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Where: Boundary Stone, 116 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Bartender response: “Do you like O.J.?” We passed on the O.J.
What we got: Whiskey, ginger syrup, and grenadine.
Price: $3.18
How it tasted: Like straight grenadine. The drink was more reminiscent of Cheerwine soda than a cocktail.
Improv points (1-5): 1. “Something with grenadine” doesn’t mean “overwhelm me with grenadine.” In this case, red means please stop.
Where: La Tomate, 1701 Connecticut Ave. NW
Bartender response: “Like a tequila sunrise?”
What we got: Tequila sunrise with house tequila.
Price: $7
How it tasted: The tequila led the show, while the grenadine stood aloof.
Improv points (1-5): 3. What are we, college freshmen? A tequila sunrise may be a grenadine go-to drink, but it’s one we’d rather leave in our dorm-room days.
Where: Atlas Room, 1015 H St. NE
Bartender response: “The Ward Eight is very popular.”
What we got: The Ward Eight with Four Roses Bourbon, house-made grenadine, fresh orange juice, and fresh lemon juice.
Price: $12
How it tasted: Slightly citric with a delicately sweet aftertaste. The bourbon was especially smooth.
Improv points (1-5): 5. Atlas wouldn’t shrug at this drink. The grenadine was light enough to highlight the bourbon, not drown it.