Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileSmoke & Mirrors
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Smoke & Mirrors pairs a rooftop setting with a wide-ranging beverage program. Craft cocktails like RUM FOR THE SUN and MONROE'S LOVE LETTER show ambition, while a charity cocktail adds purpose. Wine and spirits lists reach from modest pours to Louis XIII at $200 an ounce. Guests praise the creative cocktails, though some question the price.
- What should I order?
- Start with RUM FOR THE SUN, a tropical blend with ube syrup, or MONROE'S LOVE LETTER for a botanical vodka cocktail. For a cause, order MERCY & SALT. Wine drinkers can explore by glass or bottle, and spirits enthusiasts may invest in a premium pour.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive combinations and rooftop ambiance. Groups may enjoy the bottomless brunch options. Whiskey and bourbon fans will appreciate the extensive spirits list. Those on a budget might find the cocktail prices steep.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is highlighted as a standout feature, making early evenings a good time to visit. Brunch offers bottomless drinks and discounted wine, appealing for weekend afternoons.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14–$20. Wine by the glass $10–$35, bottles $30–$900. Beer $5–$8. Premium spirits can reach $45 for Whistle Pig and $200 per ounce for Louis XIII. Brunch specials provide some savings.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A rooftop bar with fire pits and mid-century modern furniture, combined with a beverage program that includes a charity cocktail and rare spirits like Louis XIII. Happy hour deals are a draw.
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 craft cocktails with unique ingredients like ube and cranberry syrup. A donation cocktail supports charity.
Menu strengths
- — Distinctive cocktails such as RUM FOR THE SUN with ube syrup
- — Charity component with MERCY & SALT benefiting Feed the Children
Standout selections
- — MONROE'S LOVE LETTER – Smoke Lab Vodka, Italicus, cranberry syrup, lime ($16)
- — MERCY & SALT – Sauza Tequila, Giffard Abricot, passion, simple syrup, lime ($15)
Pricing: $14–$20 per cocktail
Wine
Wide selection across sparkling, white, rosé, and red, with by-the-glass and bottle options. Premium bottles reach $900. Brunch offers discounts.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse wine list covering multiple regions and styles
- — Brunch specials with $5 off glasses and $10 off bottles
Standout selections
- — Unshackled Chardonnay, Central Coast 2021 ($16 glass/$60 bottle)
- — AIX Rosé, Provence 2023 ($14 glass/$42 bottle)
- — Markham Six Stacks Merlot, Napa (bottle $48)
Pricing: Glasses $10–$35; bottles $30–$900
Beer
A modest but solid selection of domestic and craft beers with ABV listed. Includes non-alcoholic options. No draft information available.
Menu strengths
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer options; ABV listed for many selections
Standout selections
- — Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA (7.5% ABV)
Pricing: $5–$8
Nonalcoholic
Offers mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, and seltzers. Mocktails like SPARK-BERRY-ADE and PINK BERRY provide creative non-alcoholic choices. Brunch includes NA options.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of mocktails and NA beers; Brunch includes non-alcoholic juice and mocktails
Standout selections
- — SPARK-BERRY-ADE – lime, simple syrup, strawberry purée, club soda
- — PINK BERRY – cranberry, lime, grenadine, club soda
- — Samuel Adams Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA (0.0% ABV)
Pricing: Prices not listed
Spirits
Extensive spirits list covering bourbon, rye, whiskey, and more, with premium options like Whistle Pig and Louis XIII. No tasting notes provided.
Menu strengths
- — Large selection of premium and rare spirits; Includes high-end pours like Louis XIII
Standout selections
- — Whistle Pig Small Batch Rye 10 yr ($45)
- — Louis XIII ($200 per ounce); High West Cask Collection
Pricing: Premium pours up to $200 per ounce
How it sits with the food
No food menu provided, but the cocktail and wine lists suggest pairing possibilities: tropical cocktails with light seafood, bourbon with grilled meats, and sparkling wine with brunch items.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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