Get into the local spirit by discovering some of DC’s craft distilleries and the products made right here in the nation’s capital. Here are some of our favorite spots to sample locally-made liquors.

 

For home-grown rum, look no further than the city’s first rum distillery, Cotton & Reed. Steps from Union Market, the distillery offers a range of spirits including white rum, dry spiced rum, and an allspice dram. Snag samples during a back-of-house tour or pony up to the full bar located at the front of the distillery to sip on cocktails utilizing the product including the Dram Rickey with allspice dram, lime, soda, chartreuse; and the Liquid Nostalgia with bitter orange soda and white rum. (Distillery and bar located at 1330 5th St, NE; 202-544-2805)

 

Bringing flavors from the Amalfi Coast, the local distillery creates Italian-inspired spirits and liqueurs perfect for traditional cocktails such as spritzes and negronis. Utilizing family recipes, small-batched spirits include Cerasum (a bitter aperitivo best used in negronis), Amaro Don Fernet (barrel aged for 12 months), and a refreshing limoncello. Find their products city-wide, including at U Street bar, Fainting Goat for the James Stewart: Filibuster Bourbon, Don Cioccio Finocchietto, Bittermans tiki bitters. (Distillery located at 6301 Kansas Ave, NW; 202-957-7792)

 

Re-established in 2015, the distillery dates back to the late 1800’s and brings a storied history of producing award-winning spirits. Head to the distillery where you can take a tour and discover the story behind their bourbon, vodka, and gin products. You can purchase spirits at the distillery and find the brand at pop up events around town. (Distillery located at 2052 West Virginia Ave, NE; 202-450-3518)

 

The distillery’s name is a nod to the Constitution section that established DC as the nation’s capital (Article One, Section Eight) and it proudly features a range of District Made spirits including DC’s first 100% locally-made bourbon. Other products include whiskey, gin and vodka - find them at a number of retailers around the city and bars. (Distillery located at 1135 Okie St, NE; 202-636-6638)

 

The woman-owned distillery in Ivy City produces small batch spirits including vodka, bourbon, rye, and a recently released apple brandy. Schedule a tour to taste or pop by the tasting room’s bar to sip on classic cocktails from the menu including a Moscow Mule, Bourbon Smash, and Old Fashioned. Find their products at well-known watering holes and restaurants including A Rake’s Progress, 2 Birds 1 Stone, All Purpose, Bar Charley and more. (Distillery located at 1369 New York Ave, NE; 202-733-3996)