THE DRINK NATION IS A FREE RESOURCE FOR FINDING EVERYTHING AWESOME ABOUT DRINKING IN YOUR LOCATION

Where to Get Caffeinated in DC with a Boozy Twist

by Mara Kurlandsky on Jan 22, 2015 in Roundups
Where to Get Caffeinated in DC with a Boozy Twist

The first few weeks of work post-holiday season are kind of the worst: no more days off, no more leftover cookies in the office kitchen. How is one to get through the day? Fear not—the National Coffee Association feels your pain, and is encouraging everyone to help them celebrate National Coffee Break Day.

Fortunately there’s no shortage of great spots to grab a neighborhood cup or ultra hip pour-over—coffee culture in DC has had a major renaissance in the last few years. You can check out local favorites like Bloomingdales’ Big Bear Cafe, Dupont’s Filter, U Street’s The Wydown, or Shaw’s double whammy of La Colombe and brand-new Compass Coffee.

To celebrate coffee break Drink Nation-style, you can BYOF (bring your own flask) to your favorite cafe, or get fancy with one of these coffee-inspired libations.

Slipstream 
Brand new Logan-circle cafe is the best of both worlds, serving up single-origin and custom blend coffees by day and swanky cocktails by night. Grab a seat at their walnut bar and enjoy all the good things in their Empire State of Grind bourbon cocktail made with coffee-infused vermouth and chocolate bitters. (333 14th St. NW; 202-450-2216)

Kapnos
Known as much for their delicious Greek tapas as for their inventive cocktail program, Kapnos has the perfect cuppa for a cold winter night. Their spiked coffee is made with becherovka liqueur, cinnamon, fennel, ginger and anise whipped cream. (2201 14th St. NW; 202-234-5000)

Mockingbird Hill
This Shaw hotspot takes its coffee as seriously as it’s signature sherries. Choose from the Black Flag Toddy (brandy, PX sherry, bitter lemon, Ethiopian coffee, shaved coffee bean and charred lemon and cherry flag), the El Cafecito (Oloroso sherry, iced coffee, Cointreau, orange bitters and egg white), or keep it simple with the Spanish Bomb (shot of sherry dropped into draft coffee). (1843 7th St. NW; 202-316-9396)

Churchkey
If beer is more your style than cocktails, we’ve got suggestions for that too. Head to the 14th Street beer emporium to sip on the rare (and adorably-named) Beer Geek Brunch Weasel from Mikkeller Brewing. This brew uses ground coffee berries sourced from Vietnam and packs a robust espresso and chocolate flavor. (1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576)

Brookland Pint
Sister bar to Columbia Height’s beer heaven Meridian Pint, Brookland Pint is the place to order Ballast Point Brewing Co.’s Victory at Sea, a 10% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with San Diego’s Caffe Calabria cold-brew and sweetened with vanilla. We approve of this for breakfast, coffee break, brunch, lunch, dessert or any meal in between. (716 Monroe St. NE; 202-758-2757)

Jackpot
What’s that you say? 10% ABV not enough for you? Head to this relaxed Chinatown dive for Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Stout, a knockout at 14% ABV and brewed with Intelligentsia coffee. After being aged in bourbon barrels for eight months, this ultra-rich brew is loaded with flavors of coffee, bourbon, vanilla, oak and chocolate. You could have it for breakfast, but you’re not going anywhere after. (726 7th St. NW; 202-628-5225)

Tryst
Can’t decide yet? Head to longtime Adam’s Morgan favorite hangout for coffee and eats. They’ll dress up most coffee drinks with any spirit they have at the bar on request. (2459 18th St. NW, 202-232-5500)

Photo via Tryst


Tags: Beer, Bourbon, Cocktails, Coffee, Spirits
Recent Articles

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 9, 2020
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close