Nightlife: Cocktails
By Katie Greenan and Dena Levitz / Photography by Erick Gibson
VIRTUE FEED AND GRAIN
Virtue Feed and Grain
106 S. Union St., Alexandria; 571-970-3669; virtuefeedgrain.com
You’ll find droppers, measuring cups and medicine bottles at this Old Town hot spot where making a noble cocktail boils down to chemistry. Bartenders spray cocktails with smoky liquor. You’ll leave feeling entertained with a good taste in your mouth.
Vermilion
1120 King St., Alexandria; 703-684-9669; vermilionrestaurant.com
At the top of King Street in Old Town sits a little something for everyone. This cozy bar draws crowds with its comfy couches and wooden bar. Meet up before an evening out and sample the cocktail of the month, featuring seasonal fruit.
Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-465-9360; thelibertytavern.com
With two wood-burning ovens in its kitchen, this modern bar serves more than fancy cocktails. Enjoy dinner upstairs in the dining room or grab a round of drinks with your buddies at the bar downstairs when it fills up.
Jackson 20
480 King S., Alexandria; 703-549-6080; jackson20.com
Located in Old Town Alexandria’s hip Hotel Monaco, Jackson 20 is known for bringing locals and out-of-towners together for comfort food and tummy-pleasing drinks—more than 15 specialty cocktail varieties. The tavern-inn also sells local beer from Port City Brew Company.
Columbia Firehouse
109 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria; 703-683-1776; columbiafirehouse.com
With robust history and longstanding cocktails like the Daiquiri, circa 1898, patrons keep coming back for more. The bartenders and servers always have time to chat and love boasting about the homemade spicy Italian sausage (a house favorite and a must try).
MUST TRY SIPS
| Thymes Like These
TNT If your poison is Gin ‘n Tonic, then “Thymes Like These” is a must try made with homemade gin and thyme lime. |
The Avenue
columbia firehouse The Avenue (Circa 1937) combines Maker’s Mark, passion fruit and homemade grenadine. |
Basil Gimlet
Vermilion While the extensive wine and whisky list may attract you, the classic basil gimlet with fresh basil and syrup with a squeeze of lime will make your visit sweet. |
| Lemony Laurel
virtue feed and grain The ‘Lemony Laurel’ is a must try made with roasted lemons, bay leaves and vodka. |
Grapefruit Buck
Liberty Tavern Feeling fruity? The Grapefruit Buck mixes grapefruit vodka, grapefruit, ginger beer and lime. |
Virginia Apple
Jackson 20 The Virginia Apple: the perfect mix of Busnel Calvados,10-year Tawny Port, cranberry juice, lime juice, Virginia Apple Syrup and cinnamon dust. |
(March 2013)
Trending in NoVA
Subscribe & Save
From restaurants and shopping, to local events and activities, our monthly magazine is a must-read for anyone living or working in NoVA.
Subscribe