Everything Coastal: Friday Cocktails - Dark Days from Bar Pilar

Last month, we escaped for a few days to visit Tom's daughter, Madison, in Washington DC. Although we've been there several times, visiting Washington D.C. is always an awe inspiring trip. If you have never been, I would highly recommend the journey. There are endless things to see and do, starting with the Smithsonian museums and the incredible monuments. The city is fairly easy to navigate with public transportation and the occasional Uber. (confession - my feet get tired!)

On this trip, Madison took us to some of her favorite spots, including the Bar Pilar in the U Street area on 14th. Amazing cocktails, and tapas! (pics borrowed from their Facebook page)

The Bar Pilar was a fun discovery. This Hemingway themed restaurant, decorated with several large wall-mounted game fish, Cuban travel posters, and Hemingway literary pics, had a definite island vibe in the middle of a major metropolitan city. Happening spot for young trendy Washington D.C. professionals to hang out!

So of course, we had to have a Caribbean cocktail... mine was a "Dark Days" - absolutely delish. Nemo, our adorable waitress, was kind enough to give me the recipe after I took just one sip of yumminess.

Recipe for one drink:

1.5 oz. Averna (Amaro)
3/4 oz. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
1/4 oz. Benedictine
2 dashes of orange bitters
Orange Peel Garnish

Stir together in a pitcher filled with ice. Strain over the ice and serve in your favorite cocktail glass.

Tom made these when we got home, and he served the drinks over one large ice cube and then added the orange peel garnish. We needed an excuse to try out our new Cast of Crabs Double Old Fashioned Glasses...

(p.s. Starfish Art can also be found in our store!)