Summer Drinks on the Patio

The month of May dragged on with a record-breaking stretch of gloomy days and dreariness. I thought it was supposed to be April showers, but I digress. The good news is that there’s no stopping summertime once June hits. Scope out some of the District’s finest outdoor hotspots to grab a refreshing drink or two and soak up that sunshine. Finally.

Del Campo
Del Campo has revamped their patio, turning it into a South American beer garden. Therefore, a pint is in order, but perhaps a meal is as well. Why not both? Grab the $22 South American beer garden asado combo, with a 16-ounce Mahou draft, along with an assortment of beef brisket, chorizo, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder and cast-iron chappa bread, served with Del Campo’s chimichurri and ají amarillo aioli sauces. Del Campo: 777 I St. NW, DC;  www.delcampodc.com

Espita Mezcaleria
Espita Mezcaleria’s 44-seat outdoor patio is now open, and you’re there for the mezcal, right? So try the Mayahuel ($12), a margarita riff showcasing Fidencio Clasico mezcal, Legit Triple, lime and raw agave, or the breezily refreshing Ginger & Cucumber ($10), a tall drink made with mezcal and topped with a cucumber slice. Espita Mezcaleria:1250 9th St. NW, DC;  www.espitadc.com

Lupo Verde
Lupo Verde showcases a 40-seat gated outdoor patio, perfect for people watching at the busy intersection of 14th and T Streets. Try the DC Spritz, with Don Ciccio & Figli’s Cinque aperitivo, grapefruit, prosecco and orange, or the Rye Bandit, with rye whiskey, DCF’s Amaro delle Sirene and Luna Amara bitters, and orange. When hunger calls, the restaurant’s 100-deep lineup of cheese and charcuterie is available. Bring the pooch too, because dogs are welcome. Cocktails are priced from $12 to $13. Lupo Verde:1401 T St. NW, DC;  www.lupoverdedc.com

Masseria
Nestled near Union Market, Masseria showcases a beautiful outdoor patio and courtyard, with the entire restaurant designed to mimic a Puglian countryside estate known as a “masseria.” There are couches and lounge chairs aplenty, along with the latest libations from mastermind Julien-Pierre Bourgon. Try I’ve Often Thought of Becoming a Golf Club ($14), with George Dickel rye whiskey, mint water and Amaro Menta, or the rotating kegged cocktail currently on tap: Giuseppe Ties Mai Tai the Best ($12), with a house blend of rum and Chef Nick Stefanelli’s orgeat, lemon and Don Ciccio amaro. Fun fact: On Tap’s June cover shoot took place at Masseria’s outdoor space. Masseria: 1340 4th St. NE, DC; www.masseria-dc.com

Radiator
Radiator is brand new to the DC scene, which means there’s a lot to explore. The 50-seat patio showcases a fire pit and shuffleboard, and a mix of tables and lounging areas. Sarah Rosner is behind the bar and has developed a lineup of great cocktails to sample. Try the Rickey Goes to Hawaii, with Aviation gin, lime and li hing powder; the Fancy Pants, with Ford’s gin, sparkling wine, Luxardo Maraschino, Leopbold Bros. absinthe, bitters and tarragon; or the Big Boy Pants, with blended scotch, lemon, raw honey, strawberry and a rosemary garnish. $12 each. Radiator: 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC;  www.radiatordc.com

Takoda
Take in the sights from Takoda’s rooftop, a 71-seat roof deck with a 270-degree view of the area, and retractable windows bringing in that summertime breeze. The bar showcases 24 beers on draft and more than 50 American whiskeys. On the cocktail front though, try the Cold Toddy ($12), a summer rendition on the wintertime favorite, with house-made honey syrup, Redemption bourbon, lemon and cinnamon. Takoda:715 Florida Ave. NW, DC;  www.takodadc.com

Vinoteca
No place in the city does outdoor drinking like Vinoteca does, with both a front patio and a spacious backyard plaza. Out back is where the action is, with Vinoteca’s famous bocce court. You’ll also find a new grill menu, as well as a lineup of a dozen rosés. Or, try a new refreshing seasonal cocktail, such as the M, with house-made lemon vodka wash, Fifty Pounds gin and El Paso de Lazo Blanco, or the Blushing Adonis, with Valdespino Inocente Fino sherry, Cocchi Rosa vermouth and Scrappy’s grapefruit bitters. Cocktails priced from $11 to $16. Vinoteca: 1940 11th St. NW, DC;www.vinotecadc.com

Masseria photo: Scott Suchman
All other photos: Courtesy of respective restaurants