Quick answer: Looking for fall cocktails in DC? CIRCA’s new fall cocktail menu is now pouring at all four locations: Clarendon, Foggy Bottom, Navy Yard and The Boro in Tysons. Highlights include a new Espresso Martini, a Maple Old Fashioned aged in white oak barrels for three weeks, and house cocktails made with Open Road Distilling Co. spirits. There are also wellness cocktails and zero-proof mocktails. Reserve a table or walk in.
Sweater weather has arrived, and so have the new fall cocktails in DC and Northern Virginia at CIRCA. Whether you’re meeting friends after work in Navy Yard, grabbing dinner in Foggy Bottom, settling in at the bar in Clarendon or making a night of it at The Boro, there’s a new glass waiting for you.
This season’s menu is built around local spirits from Open Road Distilling Co., the craft distillery in Reston Town Center. Its American Vodka and American Gin are distilled on site in Reston, and its Eagle Eye Rye and Independence Bourbon are hand-blended there from aged whiskey. That means a lot of what you’re sipping at CIRCA this fall comes from just down the road.
New on the Classics List: The Espresso Martini
If there’s one drink to order first, make it the Espresso Martini. CIRCA’s version is shaken with Open Road Distilling Co. American Vodka, Santa Lucia cold brew and a touch of vanilla gomme. It’s smooth and rich, with real coffee flavor. It works as a pre-dinner pick-me-up or as dessert in a glass.
Looking for an espresso martini in DC or Arlington? You’ll find this one at every CIRCA.
Can’t wait until your next visit? Open Road Distilling Co. also makes a ready-to-drink Espresso Martini with the same American Vodka, vanilla gomme and Santa Lucia cold brew. Just shake it with ice, strain it into a chilled coupe and enjoy. Pick up a 375 ml bottle at the Tasting Room & Distillery Store in Reston Town Center.
Fall Cocktails in DC Made with Open Road Distilling Co. Spirits
CIRCA’s cocktail menu is split into four sections: Classics, House, Wellness and Mocktails. Here are the drinks that feature Open Road Distilling Co. spirits.
| Cocktail | What’s in it | Open Road spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso Martini | Santa Lucia cold brew, vanilla gomme | American Vodka |
| Maple Old Fashioned | Maple syrup, Angostura aromatic and orange bitters, aged in white oak barrels for 3 weeks | Eagle Eye Rye |
| Vodka Mojito | Strawberry-infused vodka, strawberries, mint, lime | American Vodka |
| Turmeric Ginger Mule | Turmeric, ginger, lime, Angostura aromatic bitters, Q Mixers ginger beer | American Vodka |
| Purple Rain | Habanero-infused vodka, blueberry-habanero shrub, pineapple, lemon | American Vodka |
| Tranquilo | 400 Conejos Joven mezcal, Chinola Passion Fruit liqueur, mixed berry agave, lime | American Vodka |
| So Fresh & So Green | Supergreens, elderflower, pineapple, lemon | American Gin |
| A Bourbon Affair | Orange curaçao, blackberry, orange, lemon, Angostura orange bitters | Independence Bourbon |
The Maple Old Fashioned: Fall in a Glass
When the temperature drops, whiskey drinks come into their own. The Maple Old Fashioned starts with Open Road Distilling Co. Eagle Eye Rye, maple syrup and two kinds of bitters. Then it rests in white oak barrels for three weeks before it’s poured.
Why the barrel matters
Three weeks in white oak rounds out the rye’s spice and gives every sip a warm, toasty finish.
The result is a smoother, more layered Old Fashioned that’s made for cool fall nights.
House Cocktails Worth Trying
| Purple Rain | A little sweet and a little spicy. Habanero-infused Open Road vodka meets blueberry-habanero shrub, pineapple and lemon. |
| A Bourbon Affair | Independence Bourbon with orange curaçao, blackberry and a bright citrus finish. It’s an easy pick for bourbon fans. |
| So Fresh & So Green | Open Road American Gin with supergreens, elderflower and pineapple. It’s crisp, herbal and refreshing. |
| Tranquilo | Open Road vodka and mezcal come together with passion fruit and mixed berry for a smoky, fruity sip. |
Wellness Cocktails: Feel-Good Sips with Fall Flavor
CIRCA’s Wellness section uses functional-forward ingredients while still letting you indulge a little.
| Restore | Spiced apple cider, apple cider vinegar, turmeric ginger agave, lemon, Q Mixers soda water and Eagle Eye Rye. It’s the most autumnal drink on the menu. |
| Electrolytes | Coconut water, vanilla, pineapple and American Vodka. |
| Antioxidant | Mixed berry agave, pomegranate, rosemary, lemon, extra virgin olive oil, Angostura orange bitters and American Vodka. |
Zero-Proof Mocktails
Not drinking tonight? CIRCA’s mocktails are built to be just as layered as the cocktails.
| Blossom Lounge | Chamomile, ginger, strawberry, mint and lemon. You can add Open Road Distilling Co. American Gin if you’d like. |
| Pineapple-Jalapeño Faux-Rita | Pineapple, jalapeño, lime, agave and lemon-lime soda. |
| To Each Their Own | Blueberry-habanero shrub, mixed berry agave, lime and Q Mixers grapefruit soda. |
| Turn Over a New Leaf | Q Mixers ginger beer, spiced apple cider, turmeric ginger agave, apple cider vinegar and lemon. |
Prefer Wine? CIRCA’s Wines by the Glass
Not every fall night calls for a cocktail. CIRCA pours more than 20 wines by the glass in 6 oz or 9 oz pours, with bottles from California, Washington, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. Whether you love a bold red, a crisp white or something sparkling, there’s a glass for you.
