Summer Sips: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Summer Cocktail Roundup
Summer’s here, and the DMV’s bars are raising the bar, literally. Think crisp spritzes, herb-packed coolers and icy cocktails made for sunny days and sultry nights. We’ve rounded up the most refreshing summer sips shaking things up this season.
Thirsty for more? Don’t miss our Patio Pleasure & our Up On The Roof guides for the best al fresco food + drink.
Rose Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't sip all summer long. Check out our favorite spots to pour a glass of pink, here.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Embassy Chef Challenge: The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge is a gathering of Embassy chefs from around the world, showcasing the unique flavors of their home countries in a friendly, delicious culinary competition. The 2025 Challenge is expecting participation from over 30 embassies, offering an immersive, global foodie experience only possible in Washington, DC. Thursday, July 10, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Info here.
Bethesda Yappy Hour: Mark your calendars, because your pup's favorite party is coming back. Yappy Hour is back to Elm Street Urban Park this summer and fall starting July 17th, with pop-up dog parks for large and small dogs, live music, and food and beverages for sale. Info here.
Snallygaster: On October 11, 2025 the merry monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its 13th year as a rollicking tribute to the wonderful world of craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle + can pours from 175+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. info here.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
A Thirst for Danger (Happy Hour Alert): Lucky Danger launches happy hour food and drink specials every day it’s open (Tues. - Sat) at the front bar only. Enjoy $8 cocktails, including: Mandarin Mule with spiced mandarin syrup, vodka lime, and ginger; the Singapore sling–gin, benedictine, cherry herring, orange liqueur, pineapple, lime, and angostura bitters; and Lucky’s G&T with gin, melon, green tea and mint. luckydanger.co
Las Hermanas: The Square has opened of Las Hermanas Coffee Shop, a vibrant new café built on resilience, love, and sisterhood. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Nativo, Las Hermanas is co-owned by Keren and Nataly Moreno, two sisters originally from Honduras who are bringing warmth, heritage, and exceptional coffee to downtown D.C. Guests can expect expertly crafted drinks made with house-made syrups, refreshing new favorites like mango and strawberry matcha, and a tempting array of pastries including gluten-free muffins, banana bread and an indulgent croissant bread pudding topped with homemade whipped cream. 1850 K St NW Washington, D.C.; Thesquare.com
Weekday Winery Wins: Barrel Oak has new weekday specials. On Wednesday, wine lovers can enjoy 25% off all bottles of wine and $5 glasses of select wines. Thursdays are pints and pretzels and fridays are all-day happy hours. 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144; barreloak.com
Sangria Season: It is sangria season at Jaleo with the restaurant offering six seasonal sangrias. Favorites include Sangría roja la sueca – A fresh, fruity classic made with garnacha and tempranillo, Sangría de sandía – White wine, watermelon macerado, gin, and white vermouth, Sangría de cava – Cava, blackberry macerado, gin, and white vermouth. jaleo.com
Beer, Here: Denizens has introduced the new Animal Hazy IPA, which is a New England-style or Hazy India Pale Ale. They first added this beer to their offerings in 2019 as a way to make sure they were satisfying modern craft beer drinking preferences. This beer style is known for juicy, tropical flavors and has less bitterness than its West Coast counterpart. denizensbrewingco.com
Cuz We’re Happy (Happy Hour Alert): Nina May has launched a brand-new Happy Hour, served Tuesday through Friday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Try cocktails like Raspberry Highball – vodka, raspberry, mint, seltzer, and many more. 1337 11th St NW; ninamaydc.com
Beer and a Burger? Wine?: Ease into the week with Wine Tuesdays at Mallard. Get 50% off select bottles from the curated list. 1337 14th Street NW; mallarddc.com
International Spritz Season: Italy: Lyle’s invites you to embark on a European escape–no flight required–with their Summer of Spritz, a month-long series spotlighting the continent’s most iconic destinations through refreshing spritzes and curated bites. The first week through July 6th is Limoncello spritz paired with arancini bites, asparagus, and lemon dip. 1731 New Hampshire Ave NW; lyledc.com
