Check out these local spots to enjoy a cocktail on St. Patrick's Day or any day of the year.
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Hundreds of revelers will be drinking the holiday staples of green beer, whiskey, and a ton of Guinness. If drinking artificially colored hops and straight whiskey shots aren't your cup of tea, you can still honor St. Patrick and experience the Irish culture with a nice mixed drink. Here are five D.C. bars that know the importance of a good Irish whiskey cocktail.
The Dubliner Restaurant and Pub
The Dubliner is a traditional Irish pub located steps from Columbus Circle in DC. In addition to a large selection of Irish whiskey, the Dubliner offers its namesake vintage, Dubliner. A number of the bar's traditional Irish cocktails are made with Dubliner including the "Irish Catholic," made with ginger syrup, lime, and a fizzy top-off. You can also enjoy Irish beer and classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish stew.
The Queen Vic
The Queen Vic is a quintessential British pub brought to life in DC. Patrons will find food and drink menus brimming with English favorites, including the first-come, first-serve special Sunday roast. The cocktail list is made up of simple concoctions that include beer and ciders. Irish whiskey lovers can sample the Jameson shandy, a generous drink made with Jameson, hard cider, Ribena; an English black currant soda, ginger ale, and soda. The Queen Vic even has a small shop where you can find British specialties to take home.
The Next Whisky Bar
Located inside the Watergate Hotel, The Next Whisky is an art installation with a bar. The walls in this quaint cocktail bar are made from custom whisky bottles, illuminated by soft, amber lighting. The Next Whisky serves whiskeys and bourbons from all over the world, including selections from Ireland. The “Scotch and Chai” is a dimensional cocktail made with Jameson Caskmate whiskey, vanilla cordial, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and club soda. The bar also has whiskey flights and a small food menu.
The Mirror
The Mirror is a little speakeasy located near the White House. Sister bar to Never Looked Better, The Mirror provides more of an upscale experience with a menu of prohibition-inspired craft cocktails. The bar has a unique Irish whiskey cocktail called "Cameron’s Kick" that includes whiskey, scotch, lemon, and orgeat, a syrup made with almonds, sugar, and rosewater. The Mirror opens daily at 5 p.m. and service is first-come, first-serve.
Duffy’s Irish Pub
This Dupont Circle bar is the place to go to watch any sport that involves a bar. The Irish pub offers a huge selection of draught beer and whiskey, along with a menu of all your sports bar food favorites. Are you a Bloody Mary fan? How about a Bloody Molly? Duffy’s version of the popular brunch cocktail includes a house-made mix, cucumber juice, and Irish whiskey. It’s topped off with a yummy Chesapeake chicken wing.
