"700/800 blk Pennsylvania Ave, NW" by Rock Creek on Flickr

It’s the last day of July, and I had no idea it was Rickey Month here in DC. Not surprising really, as I’m so out of it these days.

Wait, what’s a rickey? You didn’t know we have a cool native cocktail? Yep, back in the 1880’s at Shoomaker’s Tavern on Pennsylvania Avenue, publican George Williamson concocted a drink for Colonel Rickey with bourbon, lime and seltzer. Starting last year the DC Craft Bartenders Guild declared July Rickey Month and held a contest for best rickey in the city – and they are doing it again. The bourbon can be replaced by any base spirit and contestants are free to embelish the basic ingredients with say, herbs, flowers and spice.

Peruse the gallery of drinks in competition and then head out this weekend to try as many as you can. Or head over to Bourbon this Monday night to sample and witness the judgement. Festivities start at 6:30pm and it costs $10. Nice way to beat the heat with historical flair.

Jenn Larsen

As one of the founding editors of We Love DC, Jenn’s passions are theater and cocktails. After two decades in the city, she’s loved every quirky, mundane, elegant, rude minute of her DC life. A proud advocate for DC’s talented drinks scene, she’s judged the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s ARTINI contest, the DC Rickey Month contest, the Jefferson Hotel’s Quill Cocktail competition, and is a founding member of LUPEC DC. A graduate of Catholic University’s drama program, she toured the country as a member of National Players, and has been both an actor and a costume designer before jumping the aisle to theater criticism. Writing for We Love DC restored her happiness after a life-threatening illness, and she’s grateful to you, dear readers. Send your suggestions to jenn (at) welovedc (dot) com and follow her on Twitter.