Barbecue and beer are favorite summer pastimes, but what about when you’re in the mood for a cocktail? Thanks to the endless combinations of liquors and summer fruits, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail just as much as one that keeps you warm in the winter. Here are the top 5 cocktail bars in DC serving up, on the rocks and neat summer inspired cocktails.

The Atlas Room (1015 H St NE; 202-388-4020)
The Atlas Room is quaint, cozy restaurant where two of their staple cocktails are perfect for those summer months. The Rhum Punch consists of White and Gold Appleton's Rum, pineapple, orange, lemon, lime, and grenadine, and offers a nice balance of sweet and tangy thanks to the help of Angostura Bitters. It you’re looking for a tequila induced summer night, try the Fancy Tequila Daisy as refreshing alternative to a classic margarita, with simple ingredients that including Milagro Silver Tequila, lime, lemon, grenadine and club soda.

Off the Record (800 16th St NW; 202-638-6600)
The Hay-Adams Hotel is a classic Washington establishment, and Off the Record is the perfect place for a martini lunch or evening cocktail. The Blood Orange Sparkler is popular for the hotter months due to the balance of sweet and tartness of Martini Rosso vermouth, blood orange juice, simple syrup and a splash of prosecco. Another perfectly executed classic is Off the Record’s Hand-Squeezed Margarita, complete with Don Julio Silver tequila, cointreau, hand squeezed limes and agave nectar. New and improved is always fun, but sometime you just need an oldie but goodie.

Hogo(1017 7th St NW; 202-393-1313)
Hogo is a new tiki bar brought to you by the owners of The Passenger, and located right next door. With a daring cocktail list and laid back atmosphere, this bar is a great addition to the already hip neighborhood. Although known as a rum bar, the Bahía Ahumada is made with smoky Fidencio Mezcal, cream of coconut and pineapple. This cocktail will immediately transport you to your favorite beach paradise!

Dram & Grain (2007 18th St NW; 202-607-1572)
An exclusive speakeasy located in the basement of Jack & Rose, Dram & Grain is very high profile. You must make a reservation in advance and are only allowed 1.5 hours to finish your two drink minimum. Is it worth it? Yes, very much so. This chic bar has an ever changing creative drink menu, but one that stands out for summertime is the Airmail, bringing a ray of sun to even the most hidden speakeasy. Rum, honey, lime and sparkling wine rounds out the refreshing sophistication of this well executed cocktail.

The Rye Bar (1050 31st NW; 202-617-2400)
Georgetown is the perfect destination for cocktailing. If you’re looking for the ideal summer influenced beverage, make your way over to the Capella Hotel and enjoy sipping on barbecue. Sounds a bit odd, but the Rub & Rye cocktail at The Rye Bar is an explosion of an all-American summer, made with Tap 357 maple, fresh lemon and lime juice, peach lambic, grill room signature steak rub and barbecue bitters. If this smoky cocktail is a bit overwhelming, try the Apple Martini with a Rye Bar twist, which includes zu, seasonal apple, St. Germain and house rye cherry.

Photo: Atlas Room