The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia. We find out about the background of the cocktail menu and how the restaurant uses it to make its mark on the nation’s capital.

During a recent staycation at AC Hotel National Harbor, I dined at neighboring restaurant, Succotash. Its website says it 'showcases a progressive prospective of classic Southern favorites.' I love all things Southern so dining at Succotash was a natural choice for me, and it did not disappoint.

Cocktails

As you walk into the restaurant, you can't help but to notice several bottles of bourbon surrounding the bar. I made a comment about the number of bottles to my waiter and he told me that they have over 100 types of Bourbon on the bar. If that's not Southern, I don't know what is!

From a Manhattan to a French 75 and Mint Julep, Succotash's Libation menu offers something for everyone. I was also shocked to see Haiti's Rhum Barbancourt served in one of their most popular cocktails, the 'Milk Punch.' For $49, you can enjoy a pitcher of Succotash's delicious cocktails. I tried the 'Belle's Punch,' which was a mixture of mango-infused vodka, Jim Beam Bourbon, ginger, mint and topped off with a little champagne. The 'Belle's Punch' is another one of their restaurant favorites and I can see why. It was simple and tasteful.

Food

I'm still thinking about the food at Succotash. Seriously. The food was so delicious, that I couldn't stop saying how delicious it was while I was consuming it. Their menu consists of traditional Southern dishes, including shrimp'n'grits, ribs, pork chops, collared greens and much more.

Appetizers

I tried the Pimento Fundido, and it was as good as you think. Made from seven kinds of cheese, it was the perfect warm blend of cheesy goodness to spread over crackers.

Main Course

I had the Crispy Local Blue Catfish and it was fried to the perfect crisp. My friend, Meghan, tried the Dirty Fried Chicken and enjoyed her dish as much as I enjoyed mine. We shared the Bacon Mac'n'Cheese and Brussel Sprouts. Everything was delicious and prepared really well.

Dessert

We shared the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie and again, it was delicious. (How many times have I used 'delicious' in this post? It's the only word I can think of when describing the food!)

Ambiance

The only words to describe the ambiance is 'southern elegance.' The lights were dimmed a little and the wooden decor gave the restaurant an 'at home' feeling. I think it's a great restaurant for a date or catching up with an old friend who enjoys food just as much as you do!

I love how Succotash's theme flows throughout the restaurant for a traditionally southern experience. While you're enjoying your staycation at the National Harbor, or looking for a quality restaurant outside of the city, I highly recommend Succotash.

Speakeasies, which are typically veiled and often exclusive bars, are a historical nod to the prohibition era, where the unspeakable tragedy of alcohol being illegal was real. Touted as D.C.’s largest speakeasy, The Gibson has rolled out their fun, new spring cocktail menu.

The Gibson offers pre-prohibition era drinks; think classic cocktails like a Sazerac or a Manhattan. Along with its dimly-lit cozy atmosphere, the bar also features a covert patio area where patrons can enjoy the new cocktail menu.

Here at Will Drink For Travel, we do the dirty work so you don’t have to! We tried all 9 cocktails created for the season, and in true pre-prohibition cocktails fashion, they’re not for the faint-of-heart. Here’s the rundown:

Favorites:

Lust #1: As a self proclaimed 'brown liquor lover,' there’s no surprise that I would like this drink. I believe it’s the first time I’ve tasted orgeat (syrup made from almonds, sugar & rose water) and allspice dram together. Two thumbs up!

Gurl’ That’s One Fierce Beet: This cocktail actually has a beet in it! I’ve never been to a bar that pairs veggies so well with alcohol but The Gibson nails it. Honorable mention goes to The Resolve which includes Kale syrup.

Stand outs:

B2 H M2: The drink was good but I was mainly excited about its name, which I ended up guessing correctly. Hint: it’s a Rihanna song…

A Letter from the ABM to the GOP: This cocktail definitely requires slow sipping and a side of water. The Gibson’s housemade hell-fire bitters are appropriately named. In case you were wondering, ABM stands for Angry Black Man. How appropriate.

If anything, the staff at The Gibson, specifically bartender extraordinaire Frank Jones, are always down to tell you the funny stories of how each cocktail got its name, and will introduce you to ingredients you’ve probably never heard of. For more information on all things The Gibson please visit thegibsondc.com. Happy sipping!

- Nyasha Chikowore

Photo Credit: Ronan Jenkins

DC "DCocktail" Series: Succotash