar, a festive Puerto Rican and Latin American–inspired pop-up featuring Coquitos and other seasonal drinks.
Pinot Party at Planet Wine: Planet Wine is back with one of its most anticipated tastings of the year — the Pinot Party! Sip and savor an incredible lineup of wines crafted from the diverse Pinot family of grapes. From the stony minerality of Pinot Gris and the creamy richness of Pinot Blanc to the elegant rosés and cherry-driven Pinot Noirs from France, Oregon, and California — this tasting showcases the many faces of Pinot, all perfect for the fall season. Saturday, November 15, 2025; Tickets here.
DCCK Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight, presented by Tyson Foods, is set for Thursday, November 6th at The Anthem. The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food. More info here.
Together We Dine: DMV, let’s get back to the table. Starting October 1, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) launches Together We Dine, a month-long initiative to rediscover favorite spots, explore new ones, and rally around the restaurants that feed our communities. More info here.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Fly Away: José Andrés’ acclaimed cocktail laboratory, barmini by José Andrés, has unveiled a new cocktail flight: a six-course journey through flavor, imagination, and innovation. The cocktails include
Amaricano — yuzu vodka, decaf Campari, sweet vermouth, Averna, and Branca Menta
A DC Sunset — calvados brandy, Nixta corn liqueur, Magdala, Szechuan peppercorn, and wine
Soup du Jour — onion caramel, peppercorn, vodka, chive oil, Gruyère espuma, and brioche
Beet It — ginger, beet, Cynar, mezcal, Scotch, and a beet yogurt sammie
Breakfast of Champions — Elijah Craig, bacon, Bubba’s whisky, black cardamom, pancake, and maple syrup
Thanks Y’all! — sweet potato, vanilla, allspice, brandy, cognac, rye, and Montenegro marshmallow
Seychelles-Inspired Rooftop in Shaw: Realm has recently opened, featuring classic cocktails, housemade signature drinks, and handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages. Highlights include the Golden Hour, a bright and effervescent blend of Hendricks gin, passion fruit, lemon, and vanilla, finished with a pour of brut champagne for a refined tropical sparkle and Moon of Mahé, toasted coconut-tamarind syrup shaken with coconut cream, fresh lime topped with toasted coconut dust for two refreshing tropical twists. 899 O St NW, Washington, DC 20001; realm.com
Aperitivo in City Ridge (Happy Hour Alert): Acqua Bistecca has a new signature Happy Hour. The curated menu offers a taste of Italy through refined small plates, vibrant cocktails, and approachable wines and beers — all designed to bring people together over bold flavors and relaxed hospitality. The drinks menu highlights house cocktails such as the Positano (mezcal, lime, raspberry-basil granita), the Atrani (tomato-washed gin, grapefruit, club soda), and the sparkling Amalfi (vodka, pear, lemon, prosecco), alongside $10 wines and $6 Peroni. 10 ridge square;
Falling for Afternoon Tea: Head downstairs to indulge in the legendary Fall Afternoon Tea within Willard’s Peacock Alley, where seasonal herbal teas such as Bourbon Pumpkin Praline, savory delights including a Butternut Squash Tart, and Saffron Deviled Egg highlight the flavors of the season. For those seeking a spirited toast, the historic Round Robin Bar invites guests to celebrate the season with fall-inspired mocktails and cocktails. You may sip on the refreshing Autumn Spritz mocktail – a blend of Lyre’s, blood orange, apple juice, lemon juice, and soda water – or indulge in Thyme to Rum, crafted with Captain Morgan, sweet vermouth, honey syrup, and bitters. washington.intercontinental.com
A James Beard Award-Winning Happy Hour (Happy Hour Alert): Every day from 4pm until 7pm, guests of Perry’s can enjoy beverages and plates from James Beard award-winning Chef Masako Morishita at wallet-friendly prices during the restaurant’s Happy Hour. Drink specials include varied Rail Liquor drinks ($7), rotating Red, White, and Sparkling Wines ($8), Sake ($6), as well as Japanese beer options including Kirin Light ($5) and Asahi Super Dry ($6). 1811 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009; perrysam.com
It’s All Golden: Afternoons become golden at Dupont Circle with Barbouzard’s newest happy hour. Sip and savor the very best of the Riviera with barside $10 speciality cocktails or $14 martinis paired with luxurious bites, including salted cod dip, lamb merguez, and a generous raw bar selection. 1700 K St. NW, Washington, DC; barbouzard.com
