Note: All submitted events must be approved before they appear in the calendar.
The 2nd annual Old Town Cocktail week is set to take place September 10-19 throughout Old Town Alexandria.
Old Town Alexandria has a vivacious and growing cocktail community that has caught the eye of the press and locals alike. Throughout the week, guests can celebrate the world of cocktail innovation – enjoying unique libations at Old Town Alexandria restaurants, bars, and as well as themed events at boutiques, historic sights, and other places.
The week will kick off with Art on the Rocks on Friday, September 10 at Waterfront Park, held by The Art League at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The week will conclude with a Meet the Makers Tasting Event at Market Square. In order to maintain the health and safety of the signature week and its attendees, all events will be ticketed, and/or reservations required.
This year’s Old Town Cocktail Week participants include (as of August 18):
Augies Mussel House and Beer Garden
Bastille
Blackwall Hitch
Brabo
Cafe 44
Captain Gregory’s
Chadwicks
Chop Shop Taco
Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Pub
Fishmarket
Hard Times Cafe
Hi-Tide Lounge
King & Rye
Kings Ransom
Lighthorse
Majestic Cafe
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Tequila & Taco
The People’s Drug
Theismann’s
Union Street Public House
Village Brauhaus
Virtue Feed & Grain
Warehouse
Whiskey & Oyster
Old Town Cocktail Week
Schedule of Events – September 10-19, 2021
Art on the Rocks at Waterfront Park
Friday, September 10
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
As the official kickoff to Old Town Cocktail week, Art on the Rocks 2021 challenges talented local mixologists and chefs to each create the most artistic cocktail & appetizer pairing, inspired by a piece of art by a local Art League artist. The event is a festive fundraiser that helps support the local arts community while spotlighting our fabulous local bar restaurants right here in Alexandria. Ticket holders will get to sample all of the delicious pairings and vote for their favorite during the event. A panel of experts will crown the winners of the most creative cocktail, appetizer, and artwork pairing, and announce the crowd favorite.
Wellness Weekends During Old Town Cocktail Week on the Water with Barre3
Co-Hosted by EYA – Robinson Landing
September 11
September 12
September 18
September 19
Class Times: 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Registration required. Class fee.
Enjoy a first-class workout with Barre3 and get your head and body in shape to fit into your favorite cocktail dress or t-shirt & shorts. Join us for 45 minutes of strength conditioning, cardio, mindfulness – with postures and movements that can be adapted for everyone. Bring a yoga mat and an optional set of handheld weights. Giveaways and mocktails to follow each class.
Come Aboard Tall Ship Providence with Captain Gregory’s
Sunday, September 12
Sail Times: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Be immersed in the seaside culture and history of rum as we learn the history of a maritime favorite. Guests can come aboard the Tall Ship Providence for tastings and sailing with entertainment by Captain Gregory’s.
Yappy Hour at King & Rye, Passionately Pets, and the Animal Welfare League
Monday, September 13
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Calling all dog and cocktail lovers. Bring your fur-baby to King & Rye to enjoy music in the outdoor Cocktail Garden as guests drink and dine. Local pet boutique Passionately Pets will pop up to get your pup a cocktail-themed toy so they are entertained as well.
Cocktail Seminars
Monday, September 13 through 16
Times Vary. Visit website for schedule.
September 13 – The Art of Making a Margarita at Chop Shop Taco – The Margarita has proven to be the most popular cocktail in the world, and for good reason. Join us as we experience every expression of tequila with our spirits expert, McGarrit Franco of Pernod Ricard. Learn about each tequila, the history of The Margarita, the importance of citrus and fresh-squeezed juices, and how to recreate them at home.
September 14 – Explore the World of Tiki Cocktails at Chadwicks – There may be a few things that come to mind when you think tiki: coconuts, bamboo, tropical flavors, rum — but there is a rich history to be discovered. Join us at Chadwicks to experience the flavors of Tiki and why modern culture continues to love it.
September 15 – Elegant Evening with Manhattan at Bastille – Contrary to the popularized phrase, this classic cocktail is stirred—not shaken! Learn about the important details in crafting your Manhattan at home through variations of the cocktail from our Catoctin spirit specialist. Become familiar with fortified wines, amaro, and bitters to step up your mixing confidence. Menu created by Jon Schott of King’s Ransom and Jacob Sunny of Bastille Brasserie & Bar.
September 16 – The Long and Winding History of the Old Fashion Cocktail at Virtue Feed & Grain – With the guidance of our Beam Suntory spirits expert, experience the intricacies and differences of four variations of the Old Fashioned cocktail using unique spirits in each. Learn about its evolution throughout history and how to recreate your favorite recipe at home. With such rich history and flavor, it’s no wonder the Old Fashioned is the most ordered cocktail in the DC Metropolitan area.
Movie Night on King Street
Presented by Jack Taylor Toyota
Friday, September 17 – Featured Movie Cocktails, starring Tom Cruise
Saturday, September 18 – Featured Movie Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart
7:30 p.m.
Parking lot at the 910 King Street
What fun it is to be outdoors and under the stars! Old Town makes it even better with the addition of two classic movies you can enjoy with friends and family. Gather together with the drinks and food available on-site to make this night even more special. It’s the perfect way to end a day of cocktail celebration. Pop-up bites for sale by Bittersweet Catering. Bring your own chairs or blanket. Dogs are not allowed. Reservations required. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Meet the Makers at Market Square
Sunday, September 19
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Market Square
What better way to spend Virginia Spirits Month and Bourbon Heritage Month as Old Town closes out cocktail week. Eight different spirit makers will be on site for the community to enjoy getting to know the specialists who will bring favorite flavors. At each booth, guests will have a chance to hear from the makers about the spirit they have brought to taste and how it mixes in a well-crafted cocktail. Small bites will be provided by Bittersweet Catering with the purchase of a ticket. Represented Distilleries: Catoctin Creek, KO Distilling, Cirrus, Filibuster, Tarnished Truth, Smooth Ambler Spirits, FEW Spirits, and Maker’s Mark.
For tickets and more information about Old Town Cocktail Week, visit www.oldtownbusiness.org/old-town-cocktail or on social at @OldTownCocktailWeek.
About Old Town Business
Old Town Business (OTB) is the common voice for all businesses east of Alexandria’s Union Station to the Potomac River. Its purpose is to provide activation, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its members and to promote Old Town Alexandria as a progressive business district. OTB is a 501c6 organization.
