Spooky Spirits: 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 

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. 

Sherry Week at Casa Teresa: Get ready for a delightful day at The Square filled with all things sherry as we celebrate the 5th Anniversary of DC’s Mini-Sherry Fair during Sherry Week. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or curious newcomer, this event is the ultimate celebration of one of Spain’s most iconic wines. You will enjoy tastings of more than 20 different sherries from top winemakers, try their hand at a traditional venencia pour, and take part in exclusive classes and demos including cocktail-making sessions and jamón carving workshops (available for an additional purchase). Happening Saturday, November 9, 2025 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. 1850 K Street NW, Washington, DC; teresadc.com

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. 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: 

She’s a Beauty: Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique has been recognized as a 2025 Steward of Virginia Wine by the Virginia Wine Board, an honor that celebrates businesses going above and beyond to champion Virginia’s dynamic and growing wine industry. Owner Zena Polin has made it her mission to showcase the craftsmanship of Virginia winemakers through tastings, themed flights, the Bellezza Wine Club and collaborations that connect guests with the people behind the wines. 576 23rd Street South, Arlington, VA 22202; beautychampagneandsugar.com

Moving Movember: Pisco y Nazca will “man up for health” by donating a portion of proceeds from its specialty cocktail, El Macho, to support Movember. Now through Sunday, November 30th, Pisco y Nazca will proudly donate $1 to Men’s Health Research for every El Macho sold. The El Macho is made with Old Forester Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, house-made Poblano Syrup, and topped with rhubarb and angostura bitters. 1823 L Street NW; piscoynazca.com

Let’s Snug:  The Snug with The Macallan at The Ritz-Carlton has recently opened. This intimate venue is D.C.'s newest must-visit luxury destination, built around a curated, bespoke experience. The space features one of the largest regional collections of The Macallan, including limited-edition expressions like Art is the Flower and TIME : SPACE Mastery. It also offers specialized small plates from Chef Enrique Limardo and upcoming premium Macallan tasting experiences. The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. | 1150 22nd St NW Washington, DC 20037; sevenreasonsgroup.com

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 the 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; and more. 855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004; minibarbyjoseandres.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

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

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

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

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: 

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

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

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

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

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.