The end of January is near. For those who have been observing dry January and may have missed it, I’ve posted recipes for two mocktails to help see you through the final week. And in this post, I’ve got your list of February 2018 cocktail events in D.C.
Of course, February means the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and Valentine’s Day. We’ve got events that cover all three, and more besides. So make yourself a Mexican Candy Soda and pull out your calendar. Here’s what looks interesting to me next month:
Super “Chili” Bowl at Jack Rose. Okay, okay, this isn’t really a cocktail-themed event. But I came up short looking for a truly cocktail-focused Super Bowl party (ahem, cocktail entrepreneurs), and you can at least get great whiskey at Jack Rose. Also, the event promises five chilis and fifteen beer choices (ten on draft, five in cans) on a heated rooftop terrace. Tickets are $50 (all you can eat and drink – the latter referring to the beer only, presumably) and available here. 2007 18th Street N.W.; February 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
La Soirée Champagne at the Residence of France. The focus here is likely to be on Champagne rather than cocktails but the online description promises both. In any event you should need little excuse to get dressed up for a boozy gala at the French Ambassador’s residence. Tickets are $199 or $259 (depending on whether your French-American Chamber of Commerce membership has lapsed) and available here. 2221 Kalorama Road N.W.; February 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cocktail Class: Master Cocktail Class: Champagne Cocktails at the St. Regis. The St. Regis has entered the cocktail-class game. It had a Bloody Mary class in January and will offer a beginner’s course in March. For February, it offers to teach you “how to master the art of the Champagne cocktail, just in time for Valentine’s Day.” (Pregame with my Fireside Fizz recipe and impress your classmates when you get there.) The hotel’s head bartender, Andrew Cassedy, will lead the class, which will include snacks, tastings and a gift. Reservations are $85 and made here. 923 16th Street N.W.; February 9 and 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cocktail Class: Mardi Gras and New Orleans Cocktails at barmini. It barely needs mention that I’m a fan of the #barmini101 classes at barmini. The barmini team greets you with a cocktail and then shows you how to make three more. Classes are usually organized around a theme; this month it’s Mardi Gras. That seems like a winning combination to me. Tickets are $145 and available here. 501 9th Street N.W.; February 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Cocktail Class: Share the Love at Via Umbria. Via Umbria is hosting its own Valentine’s-themed cocktail class. It offers to “teach you how to craft three outstanding Valentine’s Day themed cocktails” – the Valentino, Cupid’s Cup, and Love Potion. Tickets are $38.50 and available here. 1525 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.; February 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Home Bartending Class: Home Is Where the Bar Is at Columbia Room. Columbia Room is also hosting a class this month. They promise to teach essential bartending techniques and to offer some “useful tricks to elevate your game such as easy clarification, rapid infusions, making ice, and even how to make homemade amaro.” The class also includes three drinks and snacks. Tickets are $85 and available here. 124 Blagden Alley N.W.; February 17 at 3 p.m.
That’s it for February. Let me know if there are any events you think should be listed here or in future round-ups!