Bring the fun of drinking around the world in Epcot to NoVA. Who needs to take a trip to Orlando when you have a variety of cultural drinks in the region? From Japan to Brazil, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, offer a variety of cultural libations that will transport you across the globe while staying close to home. Look at some of the best places to get international inspired drinks around NoVA.
Mexico
Mama Tigre
Mama Tigre offers an unexpected take on margaritas with an Indian influence. There’s a wide selection of flavors and styles, including guava, passionfruit, and habanero. For a traditional margarita, try out the Tigre Classic. For more adventurous taste buds, Mama Tigre offers specialty cocktails with flavorful elements such as jalapeno-infused tequila and a masala rim that perfectly combine Mexican and Indian tastes into fantastic fused concoctions.10443 White Granite Dr., Oakton
United Kingdom
Hawk & Griffin
Experience a traditional English pub in Vienna. With the United Kingdom flag flying and decorations such as a London telephone booth and a life-size cutout of the king, Hawk & Griffin transports patrons from downtown Vienna to the Edwardian-era United Kingdom. The pub offers a wide selection of beers on tap, including some directly imported from Britain. Pair your brew with a warm heap of fish and chips or cottage pie for a proper English experience. 435 Maple Ave. W., Vienna
Germany
Bronson Bierhall
This bar brings the taste of Germany to NoVA through authentic German-style menu. The beer menu features taps from Munich, Fraizing, Frankfurt, and more. Try out the Paulaner Original Munich Lager with a bright gold hue and a pure white crown for a classic German taste. 4100 Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Caribbean
Colada Shop
The founder of this popular Cuban spot brings vibrant flavors of her home in the Caribbean to the DMV. Though it began in DC, Colada shop has grown to serve multiple locations in Northern Virginia, including Clarendon and the Mosaic District. Try the mojito or piña colada for delicious and timeless Caribbean classics. If you are not feeling a cocktail, check out the variety of Caribbean-inspired coffee and smoothie options. 2811 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 2020 District Ave., Ste. 180, Fairfax
China
Songbird
Songbird combines Chinese and American cocktails for an unforgettable cultural fusion. Try its version of a classic American old fashioned that incorporates Japanese whiskey and cherry flavor. Other highlights are the HK Milk Tea Punch and lychee pearl drinks, both twists on traditional classics that combine Asian and American elements seamlessly. 10940 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Japan
Genki Izakaya
Try out a fresh and creative interpretation of Japanese cuisine and drinks. The menu offers a variety of Japanese beer and sake, sourced directly from Japanese suppliers. Cocktail selections feature fusions such as the ube colada, which combines the popular Filipino purple starch with a classic Caribbean colada. Another must-try item is the Blooming Asagao, which consists of purple gin, sake, lychee liqueur, and a smoke bubble on top. 9508 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
France
Bastille Brasserie & Bar
Sip wine and refreshing cocktails at this charming Alexandria brasserie. Get a taste of French sophistication from the “Coq-Tails” list, with options like the barrel-aged white negroni made with honey and hibiscus-infused gin, Suze, and Lillet Blanc and the Bastille old fashioned. You can’t go wrong with wine either, with a list that includes bottles from Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and more. There’s even an option for half-glass pours. 606 N. Fayette St., Alexandria
Italy
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
Not only can you taste authentic Italian wines, you can also pair them with a heaping of delicious homemade pasta. Wines are served by the glass and organized by region with selections from southern Italy, Northern Italy, Tuscany, and more. The housemade sangrias with Italian flavors such as limoncello, Moscato, and chianti are other great options. 100 King St., Alexandria
India
Lassan
Inspired by their Indian heritage, Lassan’s owners invite guests to visit where tradition and passion converge for a modern dining experience. The drink menu includes Indian beer and flavorful cocktail selections. The signature Lassan cocktail combines housemade garlic syrup with tequila reposado and tops it off with a Tajin rim for a flavorful taste of India right in Virginia. 6413 Shiplett Blvd., Burke
Thailand
Tiki Thai
Upon entering Tiki Thai, guests are immediately transported to a tropical oasis with colorful decorations inspired by Polynesian culture. The menu is inspired by Thailand’s rich culinary history and that of nearby countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The cocktail menu has a wide selection of enticing flavors, but the must-try items are the multiple mai tai variations. There’s the tropical rum cocktail, plus a version that incorporates grapefruit and honey, one with pistachio and orange blossom bitters, and a “Rye Thai” that adds whiskey into the mix. 12100 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston; 1651 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Brazil
Fogo De Chão
Taste the flavors of South America. This restaurant started out of the countryside of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and now has grown to serve locations across North and South America without compromising its traditional Brazilian roots. The cocktail menu is filled with South American influence, including various flavors of a caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink. 11915 Democracy Dr., Reston; 1775 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 50, Tysons
Middle East
Maydān
The trek to DC is worth it for this Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant and bar. The food and drink menus feature flavors from across the Middle East for a distinctive experience that’s hard to come by. The cocktail menu incorporates Middle Eastern flavors into concoctions such as the Ottoman old fashioned and za’atar martini. The zero-proof selections are also must-tries, such as the grape and blackcurrant flavored Vimto soda and the Loomi-ade, with flavors of cardamom and bay leaf. 1346 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image of Mama Tigre by Rey Lopez
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