Photo by Global Jet.
Drink of the Week: Gin Rickey
Where: Breadsoda, Brine, The Coupe, Dram & Grain, El Camino, Gypsy Soul, Lincoln, Quill, Jack Rose, your home bar
Today marks the last day of gin rickey month, a celebration of the District’s official adult beverage. The drink is dead simple—gin, club soda, and an entire half a lime—but there’s no more refreshing way to cut the sticky, swampy D.C. heat. And while the drink’s namesake month ends today, there’s no reason not to keep gulping these citrusy thirst quenchers all summer long.
As part of gin rickey month, the D.C. Craft Bartender’s Guild puts on an annual rickey contest, encouraging local bartenders to take the drink’s simple canvas and go wild. The winning cocktail will be crowned this Sunday at Jack Rose (2007 18th Street NW) during a judging party from 4 to 8 p.m. Intrepid drinkers will get a chance to sample rickeys from all eight finalists, like The Coupe’s Rickey Fowler made with lemon and thyme infused bourbon, Earl Grey tea soda, and half a lemon. Tickets are $35 and can only be purchased at the door. The qualifying bars are listed above, in case you want to try snagging a creative rickey after work tonight.
But if you’re in the mood for the classic, any local bartender worth his or her salt should be able to make you a solid rickey (or consult our Best Rickeys list from last year). It’s also super simple to whip up at home—just be sure to use an entire half a lime (skin and all) to capture the fragrant citrus oils.
Small Bites
It’s Suntory time!
Enter the world of Japanese whiskey at Bar Otusake, popping up at Crane & Turtle (828 Upshur Street NW) at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 3. Guests will have a chance to try single malt whiskies from Yamazaki, Japan’s oldest distillery, among others. Not a big whiskey fan? There will also be sake and sochu on the menu, as well as snacks from the Crane & Turtle kitchen. Booze nerds can also sign up for a Japanese Whiskey 101 class being held on the 24th.
Boomtown for Filipino food
Kayle Filipino has found a semi-permanent home at food incubator EatsPlace (3607 Georgia Avenue NW). The Filipino street food concept will be taking up residency every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting August 7 through January. Diners can expect a wonderfully pork-y menu, including barbecued pork belly and crispy pata—braised then fried pork with chili vinegar.
Get touched by his noodley appendage
Learn the fine art of ramen-making at Daikaya’s (705 6th Street NW) Sapporo Ramen 101 class on August 8 at 10 a.m. The one hour demonstration class will walk students through the history and techniques behind the rich miso broth native to the northern Japanese city. The class is $28 per person and includes a bowl of ramen and soft drink. Reserve a spot by calling (202) 589-1600.
