Get Dad tipsy for Father’s Day: 3 spirits for last-minute gifts

As parents of an almost-4-year old and a 15-month old, we don’t get out like we used to. This just means our bar cart is as robust as ever. I’m using Father’s Day as an excuse to replenish our supply. Here are a few ideas for last-minute gifts for pops.

 

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The new vintage is all dressed up and ready for a cocktailor a summer spritz!!

A post shared by Mommenpop Citrus Vermouths (@mommenpop) on May 25, 2019 at 11:57am PDT

Momenpop Vin D’Pampe Vermouth Rosé
From the California winery, Poe, comes a line of citrus-flavored vermouths. I spied this at The Organic Butcher and will gift my husband the grapefruit version. I’m sure he’ll add an amaro and tonic to turn this into a cocktail. // The Organic Butcher: 6712 Old Dominion Drive, McLean; $24

 

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This season, try on a new flavor: the beauty of bitter. Ambrosia, our newest Italian herbal liqueur, is a handcrafted, low-alcohol spirit. If you’re new to the bitter aperitivo scene, Ambrosia is a perfect introduction. As the least bitter aperitivo in the Don Ciccio range, it can be enjoyed as a festive spritzer, the ideal prelude to an evening out or an al fresco happy hour on your home patio. Salute!

A post shared by Don Ciccio & Figli Spirits (@donciccioefigli) on Jun 4, 2019 at 6:39am PDT

Don Ciccio & Figli Ambrosia
Ambrosia, the DC-based distiller’s sweeter version of Aperol, flush with blood orange, cantaloupe, carrots and turmeric, is the newest amaro from Italian-inspired Don Ciccio. We currently stock Donna Rosa Rabarbaro, Amaro Tonico Ferro-Kina and Finocchietto, and have drank or gifted most of their styles. There’s an amaro or cordial for anyone’s taste, and it’s a good excuse to try them all at the new headquarters in Icy City. // Don Ciccio: 1907 Fairview Ave. NE, Washington, DC; $35

 

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A post shared by Downtown Wine + Spirits (@dtwineknoxville) on Jul 5, 2018 at 9:29am PDT

Bonal Gentiane-Quina
This French aperitif works just as well as a nightcap. It’s a little bitter, very smooth and with its low-alcohol content, is also a great addition to cocktails to balance out flavors and add body. It keeps in the fridge for about a month. I first discovered Bonal and Byrrh (pronounced: beer, and my preferred aperitif) at The Whole Ox back when the Marshall butcher shop still served dinner. I’ve also picked up bottles at La Fromagerie in Old Town Alexandria and Red Apron in Mosaic District. // The Whole Ox: 8357 W. Main St., Marshall; Bonal $26; Byrrh $29

 

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A post shared by Ted’s Bulletin (@tedsbulletin) on Jun 9, 2019 at 6:46am PDT

News, events, etc.

Critic-favorite El Sol is opening a location in Vienna this fall. [Cision]

The Ballston location of Ted’s Bulletin is moving away from being known as a greasy spoon and toward a French brasserie. From the same owners, Sidekick is now open with a Wendy’s Frosty-and-fries croissant. [Eater, Eater]

The owners of World of Beer in One Loudoun will replace it with Jefferson Ale House. [The Burn]

Arlington’s House of Mandi is now the Egyptian-themed King of Koshary. [ARLnow]

Reminder: This is the last weekend for Ray’s the Steaks. [NVM]