Sometimes half the fun of ordering a tasty cocktail or novelty drink is marveling at the presentation. Bright colors and garnishes can create an experience that is just as exciting for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. These drinks are so Instagrammable. Before you take a sip, you know you’ll want to take a picture to share with your friends and followers. Here are seven spots in NoVA where you can order a cocktail or concoction that’s fit for the grid, feed, or story.
Thompson Italian
This casual family restaurant doesn’t shy away from creating some of the most intriguing cocktails in the area. It announced that it’s taken the flavors of its famous cannoli and turned them into an exciting new drink — the Cannoli Martini. Available exclusively at its Alexandria location, the elegant delight combines bourbon, Baileys Almande, Crème de Cacao, cream, pistachio, orange zest, and Maldon salt for a perfect post-dinner cocktail. Also at the Alexandria location, check out the the Dolce Vita, a gorgeous rum and pineapple liquor concoction, or the All the Smoke, which pairs Kumquat-infused mezcal with charred blood orange cordial, housemade bay leaf soda, smoked orange bitters, and black salt. At Falls Church, take a dive into Trainspotting, a whiskey sour made with a scotch blend, winter-spice honey syrup, lemon, and a Chianti float. 1024 King St., Alexandria; 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church VA
Salt
Salt takes cocktails to a whole new level with its expansive menu of scrumptious and stunning drinks. The cozy, intimate vibe creates the perfect space to enjoy a drink with friends — and get a moody shot for the ‘gram. The drinks menu is always evolving. Each week Salt features a “Captain,” a novelty drink created by bartenders for a short time, and the menu rotates through seasonal drinks. Current seasonal offerings include Cat Called Thyme (gin with Côté Mas Brut, thyme, pomegranate, pear, sage, and fresh lemon), and Sunset in Lima (hibiscus oolong–infused Macchu Pisco with rum, raspberry, tamarind, lemon, egg white, and cranberry and orange bitters). 1201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Makers Union Pub
Makers Union Pub promises a laid-back environment to catch up with friends or watch the game, but that doesn’t mean it plays it safe when it comes to whipping up creative cocktails. Order the Magical Sage, a refreshing drink made with vodka, lemon, elderflower, sage, and peaflower, for an eccentric and colorful libation. Another drink sure to stun is the Riff, featuring Suntory Whisky Toki, housemade honey ginger syrup, and fresh honeycomb. 1811 Library St., Reston; 1450 S. Eads St., Ste. 65, Arlington
The Conche
Don’t be afraid to indulge in the show-stopping chocolate desserts while sipping on the libation of your choice. Check out the Autumn Fall, combining bourbon, lemon, honey syrup, and spiced apple cider with a salted caramel and graham cracker rim, or The Moussetache, pairing vodka, Baileys, Crème de Cacao, milk chocolate, chocolate mousse, and chocolate shavings for a sweet treat. The Conche also offers cocktail making classes for those who’d like to recreate the magical of a beautiful drink at home. 1605 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg
Agora
Agora is known for its delightful weekend brunch and fusion of Mediterranean flavors, but the chic restaurant is also a wonderful spot for craft cocktails, often with a Mediterranean twist. Try the Thyme to Bloom, a combination of fig-infused vodka and prosecco, honey-thyme syrup, and lemon. Or try the Istanbul Bey, jalapeño–infused tequila with red wine float, passionfruit, pineapple, and lime. 7911 Westpark Dr., Tysons
Gute Leute Coffee Bar
This Korean coffee shop in Arlington offers more than your standard latte or cappuccino. One of the menu highlights is a by reservation, weekend-only, three-course tasting event of seasonal espresso drinks, each one more photogenic than the last. Drinks may include a bubble espresso (yes, there really is a giant bubble that pops on top!) and the lavender float, a delicate and pretty drink with dried flowers. Gute Leute Coffee Bar proves that it’s not just cocktails that can play around with presentation. 800 N. Glebe Rd., Ste. 100, Arlington
Astro Doughnuts
Although it may be known for its fried chicken and doughnuts, Astro Doughnuts can also whip up some unreal seasonal drinks. The limited edition Cosmic Cocoa, available exclusively at the Shirlington location on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, is as magical and decadent as it sounds. This drink, available through the end of winter, features housemade chocolate syrup with steamed milk, toasted meringue, and mini chocolate chips. 4005 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Feature image of Dolce Vita by Steve Vilnit
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