The Week in Sips: 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.
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.
French Wine Tasting at The Roost: Join the Roost to celebrate their favorite thirty French wines. They are breaking this thing into 2 sessions (12-2 pm and 3-5 pm)with six stations and unlimited tasting, so please get your tickets now to secure your preferred time slot. The price is $45 per person to taste through all of their favorite wines. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Info 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.
Shuck It!: Early bird tickets are available for the Shuck It Oyster festival for $65/person. Join them for the 12th annual Georgetown Shuck It! Beer and Oyster Festival at Tony and Joe's! Saturday, October 18, 2025 1:00 to 5:00 pm; 21 and up. Get tickets 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:
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
Ready for the Wine Challenge?: Truluck’s is inviting guests to put their palates to the test with the Sommelier’s Secret Red Wine Challenge. Here’s how it works: guests can order a $20 mystery glass of red wine. If they guess the exact wine correctly, it’s free. What’s more, the wines are likely valued at more than $20 – but no matter, you’re never paying above that price. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned oenophile, it’s a chance to explore bold reds from Bordeaux to Napa while adding an interactive twist to your night out. trulucks.com
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
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
That’s Italian (Happy Hour Alert): Acqua Bistecca, Washington D.C.’s new Italian-inspired steakhouse, invites guests to unwind midweek with its 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. 10 Ridge Square, CityRidge Development Washington, D.C.; theminagroup.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
Dip & Sip (Happy Hour Alert): NAJA Mediterranean, located in the heart of Mosaic District, has launched Happy Hour, happening at the bar and on the patio seven days a week from 4–7 PM. You can enjoy discounted cocktails like the Vino (elderflower, Aperol, sparkling wine) and the NAJA Old Fashioned (bourbon, baharat spice, cardamom), along with specials on glasses and bottles of wine and draft beers. 2911 District Ave, Unit 140, Fairfax, VA 22031; najamediterranean.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
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
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.
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
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
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
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
What’s Behind the Flower Shop?: Founded by legendary bartender Renato “Tato” Giovannoni and hospitality veteran Alex Resnik, Florería and Brasero are inspired by the cultural tides that have shaped Argentina since the late 19th century. These spaces celebrate the convergence of culinary influences—Italian, French, Spanish, Jewish, Lebanese—brought by immigrants who arrived through the Atlantic. With their Washington, D.C. debut, Florería Atlántico and Brasero Atlántico bring with them not only world-class cocktails and cuisine, but a deeper celebration of immigrant stories and Atlantic crossings—past and present. 1066 Wisconsin Ave NW;
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
Sounds Proper: Founded by Will Strozier and Rob Zahn of Proper 21, Proper Bar brings refined American bistro cuisine together with a vibrant bar program and live piano entertainment, all within a stylish and welcoming setting. With exceptional hospitality, craft cocktails, and a seasonally inspired menu at its core, Proper Bar offers an experience that feels both elevated and approachable. properbar.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.
House Wine: RPM Restaurants will begin pouring its debut collection of three expertly blended single-vineyard wines—52W Cabernet Sauvignon, Cèpe d'Été Chardonnay and Three Kings Pinot Noir. A collaboration years in the making, the RPM wine team, led by Beverage Partner Richard Hanauer and RPM Steak Wine Director Brennan Sopko, worked hand-in-hand with acclaimed California Central Coast winemaker Andrew Jones of Field Recordings, to bring these bottles from vine to table. RPM.com
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
Go West: After celebrated openings in Los Angeles and New York, Desert 5 Spot–a popular country western bar and live music venue–is heading east once again. Signature drinks include the Ring of Fire (mezcal, Ancho Reyes, prickly pear, lime) the Jolene (tequila, strawberry, watermelon, lime) and the Dropkick Me, Jesus (Ilegal Mezcal, green Chartreuse, chile, lime) plus frozen cocktails and large format options. desertfivespot.com
