DC "DCocktail" Series: The Gibson, 2016 Fall/Winter Menu

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

DC "DCocktail" Series: BOE Restaurant & Bar

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.  

Photo Credit: dc.eater.com 

Ambiance

When you first walk into BOE, you feel like you've just been transported to a log cabin in Salt Lake City. The bar/restaurant, located in the heart of Penn Quarter, offers an outdoorsy new look to what was previously the all-white laced Sei.  Besides the animal skull busts that adorn the walls and woodsy vibe, the highlight of the new venue is definitely the food and drink menu.

BOE Bathroom Sign/Photo Credit: Nyasha Chikowore

Cocktails

The cocktails are creatively named, such as the 'Should I Get High on My Wedding Day?', which works as a great conversation starter at the bar, and the food follows suit with the 'balls on fire', which are crispy bulls' testicles. What's also special about their cocktails is that they utilize the sous-vide method. In a nutshell, they seal cocktail ingredients and submerge them in hot water to infuse the alcohol.

The standout cocktail was the 'Should I get high...', not only because of the name, but the flavorful kick of the scotch bonnet and the ginger hemp liqueur. It's definitely one to sip slowly. Another winner was the Porn Star, which comes with a shot of sparkling wine and a $1 bill for your troubles. You take the shot first and chase it down with the passion fruit-flavored cocktail. 

'Should I Get High on My Wedding Day' Cocktail/Photo Credit: Jai Williams

Food

BOE carries an extensive menu of what they describe as American fare but it's apparent that there are some Asian influences. Honorable mention goes to the 'BOE Bacos', which are tacos in a bao bun. The garlic shrimp bacos were delicious and a great snack to pair with the cocktails.

Garlic Shrimp Baco/Photo Credit: Jai Williams

If you're in the DC area BOE should be on your go-to list. The drinks are fun and classy, and the menu will force you to try something different; I'm looking into the alligator ribs next time I go! You can find BOE at 777 9th St, NW DC or boewdc.com.

- Nyasha Chikowore