Join the National Archives Foundation and our Chief Spirits Advisor, Derek Brown, for a new series at the National Archives exploring the intersection of history and cocktails in America. Each event features a tasting of custom cocktails crafted by America’s finest mixologists and a discussion of the rich history behind them. Must be 21+ years of age to attend.

Past events:

Global Spirits: American Cocktails



June 29, 2017

Sponsored by The Tasting Panel Magazine



Hosted by the National Archives Foundation and The Tasting Panel Magazine, Global Spirits: American Cocktails will kick off several days of festivities celebrating July 4, 2017. Local mixologists will be tasked with the creation of an original cocktail inspired by American history. As the bartenders blend their concoction for judges to taste, they will describe how they were inspired by that history. Guests will have the opportunity to taste exclusive cocktails created by eight of the top bartenders from around the country.

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Cocktails in Cuba

March 25, 2017

Sponsored by the 86 Spirits Company

The United States may have invented the cocktail, but it wasn’t long before it became entwined with the island nation of Cuba, especially through the invention of two of the world’s most recognized libations—the Daiquiri and Rum & Coke. Military intervention, organized crime and literary giants, all in the shadow of revolution, mark the fascinating history of these drinks. Experts, along with one of Cuba’s most renowned bartenders, Julio Cabrera, will discuss cocktails, Cuba and the United States, past and present.

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Culinary Cocktails

September 23, 2017 at 2:30pm

Pairing food and drink has long been an exciting challenge for creators of both. Derek Brown, Drink Company will host Michelle Bernstein, James Beard Foundation Award- winning chef; John Lermayer, Owner Sweet Liberty; Lynnette Marrero, Bartender and Co-founder Speed Rack; and Johnny Spero, Chef Columbia Room and forthcoming Reverie in an exploration of the evolving world of culinary cocktails, where kitchen ingredients meet innovative libations.

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Reservations must be made online or by calling 202.357.5946. The program fee is non-refundable. A space cannot be reserved without full payment.