Hora Dorada: Eunoia’s barside Golden Hour brings the spirit of the Mediterranean and the flavors of the Yucatan to the heart of NoMa. Indulge in chef-driven small plates starting at $6: rice chicharron with avocado purée, flour gorditas with pork and tomatillo, and cheese boards adorned with seasonal fruits and housemade focaccia. Bites are paired with $9 wines, $6 beers, and $8 cocktails, including the bar’s signature white and red sangrias, house Old Fashioned, and Eunoia margarita. 320 Florida Ave. NE, Washington, DC; eunoiadc.com
A Smashing Happy Hour: Astro Beer Hall recently refreshed its menu with new signature smashburgers and value-driven happy hour specials. Happy hour is available Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-6 pm at the two-story beer hall alongside its full food and beverage menu. During happy hour, guests can enjoy $2 off all beers, including the locally brewed Haxan from Right Proper Brewing Company andDueling Grounds from DC Brau. Seasonal brews such as the Pumpkin Blend Cider from Downeast Cider House are available now through the end of the fall season. 1306 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005; astrobeerhall.com
Why Should Candy Just Be for the Kids: Why should kids get all the treats on Halloween? Little Blackbird indulges adults with a collection of wine & candy pairings and cocktail & candy pairings. Fourteen wine pairings are being added to the menu. They will be available through Saturday, November 2, 2024. Wine pairings are priced from $11 to $19 for a piece of candy and either a 3.5-ounce or six-ounce wine pour. The list of Halloween and Autumn-inspired pairings and tasting notes is below. 3309 Connecticut Avenue, NW; .littleblackbirddc.com
What is a Wonderwall, Anyway?: Press Club has unveiled the latest iteration of their popular “Playlist” tasting menu – a curated flight of cocktails and bar bites all inspired by an iconic album. This iteration honors Oasis’s landmark album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, and is timed to the wildly popular OASIS LIVE ‘25 reunion tour that goes through November. Try the drinks like Some Might Say (Jack Daniels, Apple Cordial, Amontillado, Sakura & Cremant): A reimagined whisky highball featuring an apple cordial made of apples from Blackrock Orchard and Jack Daniels, a nod to Liam Gallagher’s line, “you only drink Jack Daniels when you’re with us.” Wonderwall (Caravedo Pisco, Earl Grey, Moscatel, Orange & Lime): Inspired by the famous London cocktail, the Breakfast Martini, this rendition is infused with different expressions of citrus grown in various oasis-like climates for a sunny take. pressclubdc.com
Fall Spirits: Bar Chinois has new fall drinks. Among the standout additions to the cocktail menu at both Bar Chinois locations is the Fall in Normandy, made with Claque-Pépin Calvados, Combier Banana, Amara di Angostura, Cinnamon and Lime – the ideal option for an autumn-spiced daiquiri to get into the fall spirit. Other new drinks include the perfectly-balanced Fumée Créole, with Mezcal Amarás Reposado, Poblano, Orgeat, Honey, Saline and Lime, the smooth Fashionably Late, with Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Red Berry Campari, Zirbenz Stone Pine and Cocchi Rosa, and the Bay of Biscay with Pineau des Charantes, Macallan 12, Italicus, Pineapple and Yuzu. 455 Eye Street; barchinoisdc.com
Feed Me, Seymour: Buffalo & Bergen is sharing a menu of cocktails inspired by The Little Shop of Horrors - available all month! Raise a glass to drinks like Suddenly Seymour with Gin Green Chartreuse, Basil, Gin, and Lime or the Wink Wilkerson’s Weird World with Dark Rum, Pomegranate, Cranberry Spiced Maple, and Lemon. buffalobergendc.com
Show Me Your Hand: Show of Hands is shaking up the season with a fresh cocktail menu that reinvents the classic highball. Dubbed “High Baller, Shot Caller,” the collection features effervescent, flavor-forward creations layered with housemade syrups, exotic tinctures, and playful finishes. Drinks include Melon Pop, a Japanese whiskey, plum sake, shiso melon syrup, vermouth, lemon hop bitters, yuzu, and soda water. Bright, citrusy, and subtly smoky, and more. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue; theroostsedc.com
