While the weather outside is not yet frightful, the chillier temperatures are sure to keep you inside. Don’t hide under your blanket until the weather warms up again. Try out one of these best fall cocktails and warm yourself up today.
Proof
775 G St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 737-7663
www.proofdc.com
What better way to warm yourself up this fall than with a cocktail made from whiskey? At Proof, patrons will find a wide selection of cocktails including the King Cole, which features Rittenhouse rye whiskey, Fernet Branca, simple syrup, cherry and orange. Enjoy your drink with a delicious cheese plate or a roasted Long Island duck breast. All meals provided by Proof feature the best local and organic ingredients. The restaurant is also known for its extensive wine list, with over 40 by-the-glass options as well as 1,000 different bottles to choose from.
Iron Gate Restaurant
1734 N St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 524-5202
www.irongaterestaurantdc.com
For a drink that makes you feel warm and tingly, look no further than a glass of red wine. Iron Gate Restaurant features an extensive red wine list from different countries including Greece, Italy, Sicily and Lebanon. Splurge on a bottle and fight off that autumn air all night long. The Iron Gate Restaurant offers a variety of seasonal tastes including breads, pies and appetizers including the oak roasted mushrooms or the salumi pie with ham, salami, aged provolone and tomato marmalade. Sample a variety of meals off of the tasting menu or enjoy a delicious dessert.
Related: Best Rum Cocktails in Washington DC
Bar Charley
1825 18th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 627-2183
www.barcharley.com
Warm up with a cup of Irish coffee at Bar Charley, a cozy neighborhood restaurant and bar located in the lively Dupont Circle. Made with Powers Irish whiskey, Zeke’s coffee, slightly whipped ginger cream and brown sugar, this drink will make you forget the change in seasons. Sip your Irish coffee while noshing on a tasty treat, like a plate of fire grilled artichokes or a brown butter trout. Bar Charley offers a classic food menu with a modern twist. Made with the freshest ingredients, the restaurant offers appetizers, burgers, salads, seafood, main dishes and dessert.
Co Co Sala
929 F St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-4265
www.cocosala.com
Autumn may mean colder temperatures, but it also brings about a popular holiday: Halloween. Indulge your sweet tooth with the help of the “mmm” malted milk martini, which features Svedka vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish Crème and malted chocolate. Co Co Sala is a chocolate lover’s paradise. Decadent desserts include the chocolate onyx, which features dark chocolate mousse, vanilla crème brulee, salted caramel, crispy chocolate pearls, dark chocolate sorbet and a cinnamon toffee bon bon. Or, try the Co Co cupcake chaser, a chocolate cupcake injected with your choice of liqueur. The restaurant also offers an evening menu as well as a weekend brunch menu.
Masa 14
1825 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 328-1414
www.masa14.com
If you’re in search of an instant way to warm up, then check out the Taisetsu “Ice Dome” Junmai Ginjo. This Japanese-style sake is slow-aged in an igloo while blended with floral notes as well as pears and plums. The outcome is a medium-dry sake with a creamy texture and finish. Enjoy this drink with a plate of the best sushi. Try the golden eel, scorpion or seared salmon roll. Masa 14 offers a variety of other delicious meals as well including Korean grilled hammer steak, tuna sashimi flatbread and the shrimp and bulgogi fried rice. For those with gluten allergies, the restaurant also offers a variety of gluten-free meals.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
