By Susannah Black
Bored with cocktails garnished with olives and lemon? The craft cocktail craze has brought meat to the table … and the cocktail glass.
1. Norfolk Dumpling at PX
Mixologist Todd Thrasher combines his housemade duck soda sauce with Don Julio Anejo tequila, Macchu Pisco and cherry and lemon bitters for a unique cocktail, garnishing it with a shrimp cracker to match its title. / PX, 728 King Street, Alexandria.
2. Bacon Rebellion at Copperwood Tavern
Mixologist Boris Stojkovic creates a twist on the classic Old Fashioned: combining Wild Turkey 101, housemade orange maple syrup, aromatic bitters and garnishes it with a slice of crispy bacon. / Copperwood Tavern, 4021 Campbell Ave., Arlington.
3. Bloody Hogger at Columbia Firehouse
Columbia Firehouse‘s popular brunch cocktail has double the bacon flavor with Bakon (bacon-infused) vodka and house-cured bacon garnish; tomato juice and horseradish give the drink an extra kick. / Columbia Firehouse, 109 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria.
4. Evening Star Bloody Mary at Evening Star Cafe
Mixologist Evan Labb marries pickled green tomato juice, horseradish, Sriracha, Worcestershire, lemon and celery seeds for a brunch cocktail with a bacon and mini grilled cheese garnish. / Evening Star Café, 2000 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria.
