D.C.'s Best Bars for Sipping Gin and Tonics

Gin, tonic water and a wedge of lime: the gin and tonic has simple ingredients and yet can be so versatile. Think fruit-infused tonic waters and unique garnishes other than a slice of citrus. Here are the DC bars you need to visit if you’re a fan of this classic cocktail.

This cocktail bar on 14th Street is known for it’s weekly rotating drink menu with colorful designs, quirky names and interesting ingredients. Even though the menu has unique options to choose from, you can never go wrong with the gin and tonic here. (1800 14th St., NW)

 

Pair your tapas with one of three speciality ‘Gintonics’ on Estadio’s menu: OId Raj gin and house-made orange thyme tonic, Tanqueray 10 and house-made elderflower citrus tonic or Plymouth gin and house-made winter spice tonic. (1520 14th St., NW; 202-319-1404)

Head to the small bar beneath Woodley Park’s New Heights Restaurant, and enjoy all of the gin and house-made tonics your heart desires. Choose from over 50 gins and six house-made tonics including flavors like cranberry jalapeno, ginger cumin and blood orange saffron. (2317 Calvert St., NW; 202-234-4110)

If you’re in Old Town, swing by Hotel Monaco’s restaurant/bar for a refreshing, signature gin and tonic made with Bombay East Gin, house-made tonic with hints of garden herbs, ginger, lime and grapefruit. (480 King St., Alexandria; 703-842-2790)

Although you may know Jose Andres’ Spanish tapas restaurant as a place for sangria, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find an entire section of the cocktail menu devoted to Gin and Tonics. Choose from six variations including the Barrel Aged with pickled ginger, allspice, orange and lemon; the Vegetal with fennel, radish and cubeb; and the London Dry with grapefruit, mint, lemon and white pepper. (480 7th St., NW; 202-628-7949)

Derek Brown’s Shaw outpost is a self-described “sherry and ham bar,” but you’ll also find a number of specialty cocktails and a Gin and Tonic on tap made with Green Hat gin, green apple and sage tonic. (1843 7th St., NW; 202-316-9396)

The aptly named restaurant by GW’s campus features the Tonic G&T with London Dry Gin, house-made lavender and lime tonic which is bottled in-house. (2036 G St., NW: 202-296-0211)

Wisdom
Labeled as “DC’s first dedicated cocktail parlour,” Wisdom is home to the largest selection of gin in the DMV area. As such, you’ll find everything you need here for your gin and tonic. If your love of gin surpasses most, join the Gin Club and receive member benefits including discounts on all gin cocktails and martinis. (1432 Pennsylvania Ave., SE; 202-543-2323)