DRINK: The Gibson's Summer Cocktail Menu [DC]

Last weekend was Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer.  While one of D.C.’s many rooftops is an ideal destination to double dip in drinks and the sun, the mixologists at the Gibson have been cooking up some summer friendly libations for their seasonal menu that makes it worth coming indoors.

Inspired by a song from the hit Television show Empire, No Apologies is a citrus forward cocktail that blends the woody notes of Michters American whiskey with orange and herbal forward Aperol.  After a few of these, it’s easy to see why head mixologist Frankie Jones was ready to own the mistakes that helped shape him instead of seeking forgiveness.

An ode to Jones’ Southern roots, the Shotgun Shack is a play on the ever popular Southern Tea. While the original is a little too sweet for my liking, I would spend all day on my grandmother’s porch sipping The Gibson’s light refreshing version which features rye, sweet vermouth, lemon, chamomile-cumber syrup, and ginger beer.

To the novice bartender, absinthe can appear to be Goliath because the slightest overpour can turn a libation into a glass of aguardiente or raki.  But, the elixir specialists at The Gibson handle the anise-flavored hallucinogen with style and grace. Clueless showcases Old Overholt. The rye, orgeat (an almond syrup), lime, and absinthe meld well to provide a well balanced cocktail.

Satisfying the insatiable patron seeking an elevated version of the ever popular college drink that lead to one too many hangovers because you couldn’t taste the alcohol, the Quick and Easy is just for you. This elixir combines El Dorado 151, Green Chartreuse, Roth & Winter Peach Liqueur, lime, simple syrup, Bar Code Apple Bitters, and Tonic.  Proceed with caution because this cocktail which plays on floral and herbal notes will sneak up on you.
The summer cocktail menu is currently available and according to The Gibson’s Ted Freeseman, the seasonal theme is pre-prohibition classics with slight variations to provide the customer with boozy, sour, refreshing libations.

The last cocktail blends rujero, the national liquor of Bolivia, with grappa (a grape-based pomace brandy), manzanilla sherry, benedictine, and orange flower water.  Rujero, a muscat brandy spirit fairly new to the American bar scene, smells like pisco on the nose but has the flavor of agave. And its name will help direct you in case you are geographically inept.  If you ever forget where the Gibson is located, it's The Door To The Left  (of Marvin).