Summer Libations: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Summer Sip Roundup
Summer’s still 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.
Feeling flighty? Take a look at our list of fanciful flights, here.
Craving a martini? Check out our guide, here.
Craving something a little more…Amalfi? Don't miss our Spritz guide, here.
Looking to cool down out away from the sun? Take a peep at our list of underground bars, here.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Espanapalooza at Planet Wine: Planet Wine is hosting Españapalooza!, a seated wine tasting that will highlight the incredible diversity of Spain’s winemaking traditions. You will enjoy an informal yet educational tasting of 30 Spanish wines—sparkling, still, dry, and sweet—poured by a team of wine pros. For the first time, curated food packages from Hi-Fi and Evening Star will also be available to complement the wines. Saturday, September 6, 2025. Purchase tickets here.
Sicilian Wine Dinner at Iron Gate: Iron Gate is hosting four-course dinner paired with wines from Tenuta di Castellaro (Lipari Island, Sicily), hosted with special guest Daniele Sassi. Expect site-specific, organically farmed Aeolian Island varietals—including Malvasia delle Lipari, Carricante, Corinto Nero, Nero d’Avola—showcased alongside Chef Tony Chittum’s seasonal menu. The dinner is on September 10th. This intimate dinner offers a guided tasting and the stories behind these volcanic-island wines—paired thoughtfully with coastal-inspired dishes.1734 N St NW, Washington, DC; irongaterestaurantdc.com
Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts: Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts, presented with Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), is a two-day outdoor festival happening October 4–5, 2025, in the heart of Tysons, VA. Designed for all ages, this immersive event transforms the streets of Capital One Center into a multi-block celebration of the arts— featuring interactive installations, hands-on workshops, live music, and culinary experiences for every generation. More info here.
Shuck It: Early bird tickets are available for the Shuck It Oyster festival. 65 +dc tax per person* Join them for the 12th annual Georgetown Shuck It! Beer and Oyster Festival at Tony and Joe's! Saturday, October 18, 2025 1-5 pm ID required to enter. 21 and up. Get tickets 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 on September 18 and October 9 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:
Look Who’s Shaking: St. Anselm, Union Market's Americana-inspired steakhouse, is shaking things up with a brand-new cocktail program, rolling out fresh sips that bring a little extra personality to their rugged, yet refined bar program. Highlights include the Tequila Cocktail, a bright and bracing mix of Cazadores Blanco, red bitters, grapefruit, lime, and smoked salt that hits all the right notes of citrus and savor. For something playful, the Vodka & Bubbles blends Wheatley Vodka with passion fruit liqueur, vanilla, and lime, topped with bubbles for a sparkling finish. 1250 5th St NE; stanselmdc.com
New in the Morgan: Another French concept has been added to Adams Morgan early this September. Maison Bar à Vins is a moody and eclectic space that promises a full cellar with a wide selection of organic, biodynamic, & natural wines as a focal point. Their cocktails will all feature a wine-based ingredient or ingredient made by a winemaker, plus curated picks of cognacs, armagnacs, & calvados alongside French single malts and gins. The culinary program will feature plates like Eel Croquettes, Brioche Stuffed Chicken, and in-house made pastas that go beyond your standard bites at typical American wine bars. maisondc.com
80’s Heat In & Out: Get ready for a boozy blast from the past! New Beverage Director Michael Saccone has got the fever, reigniting the neon-soaked debauchery of 1980s Miami, and it's about to get WILD at Last Call Bar in the Union Market District. The daily Vice Hour brings $6 Mojitos all August long, plus every Sunday is "Sunglasses at Night" madness – bring your shades for $1 “Jello Bumps” after sundown. 1301-A 4th Street NW; .lastcallbardc.com
Entertainment Destination: Level99, a new entertainment destination that’s redefining the landscape of entertainment for adults. Spanning over 40,000 square feet, the venue features 50+ interactive mental and physical challenge rooms, Player-vs-Player arena duels, and stunning art installations—all created by Level99’s team of designers, creatives, engineers, and a network of independent artists. From puzzle-solving and agility tests to local art scavenger hunts, guests can explore the venue at their own pace or alongside friends in team formats (groups of 2-6.) Adding to the experience, Victory Brewing is the adjacent food and beverage anchor in the space with a bold, brewery-driven menu, handmade cocktails, and a rotating tap list of acclaimed beers and local favorites. Info here.
Ten is the Magic Number: Sababa has introduced a new weekday happy hour. 10 is the magic number for partaking in this new offering. You will find $10 well (rail) highballs as well as $10 select small plates. Sababa’s bartenders are also crafting a creative daily cocktail, also priced at $10. White wine and red wine, by the glass, are also available during Happy Hour. 3311 Connecticut Avenue, NW; sababauptown.com
BYOV(inyl): Join the team at Lapop every Tuesday from 5PM - 7 PM for a new weekly series, “Mixtape Tuesdays.” You are invited to “BYOV,” or “Bring Your Own Vinyl” to share their favorite record for the whole bar to enjoy, and the turntables are first come, first served. The team will have a curated drink menu to match the mood, whether you're dropping in post-work or settling in for the evening to mingle with fellow record lovers. The team will also partner with liquor brands like Rittenhouse Rye to Vago Elote Mezcal and Tequila Ocho tequila for experimental cocktails and pop-up experiences. Lapop
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
New Cocktail Series at Off the Record: Off The Record, the acclaimed bar at The Hay-Adams, has launched a new quarterly series that will introduce internationally inspired cocktails, each crafted by celebrated bars at fellow members of The Leading Hotels of the World. The first cocktail in the series, ‘The Lady,’ is now on the menu at Off The Record. Crafted by Zaccaria Medda, Food and Beverage Manager at The Place Firenze, The Lady exudes effervescence and elegance. A radiant blend of Campari, Select Aperitivo, Chambord, rose elixir, Cointreau, Prosecco, Peychaud’s Bitters, and garnished with candied orange peel and edible flowers, this signature cocktail encapsulates the artistic soul and convivial spirit of Florence’s famed aperitivo culture. hayadams.com
New in Georgetown: Flor. Coffee + Books, a Buenos Aires-inspired café and bookshop has officially opened. Flor. Coffee + Books will offer specialty coffee, including their own coffee blend from Georgetown’s Grace Street Coffee Roasters, Argentinian and French pastries and soft serve from Dolcezza. A whimsical gratitude machine called The Appreciation Station will dispense gratitude prompts to inspire intention-setting and journaling. The menu includes offerings such as Argentinian empanadas, chipás, medialunas, sandwiches, toasts, bowls, salads, and pastries, along with hot and iced espresso drinks, matcha and chai lattes, and loose-leaf teas. 1220 31st St., NW, @florcoffeeshop
The Butterfly Effect: Silver Lyan's annual menu release is based upon the mysteries of the Butterfly Effect, and the unexpected ways people, inventions, literature, flavors and culture are connected. Silver Lyan's bartenders-cum-storytellers weave together narratives and devise drinks on stories both hugely profound and little known, in a creative process taking nearly 9 months. Drinks include the Pikachu pop with Ketel One, pisco, kiwi ketchup, sauvignon blanc, mace, olive leaf and boldo soda. 900 F St. NW, Washington DC; silverlyan.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
