By Alejandra Owens

Each year, the James Beard Awards give a nod to the best chefs, restaurants, service, sommeliers and now, the best bar programs in the nation. That’s right, they will now officially recognize the efforts of mixologists and bartenders.

I suppose this marks the leap from trend to mainstay for the craft cocktail movement. DC has enjoyed creations from the likes of Todd Thrasher, Derek Brown, Chantal Tseng, Gina Chersevani and Jeff Faile for years, and welcomes newcomers like Andrew Shapiro and JP Caceres. In fact, we’ve followed them to new bars, watched them open their own spots and headed out to restaurants just because they’ve consulted on the cocktail menu. Now we can vote for them to win top honors (you can cast your vote here), and be nationally recognized for their talents.

So, DC, where do you go when you want a cocktail? Did we leave someone out who should be on our list?

Hot Spots For Cocktails In DC

• The Passenger/Columbia Room
• The Gibson
• Fiola
• Dino
• PS7
• PX
• Tabbard Inn 
• Bourbon Steak DC
• Estadio
• Proof 
• Graffiato
• Rogue 24 
• Againn