Ask about the Featured Pour: CIRCA’s rotating glass selection changes regularly, so ask your server or bartender what’s pouring tonight.
Cozy Reds for Fall
| Malbec, Portillo (Argentina) | Black plum, violet, cocoa and a smooth finish. |
| Chianti Classico, Antinori Peppoli (Italy) | Bright cherry, raspberry, subtle spice and velvety tannins. |
| Red Blend, Prisoner Unshackled (California) | Ripe berry, mocha and sweet spice. |
| Pinot Noir, Banshee (California) | Juicy, silky, red-fruited and earthy. |
Whites and Bubbles
| Albariño, Abadia de San Campio (Spain) | Peach, citrus, saline and coastal minerality. |
| Chardonnay, Folie à Deux (California) | Ripe apple, vanilla and buttery oak. |
| Sauvignon Blanc, Vavasour (New Zealand) | Gooseberry, lime, passionfruit and herbal notes. |
| Brut Rosé, Mumm (California) | Strawberry, cherry and a lively, crisp mousse. |
Looking for a wine pairing? Try the Malbec with the Braised Short Rib, the Chianti Classico with the Short Rib Bolognese, or the Albariño with the Grilled Trout Filet. Wine selections may vary by location.
What to Eat with Your Fall Cocktail
A good cocktail deserves a good plate. Here are a few pairings we love from CIRCA’s dinner menu.
1. Maple Old Fashioned + Braised Short Rib
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach, red wine jus and crispy onions. It’s rich, cozy and made for rye.
2. A Bourbon Affair + Short Rib Bolognese
Fettuccine, herb gremolata and whipped ricotta. The bourbon’s citrus cuts right through.
3. Espresso Martini + Wagyu Meatball Sliders
Garlic brioche, basil aioli, marinara and mozzarella. It’s a fun way to start the night.
4. Purple Rain + Tuna Poke Nachos
A little heat in the glass plays well with the sesame ginger marinade and wasabi avocado cream.
Happy Hour Fall Cocktails in DC and Virginia
Want to try a few fall cocktails in DC without the full dinner? CIRCA runs a weekday happy hour in the bar area, with deals on house cocktails, Open Road Distilling Co. spirits, wine, draft beer, small plates and flatbreads. Times vary by location, so check your nearest CIRCA’s page before you go.
Take Open Road Distilling Co. Home
Loved what you sipped? You can buy Open Road Distilling Co. bottles at the Tasting Room & Distillery Store inside Open Road in Reston Town Center. That includes a bottled ready-to-drink Espresso Martini made with the same American Vodka, vanilla gomme and Santa Lucia cold brew.
| Reston Tasting Room & Distillery Store | All Open Road Distilling Co. bottles, including the Espresso Martini |
| Virginia ABC stores | Independence Bourbon, Eagle Eye Rye and the bottled Maple Old Fashioned |
Learn more about Open Road Distilling Co.
Plan Your Visit
| CIRCA Clarendon | 3010 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 |
| CIRCA Foggy Bottom | 2221 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037 |
| CIRCA Navy Yard | 99 M Street SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20003 |
| CIRCA at The Boro | 1675 Silver Hill Drive, Tysons, VA 22102 |
Making a day of it in Tysons? Read our guide to a perfect Saturday at The Boro.
CIRCA Fall Cocktail FAQs
Where can I find fall cocktails in DC?
CIRCA’s fall cocktail menu is available at CIRCA Foggy Bottom and CIRCA Navy Yard in Washington, DC. It’s also at CIRCA Clarendon in Arlington and CIRCA at The Boro in Tysons, Virginia.
Does CIRCA have an Espresso Martini?
Yes. The Espresso Martini is on CIRCA’s Classics menu. It’s made with Open Road Distilling Co. American Vodka, Santa Lucia cold brew and vanilla gomme.
Which spirits does CIRCA use in its cocktails?
Many of CIRCA’s cocktails feature spirits from Open Road Distilling Co. in Reston, Virginia. These include American Vodka, American Gin, Eagle Eye Rye and Independence Bourbon.
Does CIRCA have mocktails?
Yes. CIRCA has a full zero-proof section, including the Blossom Lounge, Pineapple-Jalapeño Faux-Rita, To Each Their Own and Turn Over a New Leaf.
Does CIRCA serve wine by the glass?
Yes. CIRCA offers more than 20 wines by the glass, including reds, whites, rosé and sparkling, in 6 oz or 9 oz pours. There’s also a rotating Featured Pour, so ask your server what’s open.
Does CIRCA have happy hour?
Yes. CIRCA offers a weekday happy hour in the bar area. Times vary by location, so check your local CIRCA’s page for details.
Reserve Your Table
The best fall cocktails in DC taste better with good company. Come see what’s new behind the bar. Cheers!
Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.