Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileApéro
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Apéro's cocktail program is the draw: creative signatures like Épines Roses and a Martini Service with caviar bump potato chip. The wine list leans heavily on Champagne and grower producers, with a sommelier pairing option for the prix fixe. Beer and non-alcoholic options are limited but intentional. A polished, beverage-first stop in Georgetown.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Martini Service—choose The Dirty One for a classic, or Casino Royale for a twist. For a signature cocktail, Épines Roses offers mezcal and prickly pear. Happy hour's $11 Martini is a solid value.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, well-executed drinks, and wine lovers interested in Champagne and grower producers. The caviar service and prix fixe pairings may appeal to those celebrating a special occasion.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is a good time for a bargain Martini and wines by the glass. The Summer Prix Fixe with sommelier pairing is a seasonal option worth planning around.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $18–20, with the Martini Service at $28. Wines by the glass range $10–38, and beer is $11–12. Non-alcoholic cocktails are $14. Happy hour offers a $11 Martini.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Martini Service with its caviar bump potato chip is a rare flourish. The cocktail list shows a playful, botanical bent, and the wine program's Champagne focus is serious. A French bistro sensibility runs through the beverage offerings.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative signature cocktails with house ingredients, a dedicated Martini Service with caviar, and seasonal specials. Pricing is fair for the quality.
Menu strengths
- — Signature cocktails like Épines Roses and Réserve de Nomades show inventive use of mezcal, bourbon, and botanicals.
- — Martini Service offers three styles with an oyster and caviar bump potato chip, a distinctive experience.
- — Happy hour Martini at $11 provides an accessible entry point.
Standout selections
- — Épines Roses: Los Vecinos Mezcal, Orgeat, Prickly Pear, Lime, Rose Water ($20)
- — Réserve de Nomades: Old Bardstown Bourbon, Grappa Nonino, Pandan Liqueur, Kiwi, Tiki Bitters ($18)
- — Apéro Martini Service: Choose from The Elli Elena, Casino Royale, or The Dirty One; served with olives, oyster, and caviar bump potato chip ($28)
Pricing: Cocktails range from $18 to $20; Martini Service $28; Happy Hour Martini $11.
Wine
Deep Champagne selection organized by style, plus grower producers. Wines by the glass span categories with accessible pricing. Sommelier pairing available.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive Champagne list by style (Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Rosé) indicates serious curation.
- — Sommelier wine pairing for the Summer Prix Fixe shows a considered food-and-wine program.
- — Wines by the glass offer range and value, from $10 Happy Hour options to premium selections.
Standout selections
- — NV Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Comte de Laube ($12)
- — 24 Sancerre, Jean-Max Roger, Les Caillottes ($23)
Pricing: Wines by the glass range from $10 to $38; sommelier pairing for Summer Prix Fixe at $45.
Beer
Small but quality-focused beer list with two local craft options and a non-alcoholic pils. Not a focus, but selections are intentional.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local craft options from Notch Brewing (MA) and Crooked Crab (MD).
- — Offers a non-alcoholic craft pils from Notch Brewing.
Standout selections
- — Czech-Style Pils from Notch Brewing, MA, 4% ABV ($11)
- — Hefeweizen, Furious George, Crooked Crab, MD, 5.6% ABV ($12)
Pricing: Beer prices range from $11 to $12.
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic options: two crafted mocktails, a dealcoholized Riesling, and a NA pils. More than an afterthought.
Menu strengths
- — Creative NA cocktails like Butterfly Kisses and The Sparkling Garden use house ingredients.
- — Includes NA wine and beer options, offering variety beyond typical soda or juice.
Standout selections
- — Butterfly Kisses: Butterfly Pea Flower, Lime, Club Soda ($14)
- — The Sparkling Garden: Ginger Beer, Amaro Falso, Cinnamon, Lemon, Rosemary, Mint ($14)
- — NA Sparkling Riesling, Eins Zwei Zero ($16)
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails priced at $14 each; NA sparkling Riesling $16; NA craft pils $11.
Spirits
Spirits list is indicated but not fully evidenced. Cocktails showcase a range of spirits including mezcal, gin, bourbon, and vermouth.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktail menu demonstrates a broad spirits selection, from mezcal to bourbon.
How it sits with the food
The caviar service and oyster happy hour suggest sparkling wine pairings. The prix fixe includes a sommelier wine pairing, indicating a considered approach to matching food and drink.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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