Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThe Green Zone
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Green Zone's cocktail program is a serious, scholarly affair: Middle Eastern-inspired originals like Shi Salbeh and Ottoman Times sit alongside historically attributed classics such as the Daiquirí (Constantino Ribalaigua Vert style) and the 1944 Mai Tai. Lebanese wines from Château Ksara and a curated beer list with Palestinian and Turkish options round out a geographically adventurous beverage program. Happy hour discounts on beer and wine make it approachable.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Shi Salbeh, a Lebanese Bee’s Knees twist with Jun gin, mastic, and arak. For a classic, order the Daiquirí in the style of Constantino Ribalaigua Vert. The 1944 Mai Tai is a tiki benchmark. If you want something bold, the Ottoman Times Old-Fashioned with Wild Turkey 101 and Arabian bitters delivers.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate historical context and Middle Eastern flavors. Also suitable for those seeking a well-curated beer list with international options and a thoughtful non-alcoholic selection. The venue's happy hour appeals to budget-conscious drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Evening visits for the full cocktail menu are recommended.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Non-alcoholic cocktails are $10. Wines range from $11 to $16 per glass, with bottles from $50 to $70. Draft beers run $10-$14; bottled beers $8-$15. Cocktail prices are not listed, but the program's ambition suggests mid-range to premium pricing.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Green Zone stands out for its scholarly approach to cocktails, attributing each classic to its creator and venue, from Constantino Ribalaigua Vert to Sam Ross. Its Middle Eastern-inspired signatures, like Shi Salbeh and Ottoman Times, are unusual in DC. The wine list's Lebanese focus (Château Ksara) reinforces the theme.
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
The cocktail menu is creative and historically grounded, with Middle Eastern-inspired signatures and classic attributions.
Menu strengths
- — Creative Middle Eastern-inspired drinks like Shi Salbeh and Ottoman Times.
- — Classic cocktails with named creators and venues, e.g., Daiquirí and 1944 Mai Tai.
- — Signature punches and tiki-style drinks, including Fuck This! Punch and Zombie Punch.
Standout selections
- — Shi Salbeh - Jun gin, honey, lemon, mastic, arak.
- — Ottoman Times - Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, pomegranate, Arabian bitters.
- — Daiquirí - Probitas rum, lime, cane sugar; numbered variations available.
- — 1944 Mai Tai - TGZ house blended rum, Clément Créole Shrubb, lime, orgeat.
Pricing: Cocktail prices are not listed; non-alcoholic cocktails are $10.
Wine
Wine list features Lebanese wines from Château Ksara, a Champagne, and a non-alcoholic option. Transparent pricing with glass and bottle choices.
Menu strengths
- — Lebanese wines align with the venue's theme.; Includes a non-alcoholic sparkling Riesling.
Standout selections
- — Château Ksara 'L’Observatoire' - Obeidy, Viognier, Muscat 2024, Lebanon.
- — Château Ksara 'Reserve du Couvent' - Syrah, Cab Franc 2020, Lebanon.
- — Charles Le Bel 'Inspiration 1818' - Brut, Champagne, France.
Pricing: House wine $11/glass or $55/bottle; Ksara wines $13/glass or $60/bottle; Champagne $16/glass or $70/bottle; dealcoholized Riesling $12/glass or $50/bottle.
Beer
Diverse draft and bottle selection with regional and international breweries, including Middle Eastern options. Happy hour discounts on beer.
Menu strengths
- — International options like Almaza Pilsner and Shepherds Pilsner.
- — Craft draft list from breweries like Wheatland Spring and Lost Generation.
Standout selections
- — Almaza Pilsner - Pilsner, Lebanon.; Shepherds Pilsner - Pilsner, Palestine.
- — The Drowned Lands Brewery 'Terra Blanc' - Double IPA, NY.
Pricing: Draft beers $10-$14; bottled/canned beers $8-$15.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail section, plus N/A beer and wine alternatives. Pricing is accessible.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail section.; Includes N/A beer and dealcoholized wine.
Standout selections
- — Non-Alcoholic Cocktails - priced at $10.
- — Untitled Art 'FLVR' - N/A Mango Dragonfruit Sour (0.5% ABV).
- — Leitz Eins-Zwei-Zero - Dealcoholized Sparkling Riesling (0.5% ABV).
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails $10; N/A beer $10; dealcoholized Riesling $12/glass or $50/bottle.
Spirits
Spirits selection supports a diverse cocktail menu with premium and craft brands, including gin, bourbon, mezcal, rum, tequila, cachaça, and Scotch.
Menu strengths
- — Global spirits including Ilegal Mezcal and Tié Jequitibá Cachaça.
Standout selections
- — Jun Gin - used in Shi Salbeh.
- — Ilegal Mezcal - used in Fuck This! Punch.
- — Probitas Rum - used in Daiquirí.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list or pricing available.
How it sits with the food
While food is not the focus, the Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails suggest pairing with mezze or grilled meats. Lebanese wines, particularly the Château Ksara Reserve du Couvent, would complement lamb or spiced dishes. The beer list's international options, such as Almaza Pilsner, offer refreshing pairings with savory snacks.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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