How does that old adage go again? Oh, yes, the phone always eats first. Truer words have never been spoken (or written, in this case). We live in the age of millennials waving their phones in the air, trying to get the best shot of whatever dish or drink is put in front of them. These picture-perfect cocktails are totally Instagram ready, so head to these bars, snap a pic, and sip on these more-than-pretty cocktails.
The Capitol Riverfront location of the pizzeria and Italian restaurant offers Italian Water Ice Cocktails in two flavors. In addition to being the perfect cooldown concoction for the summer heat - both cocktails are served in picturesque glasses with an ombre color effect from the drinks’ ingredients. Choose whichever floats your boat - the Mario, made with vodka-lemon ice and a boozy cherry float or the Wario with tequila-grapefruit ice and an amari cocktail float. (79 Potomac Ave, SE; 202-629-1894)
The recently-opened Mexican spot in Silver Spring boasts vibrant, colorful interiors in addition to good-tasting and good-looking cocktails - check out their Michelada made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices and peppers, served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. (8407 Ramsey Ave, Silver Spring; 301-755-6132)
NoMa newcomer, The Eleanor, doubles as a bowling lounge and bar and serves up a slew of cocktails perfect for the ‘gram. The Shower G & T is a dream in a glass - New Columbia Citrus, Fever Tree, Mediterranean tonic, star anise, blood orange slice come together in a colorful swirl, topped with a sprig of rosemary. (100 Florida Ave NE, 202-758-2235)
The modern French brasserie is the perfect respite from the downtown office craziness. Pop in for an after-work drink and order the Burgundy Ice: Aperol, Par Cider, Don Ciccio Finocchietto and Sauvignon Blanc. (1725 DeSales St, NW; 202-506-6856)
Head to the Petworth eatery’s rooftop - dubbed Coco Beach for the summertime - and indulge in the most picture-worthy cocktails. Try all of the cocktails (obviously), but don’t forget to snap a pic of Kermit Goes on Vacation: Mezcal, pineapple, lime, passionfruit, yellow chartreuse, and orgeat served in a parrot-shaped vessel. (3907 14th St, NW; 202-853-9889)
The Palisades location of the Italian restaurant serves up more than just some of the best cacio e pepe in the city. Order the refreshing (and photogenic) Il Bellino made with prosecco and mango sorbet. (4814 MacArthur Blvd, NW; 202-506-6683)
The boozy sno-cones at The Deck (Casolare’s outdoor patio) were made for Instagram - choose from summery flavors including the Strawberry Sunset but make a social media statement with the Blue Passion Lagoon with Vodka, Triple Sec, Blue Passion, and Cherry Jam - bright, colorful, and sure to make waves on Instagram. (2505 Wisconsin Ave, NW; 202-625-5400)
The New England-style seafood house in Navy Yard offers up picturesque views of the waterfront while also serving up one of the most Instagram-worthy cocktails. The Del’s Shandy is a frozen concoction made of vodka, lemon, Narragansett Del’s and Cherry Heering - served in a bright yellow and green branded Narragansett cup. Hold this up to the horizon with the water in the background and you’ve got yourself a perfect Instagram shot. (79 Potomac Ave, SE; 202-506-2368)
Photo via Les Desales
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