Summer is here and the Loudoun living is easy – especially with a craft cocktail in hand. Here we select some of the coolest – and tastiest – cocktails to enjoy in Loudoun this summer.
Piña D'Asti - Shutters on King
Imperious Shutters on King in an historic 19th Century building in Leesburg does a slate of signature cocktails. This tropical gem is made with pineapple infused Bacardi, Lillet Rosso, pineapple juice and GD Vajra Moscato d'Asti. Combine the ingredients in a wine glass, add ice, gently stir and garnish with blackberries, orange wedge and a mint sprig. Delicious!
Jack Rose - Tremolo
Tremolo chef-owner Jarad Slipp is a master sommelier so it’s to be expected that his intimate Middleburg eatery has a great wine list. And yet the cocktails might well be a bigger attraction. A menu explainer lays out the manifesto: “We focus on the classics. No hipster drinks that take 25 mins to make. No fru fru BS. Just time-tested recipes and good ingredients.” That’s the spirit! The Manhattan, Negroni and French 75 can’t be faulted but try the Jack Rose, a refreshing yet sophisticated sour of apple brandy, freshly squeezed lemon and an ounce of grenadine shaken over ice and strained into a coupe glass. Perfection.
West End Smash - West End Wine Bar & Pub
Despite the name, this gem of a restaurant-bar on the west side of Purcellville is just as beloved for its cocktails as its wine. There’s a long list of house-made concoctions but it being summer we like the fruit forward West End Smash, a mouthwatering combo of Knob Creek bourbon, peach schnapps, mint and muddled fresh peaches. During Happy Hour, the downstairs bar is a lively scene for locals but if you’re a newcomer, sit in the sun-filled upstairs section and watch golfers swing their long irons on the fairways of neighboring Loudoun Golf & Country Club.
The Stebner – Local Provisions
The restaurant of power-chef couple Ally and Michael Stebner has taken eastern Loudoun foodies by storm, as evident by the packed tables and line of eager diners outside. If you can’t find a place at the elegant centerpiece bar, head to the sun-filled front porch. There’s a long selection of house-made cocktails to choose from, but we’re partial to the (aptly named) Stebner: Tanqueray gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, bitters and orange zest – a Loudoun interpretation of the classic Italian Negroni. Salut!
The Fox & The Mule – The Lost Fox Hideaway
No summer cocktail compilation is complete without a tasty vodka concoction. Make your way to lively and stylish food and drink temple Lost Fox Hideaway in One Loudoun where a skilled team of mixologists make more than a dozen house specialties as well as all the classics. While we’re intrigued by the espresso martini named for supermodel Kate Moss, The Fox & Mule is more appropriate for summer. It includes your choice of vodka, hard apple cider from Virginia cidery Bold Rock, a splash of fresh ginger and a tart jolt of lime. The perfect balance of citrusy sour and sweet, enjoy it on the upper deck with some great food and people-watching.
