We recently returned to our favorite D.C. speakeasy for the debut of their Fall/Winter cocktail menu. If you can recall, we were just there this Spring for the unveiling of cocktails like 'B2 H M2' (‘Bitch Betta Have My Money’) and 'A Letter from the ABM to the GOP'. Head mixologist, Frankie Jones, is back at it this season basing his cocktails on Beyonce’s latest #1 album, Lemonade. With cocktails like 'Growing Pains' and 'F…da Pain Away', you can see the correlation between the album and The Gibson crew’s take on relationship issues in a glass.

Favorites

F…da Pain Away: Feel free to fill in the blank but the gist of this drink is that “you need pleasure to get over the pain," according to Frank. This drink is definitely one you sip, with Laphroaig 10 Year scotch and chocolate bitters allowing for a smooth and pleasurable cocktail experience. It was one of my favorites, and of course the provocative name is a plus. 

Ingredients: Laphroaig 10 yr, Vanilla Liqueur, Carpano Antica, Chocolate Bitters, Decanter Bitters

The Cat’s Meow: This champagne cocktail is named after the ridiculous things bartender Jake Hall says (He sounds like my kind of bartender). If you’re a fan of the bubbly, this cocktail is for you. The Bordeaux they use adds a great flavor profile and the rum rounds it all out; it’s the cat’s meow.

Ingredients: Red Wine, Cruzan Black Strap Rum, Vanilla, Lime, Champagne

Stand outs

Company of Strangers: Warning! This cocktail contains hell fire bitters. If you can stand the heat go for it; if not, you should try it anyway just to say you did. This cocktail was described as a nod to meeting new people and building new relationships. The mezcal gives it a smoky finish, along with flavors of herbal honey and spice your throat will definitely sense compliments of the hell fire bitters.

Ingredients: Vida Mezcal, Dolin Blanc, White Cacao, Benedictine, Orange Bitters, Hell Fire Bitters, Old Fashioned Bitters

The new menu has officially launched and the awesome folks at The Gibson will be keeping the patio open, heat included. Along with the seasonal menu, patrons get the chance to create their own cocktails with their “Omakase” menu (Omakase means ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ in Japanese). You pick base liquor, the flavor profile, and the type of drink, and see what happens!

The Gibson is located at 2009 14th St. NW, 20009 and opens daily at 6 pm. For more information on their cocktails and more please visit thegibsondc.com.

- Nyasha Chikowore

Photo Credit: Farrah Skeiky