Fleur de Ciel Pop Up: Say santé to Fleur de Ciel, Ciel Downtown's chic new summer pop-up in partnership with Maison Perrier-Jouët. Sip on summer-infused cocktails like the Jardin de Pêches (Jefferson Bourbon, peach syrup, mint, Perrier-Jouët Champagne) 601 K St NW; cielsocialclub.com
Tea Time: Step into a world where sophistication meets spirited indulgence—The St. Regis Society Afternoon Tea is a modern affair inspired by long lunches, sun-drenched garden salons, and a touch of old-world glamour. Seasonal scones with classic accompaniments and a curated tea selection—ranging from bold Darjeeling to fragrant herbal infusions—round out this indulgent escape, with champagne and craft cocktails available to elevate the occasion even further. 923 16th St NW; marriott.com
Amalfi Summer, Thai Surprise (High Tea Alert): Flore Cafe has launched a new "Amalfi Summer, Thai Surprise," tea experience. Flore Café offers specially curated cocktails and mocktails by The Rowing Club at Sisters Tysons, available for an additional charge. Enjoy cocktails like Limone Bliss (Tito's Vodka, Limoncello, Yuzu Purée) and Citrus Serenade (Malfy Gin Rosa, grapefruit juice, sparkling wine), or refreshing mocktails such as Sorrento Shine and Blush Coast. 7735 Capital One Tower Road; Florecafe.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
This is Refreshing: Gray Whale Gin has launched a new Gray Whale Gin Coastal Refreshment Kit. It includes a bottle of Gray Whale Gin, Sand Cloud towel, Gray Whale Gin pitcher and recipe card – a deal at $89.99 (the gin & towel retail for $40 & $62 alone). Order here.
Sunday Spritz All Day (Happy Hour Alert): Just in time for summer, Blagden Alley backyard bar Calico is launching a new “Sunday Spritz” all-day happy hour featuring discounted spritzes and tomato pie combos. Just in time for summer, Blagden Alley backyard bar Calico is launching a new “Sunday Spritz” all-day happy hour featuring discounted spritzes and tomato pie combos. 50 Blagden Alley NW; calicodc.com
Flights of Fancy: Just in time for the heat wave, Immigrant Food’s locations at Planet Word (DC) and Ballston (VA) have just launched a new “Summer Cocktail Flight” of six all new cocktails. For only $23 for the flight (or $15 for individuals!), guests can try new creations like the "Spicy ‘N Stormy” (Cachaça, brown sugar, honey and Thai chili), the “Verano Italiano” (Bombay Sapphire gin, burrata, Luxardo, lime & basil), and the “Cafe Negroni” (Handcrafted Indian vodka, coffee-infused vermouth & Campari). They are also launching their off their new “Intern Socials” every Thursday! Throughout the summer, IF will offer a special menu of $5 happy hour deals from 6pm until close for interns with a valid student ID. immigrantfood.com
The Greatest (Hits) Sips: North Italia is launching its annual Summer Sips campaign, this year mixing music and mixology with “The Greatest Sips.”Hitting menus nationwide on July 2 and running through September 1, the campaign features 16 limited-edition drinks created by bartenders across the country, all inspired by iconic songs of the summer. Three cocktails and a zero-proof beverage will be available nationwide, while others will be crafted exclusively for the tastes of their region. See below for all the drink details and descriptions. northitalia.com
Tokyo in Tysons: A new restaurant has opened in Tysons called the Naisho Room. Naisho (meaning “secret” in Japanese) is both the name and the ethos of this dimly lit, design-driven space. With just a few nights of service each week, and reservations reviewed one by one, The Naisho Room is already one of the hardest seats to secure in the DC area. Those who make it inside are rewarded with skyline views, immersive ambiance, a bar program built around rare Japanese spirits, and artful bites from Wren’s Executive Sushi Chef, Hobin Kim.1825 Capital One Dr, Tysons, VA 22102; Instagram
Feeling Frozen: Paraíso has officially launched their frozen margarita bar in their private “Frida Room” just in time for summer, with more frozens, coffee cocktails, and all new paired tapas. From 4-10 PM every Thursday-Saturday, stop into this dimly lit, vibrant private bar space to enjoy music and sip on favorites like frozen Mango Chamoy Margarita, made with tequila, mango, lime and chamoy. 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; paraisotaqueria.com
Mah Jongg Players Alert: JOY by Seven Reasons invites you to come play the classic Chinese game over bites and specialty cocktails inspired by the game. Highlights from the menu include 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). Led by instructor Caryn Fagan, this experience is available on select Mondays, starting at 6 pm. You can also rent the Mah Jogg set if they’re familiar with the game. 5471 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase; joy.com
