Poured & Ready: 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.  

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 

Cantillion: On Saturday, August 9th, The Sovereign will celebrate one of the best breweries in the world by pouring rare kegs of Cantillon, along with a selection of Cantillon bottles pulled from our private collection, and a limited amount of curated lambic gift sets. The draft list will include Classic Gueuze from 2014, plus 2017 Saint Lamvinus and even 2018 Lambic D’Aunis. thesovereigndc.com

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. 

Mallard Wine Dinner: Mallard is welcoming Cantina della Volta's Export Director, Giorgio Angiolini, to Mallard for an intimate four-course meal by Chef Hamilton Johnson paired with their gorgeous sparkling wines. Located in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy in an area made famous by Lambrusco production, Cantina della Volta has elevated itself beyond the production of Lambrusco alone. Their line of fine sparkling wines has helped to change what we know of the region by showcasing incredible elegance, balance, complexity, and arability. 1337 14th St NW; tickets here for August 7th. 

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: 

Happy Hour Arrives Late: Owen’s Tavern & Garden is turning up the flavor and fun after hours with the launch of its Late Night Happy Hour. From Tuesday through Friday, guests can enjoy exclusive food and drink specials starting at 9:30 PM—perfect for night owls, industry pros, and anyone craving a quality bite and sip after the dinner rush. 11820 Trade Street, North Bethesda, MD 20852; .owenstavern.com

Kick the Kegs: ChurchKey invites beer lovers to cap off their weekend with Kick the Kegs, a Sunday night tradition where select draft beers are just $5 each from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM — or until the kegs kick. No tickets or reservations needed — just show up and enjoy the fun. 1337 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005; churchkeydc.com

Summer in Amalfi (High Tea Alert): Escape to the Amalfi Coast without leaving the capital. Waldorf Astoria DC’s summer afternoon tea experience features vibrant coastal-inspired creations like Crispy Lemon Polenta, the elegant Waldorf Fabergé Egg, and a whimsical Pistachio Mousse “Gelato”, all paired with fragrant citrus-forward teas that evoke an Italian garden in full bloom. hilton.com

Weekday Winery Wins: Because summer shouldn’t have to wait for the weekend. Barrel Oak’s weekday deals offer an accessible and delicious way to enjoy Virginia wine country all week long. Monday – Charcuterie & Cheers; Tuesday – Industry Appreciation Day; Wednesday – Wine Lover’s Midweek Treat; Thursday – Pints & Pretzels, and Friday – All Day Happy Hour. 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144; barreloak.com

Vintage Cocktail Season: Buffalo & Bergen's Gina Chersevani and newly minted Beverage Director, Michael Saccone, are back together again, raising a glass to the past with their ingenious "Vintage Vendors" Summer Cocktail Menu—seven carefully crafted libations that tell the largely untold stories of the market's founding merchants through the universal language of really excellent drinks. Drinks include the Sol Solins Produce, a clarified tomato cocktail that would make its namesake fruit-and-vegetable vendor beam with pride - Tequila, Basil, Tomato, and Water, and more. 1309 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC; buffalobergendc.com

Crawl Before You Walk: This summer, locals and visitors alike are invited to (re)discover the historic charm and flavors of Capitol Hill with the Capitol Hill Crawl: A Taste of 202. Presented by three neighborhood staples – Barrel, The Eastern, and Union Pub, all part of the 202 Bars group – this experience offers a self-guided food and drink tour designed to showcase the best of the 202. The Crawl takes place every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, with brunch seatings at Barrel starting at 11:00 AM (last seating at 3:00 PM, 90-minute maximum). Tickets here. 

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

Just a Little Spritz: Corso has 5 new summer spritzes for the season. Try the limoncello spritz, malibu spritz, hugo spritz and more. 4024 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Virginia; corsoitalian.com

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: 

Spicy Pop Up:  Chacho, the jalapeño-infused aguardiente founded by DC entrepreneur Dan Ziegler, is turning up the heat this summer with the inaugural launch of Chacho Outpost, a spicy pop-up bar experience at the upstairs level of Le Mont Royal in Adams Morgan. You can sip on a rotating menu of specialty and classic cocktails, such as the Sassy Llama and Chacho-Rita, all showcasing the spicy jalapeño kick of Chacho’s signature spirit. chachousa.com

The Sisters Make Coffee: 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

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