C’mon Get Happy (Happy Hour Alert): Acqua Bistecca, Washington D.C.’s new Italian-inspired steakhouse, invites you to unwind midweek with its signature Happy Hour. The drinks menu highlights house cocktails such as the Positano (mezcal, lime, raspberry-basil granita), the Atrani (tomato-washed gin, grapefruit, club soda), and the sparkling Amalfi (vodka, pear, lemon, prosecco), alongside $10 wines and $6 Peroni. 10 Ridge Square, CityRidge Development, Washington, D.C.; theminagroup.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Chef Uchi’s Specials: Bar Japonais has new fall-inspired drinks. Try the Chef Uchi’s special, Uchi-Sans Midnight Kōhī with Haakku Vodka, Café Shochu, Benedictine, Crème de Cacao and Espresso. New additions also include the Autumn Rouge, with Tokii Black, Nocino Walnut Liqueur, Kabosu, Cinnamon, Hibiscus and Egg White, the spiced Le Bad Bunny, with Bacardi, Yuzu, Kotta Pandann, Lime, Carrot and Ginger, and the Pomme Pomme with Apple-infused Haku Vodka, Calvados, St. Germain, Lemon, Butternut, Chamomile and Nutmeg. For non-alcoholic options, the housemade Cinnamon Hibiscus Soda and Butternut Chamomile Soda, are the perfect autumn-inspired drinks.1520 14th Street NW; barjaponaisdc.com
Wine Club Alert: Northside Social Falls Church invites guests to join its Monthly Wine Club, designed for wine lovers to sip, savor, and explore. Members receive two curated bottles of wine each month, complete with seasonal themes and tasting notes, and are invited to a monthly pickup and tasting event. Additional perks include a Northside Social wine carrier bag, exclusive and early access to upcoming wine dinners and ticketed events, 5% off retail wine purchases, and extended happy hour privileges. Membership is $50 per month plus tax. northsidesocialva.com
(Real) Pumpkin Spice: Dolcezza's fall lineup features a pumpkin spice syrup made from 1,800 lbs of heirloom crookneck pumpkins grown at Beiler’s Heritage Acres Farm in Lancaster, PA. The pumpkins were oven-blistered in-house with dark brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and clove to create the syrup featured in pumpkin spice chai, lattes and more. dolcezzagelato.com
Wine Wednesdays: Josephine's is having a weekly midweek wine ritual: four rotating bottles at 50% off. The list changes every Wednesday to spotlight producers Josephine loves—think crisp whites, soulful reds, and a surprise gem or two—curated to pair perfectly with dinner or a laid-back catch-up at the bar. 109 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria VA; josephineoldtown.com
Paging Danny Lee: Singing Tiger is open in Hotel Nell in Union Market, offering a late-night destination where inventive Asian-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and private karaoke rooms come together under one roof. The menu includes creative drinks with Asian-inspired flavors, like the Baritone Burn made with five-spice butter–washed Japanese whiskey and the Kimchi Killa martini. Zero-proof options such as Berry Basil Bliss offer the same thoughtful approach without alcohol. 411 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002-7025; opentable.com
Wintoberfest: Fall is the wine world’s anxiously-awaited harvest season, and the start of Oktoberfest. So Lulu’s Winegarden, beer garden-style wine bar just off U Street, is bridging the two celebrations with “Winetoberfest” – an autumnal pop-up from September 24-November 9. You can enjoy harvest wines, apple cider margaritas, cowboy boots of Oktoberfest festbier, and new fall fare while surrounded by grape vines, gourds and amber-hued foliage. 1940 11th Street NW; .luluswinegarden.com
We Love When It’s Cheesy (Happy Hour Alert): Cheesetique just launched a new happy hour with $5 - $9 food and drink specials from 3 - 6 PM. $9 signature drinks, including the Apple Martini, Oink Fashioned, and Del Ray Buzz. 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301; cheesetique.com
New Coffee Line: Yellow has collaborated with Lost Sock Roasters in Washington, D.C. to source, develop, and roast two blends that are unique and exclusive to YELLOW. Sungold is 70% washed Colombian + 30% washed Ethiopian blend with a sweet, approachable profile and tea-like structure. Poppy is a deeper 80% washed Brazilian + 20% natural sundried Ethiopian blend that’s chocolatey, nutty, and full-bodied with a touch of natural sweetness. Order here.
Tuesdays Are for Wine, Too: Mallard launches Wine Tuesdays, featuring 50% off select bottles from our curated list. Perfect for pairing with dinner, catching up at the bar, or discovering a new favorite without the splurge. mallarddc.com
