The six coolest places to gather right now in Washington, D.C.

Two words: Oxtail pappardelle. At this luxe yet welcoming restaurant “inspired by Afrofuturism that melds fantasy and gastronomy with the culture of the African Diaspora,” you’ll find a menu full of familiar staples prepared in new and ingenious ways. Think: “torched” oysters with cucumber, fish roe and chilis, and the aforementioned oxtail pappardelle, which combines two of the most delectably homey foods in the history of man. The Millionaire, made with bourbon (we suggest I.W. Harper of course), grenadine, triple sec, lemon and egg white, is a perfect accompaniment to either dish.

While drinking in public remains illegal in the district, Meridian Hill Park is a wonderful place to gather either before or after you sit down for an I.W. cocktail at your nearby establishment of choice (we recommend Rooster & Owl or the Gibson). The park is known for honoring the legacy of shared cultural institutions: it plays host to a weekly Sunday drum circle dating to the 1960s, and houses statues dedicated to two of history’s most notorious subversive figures—accused heretic Joan of Arc and the poet Dante.

If live music and good vibes are on your agenda when you’re drinking I.W. Harper whiskey, then 9:30 Club has you set. It’s a cozy venue, making for intimate show experiences. The food is also quite good, especially for a music venue (go for the brisket quesadilla or the vegan tacos). Shows happen throughout the week, including the occasional DJ set; otherwise, the music is live.

This swanky Japanese izakaya is a fantastic spot for special dates and catching up with old friends—stunning interiors, perfect for conversation. Kick off the night with a Shoto whiskey sour (made with yuzu and bitters in addition to the usual lemon juice and egg white) with I.W. Harper. Then, if you’re up for leaving your fate in Chef’s hands, try one of the omakase menus ($115 and $195); but if you’re feeling particular, there’s a full a la carte menu to choose from, too.

This effortlessly cool Downtown hotel, coworking space and cultural connection haven hosts everything from weekly yoga classes, vinyl-only DJ sets and community-engaged art exhibitions. It’s also home to two fabulous bars that are perfect venues for sipping I.W. Harper cocktails: Wild Days, a rooftop oasis lush with plants and massive paper lanterns, and Allegory, a sleek speakeasy decorated with dark wood and leather furniture and moody, mythical artwork.

Shrouded in local history, Union Market is perfect for soaking up DC energy and culture. Home to dozens of eateries and a chock full events calendar, Union Market is also the perfect place to try many different iterations of I.W. Harper cocktails. Make a day of it and arrive early to kick things off with a matinee at the Angelika pop up, then grab a late lunch in the market before heading upstairs to Hi-Lawn for drinks with a side of rooftop views as day turns to night. Before you close the night out, pop by Last Call for a nightcap–I.W. Harper style, of course.

For D.C.-based influencer Gary Williams, Jr., I.W. Harper is synonymous with “an elevated gathering with great friends, delicious cocktails, and celebration.” Their Cabernet Cask Reserve, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey first aged four years in new charred American oak barrels then perfected in luxurious California Cabernet Sauvignon casks, has deep notes of ripe dark fruits and sun-toasted oak barrels. It’s perfect as a base for a classic sour cocktail like the New York Sour, which blends the complimentary flavors of bourbon, sugar and lemon with a floater of vibrant red wine. This take, called the Cab Cask Sour, brings together I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve with California Cabernet.

Influencer Gary Williams, Jr.’s signature D.C.-inspired cocktail

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve 
• .75 oz simple syrup 
• .75 oz lemon juice
• .25 oz California cabernet 

Glassware

• Rocks Glass

I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve. 45%  Alc/Vol. I.W. Harper Distilling Company, Louisville, KY. Do not forward to anyone under the age of 21. Enjoy responsibly.

Garnish

• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry 

Preparation

• Add I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve, simple syrup and lemon juice into a shaker with ice, shake until chilled.
• Pour over a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes.
• Top the cocktail with the wine.
• Garnish with a slice of orange and cherry.

*PRO TIP*

A cocktail is best enjoyed in good company. Double or triple the measurements to enjoy cocktails in good company.