Photo by maxedaperture.

Drink of the Week: The Rickey, D.C.’s native cocktail

Where: These 25 fine establishments.

Happy belated Rickey Month! It turns out that July is good for something besides sweating your face off. Last year, the rickey was named the city’s official cocktail, and the D.C. Bartender’s Guild has dubbed July the libation’s official month. There’s still plenty of time to grab your rickey ticket, and sample one of the 35 different versions being served up at various local bars all month long.

For the uninitiated, a rickey is a refreshing concoction of gin or bourbon, half a lime, and club soda. Simple and crisp, it’s perfect for a sweltering July day. However, the rickeys being served this month contain far more than just lime and soda. Bartenders from the likes of Jack Rose, The Passenger, Tabard Inn, and many more have whipped up their own versions as part of a month-long contest. Unusual additions include smoked juniper, celery, beer, jerk spices, and ligonberries.

The parade of rickeys will culminate in party on August 5 at Jack Rose, where one lucky cocktail will be crowned the winner. Admission is $10 at the door (and includes a free–you guessed it–rickey), or sample five rickeys around town to get in for free.

Small Bites

Pig on a Hot Tin Roof
Whole Foods on P Street will be hosting a butchering contest and rooftop party this Saturday from 6-9 p.m. In addition to watching chefs demonstrate their prowess with a big knife, there will be hors deurves, beer, and live music. Tickets are $20 and benefit D.C. Central Kitchen.

Two Words: Moon Bounce!
Union Market is throwing a Summer Picnic Spectacular, a picnic to end all picnics, on Saturday from noon-6 p.m. Head over to the market for food from tons of local restaurants, including The Source and Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, adult sno-cones, live music, giant water slides, and an enormous moonbounce. Admission is $5 in advance or $7 at the door.

This Can Only End Well
Unlimited beer tastings? Could it be too good to be true? Drink the District will be hosting an outdoor craft beer tasting on July 28, with unlimited tastings, live music, and food trucks, near Mt. Vernon Square. There will be two tasting sessions from noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 per session in advance or $40 at the door.