May 2018 Cocktail Events Round-Up

As you may have noticed, I didn’t publish too much in April.  The day job crept into nights and weekends this month, making it difficult to bring you the hard-hitting cocktail coverage you have come to crave and expect.  My apologies!  But I’m taking a brief break from the action to bring you the May 2018 cocktail events in the District that should be on your calendar.  And if you’re making drinks at home this month, remember that we are still solidly in flowers-in-drinks season:

I don’t think daffodil water is a thing, but if it is, there you are.  Also, don’t forget that May brings us many drink-worthy themes and occasions, three celebratory and one somber:  horse races, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day.  Plan your home drinking accordingly.  Onward:

Master Cocktail Class Series: Kentucky Derby Cocktails at St. Regis.  In May, St. Regis focuses its monthly cocktail class on the Kentucky Derby – and on Derby Day, conveniently enough.  They are cutting it close on timing though; the class is scheduled to run right up to 6 p.m., less than an hour before the big race (scheduled start time 6:46).  So if you plan to serve cocktails and watch the race somewhere else, you’ll need to … uh … race to your next stop.  (Sorry, I had to do it.)  Tickets are $55; info here.  923 16th Street N.W.; May 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo at basically every bar in town.  If it’s not mint juleps it’s margaritas on the first Saturday in May this year.  I wanted to provide you with an authoritative, here’s-where-to-celebrate-Cinco-de-Mayo event, but I can’t parse the many, many options and pick a winner.  Here’s a sampling:  there’s a rooftop pig-roast at the Taco Bamba in Shaw (1-4 p.m.); another rooftop event called “View de Mayo” at the Graham Hotel in Georgetown (1-6 p.m.); and yet another rooftop event at Flash (3-9 p.m.); and, for those whose thirst is not yet quenched the following day, a “Morning After Brunch and Day Party” at Ozio on May 6 (12-9 p.m.).  Remember to hydrate, everyone.  Pretty much everywhere that leaves the door to its rooftop unlocked; May 5 from first to last call.

Kentucky Derby AND Cinco de Mayo in One Place at “Derby de Mayo” at Jack Rose.  It need not be a choice between mint juleps and margaritas as I suggested above – you may wish to live dangerously and have both at Jack Rose on the – wait for it – rooftop.  But also in the basement at Dram & Grain if you prefer a more “intimate viewing experience,” per Jack Rose’s description, or if it rains and you have to flee any of the aforementioned rooftop Cinco de Mayo parties.  Also note that Derby attire is encouraged.  No charge for getting in the door; more information here.  2007 18th Street N.W.; May 5 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More, non-Derby, non-Cinco de Mayo events after the jump.

Taco, Beer, Tequila Party at the Yards.  Need I say more?  Ok I will.  There will be:  taquerias and taco trucks; over 50 beers and ciders from 25 craft breweries; 8 margarita bars; and a tequila pavilion.  There are a variety of ticket options, ranging from $45 for general admission, to $65 if you want to add a tequila tasting, to $75 if you want “VIP” status, which apparently gets you in an hour earlier and access to “private bathrooms.”  Find tickets and more information here.  The Yards Lot H, 136 N Street N.E.; May 12 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cocktail Class:  “Infusions” at barmini.  As you know, I love the classes at barmini and I will be in attendance at this month’s event, focused on infusions.  The class apparently involves the use of a botarrón, a traditional Spanish black-leather wine skin for aging and infusing.  I know nothing about this and look forward to learning more.  As always, you will be greeted with a cocktail on arrival and learn to make three more.  Tickets are $145 and available here – hope to see you there!  501 9th Street N.W.; May 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Sundresses & Whiskey for World Whiskey Day at Pinea at the W Hotel.  Apparently it is World Whiskey Day on May 19, and Jameson invites you to celebrate by donning a sundress and drinking Black Barrel Whiskey.  Various packages are available, starting at $20 for general admission, going up to $792 (!) for the “Baller Package.”  Live music, bottle service, and hookah and cigars on the patio are promised.  Tickets and more information here.  515 15th Street N.W.; May 19 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cocktail Class: Julep Cocktails at Via Umbria.  As you may have grasped from the above, people drink juleps in May.  Via Umbria would like to teach you how to make one, albeit toward month’s end.  If you have tired of the classic mint julep by then, fear not:  Via Umbria also promises to teach you to make two other julep cocktails to keep things interesting:  the sparkling blackberry mint julep and the prosecco julep.  Tickets are $38.50 and available here.  1525 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.; May 23 at 7:30 p.m.

That’s it for May.  As always, let me know if there are any events you think should be listed here or in future round-ups!