Five Bites On Friday

Wine and spirits writer Kelly Magyarics has picked five of her favorite cocktails around town, and her list has me counting down the hours until 5 p.m. Kelly is a frequent contributor to Wine Enthusiast, and her articles also appear in Imbibe, DC Magazine, Nightclub & Bar, Cheers and The Tasting Panel, among others.

1. Yeoman Afternoon at Againn. Hayman’s Old Tom gin, Earl Grey-infused Dolin Sweet Vermouth, orange marmalade, lemon juice and bitter lemon tonic combine in a citrusy, bright, veddy British-inspired creation.

2. Forest Through the Trees at Bourbon Steak. Aromatic and clean, and nothing at all like the “Pine Sol” impression you might think of when reading the menu description, this libation mixes Plymouth Gin, Clear Creek Eau de Vie Douglas Fir, tarragon, lemon and Peychaud’s Bitters, all garnished with a mint sprig. So unexpectedly delightful.

3. Quincedence at PS 7's. A flute of Cava by itself is just fine, but adding quince, raw honey and bitters named after Repeal Day make this sexy take on the Champagne cocktail another one of Gina Chersevani’s oh-so-sippable concoctions.

4. Gabriella at Bibiana. Go fast to sample this rich, spicy, multi-layered combination of Rittenhouse Rye, chocolate bitters, cardamom syrup and ginger — it may disappear when the weather gets warmer.

5. Last Word at The Passenger. Though no cocktail menu exists here, Tom and Derek Brown and company are more than happy to make whatever strikes your fancy. I always love this old timey blend of equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur and lime juice. Tart, distinctive, refreshing.

Five Bites is a place for Metrocurean readers to share all the delicious things they've been eating and drinking. E-mail five of your favorites and whether you'd like your name and a picture included to metrocurean AT gmail.com.