“Bolivian brandy-topped Scorpion Bowls, Pisco-filled fruits and shaved ice cocktails” coming this Monday at The Royal

501 Florida Avenue, NW

From a press release:

“Winter may just have begun, but The Royal is transforming LeDroit Park into a tropical oasis for the latest edition of its monthly industry night series, on Monday, January 11 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. One special night devoted to South American Tiki cocktails. Royal Knights: “Kon Tiki” edition will feature the exotic creations of guest bartender Lukas B. Smith ranging from Bolivian brandy-topped Scorpion Bowls, Pisco-filled fruits and shaved ice cocktails, plus island flicks on the projector and other tropical surprises.

Inspired by Kon Tiki, the famous 1947 expedition which took Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl from South America to the Polynesian islands, The Royal will showcase lesser-known South American spirits in classic and original Polynesian-themed cocktails. Spirits such as Rujero Singani, a Bolivian brandy, Avua and Boca Loca cachacas, El Dorado and Ministry of Rum Collection rums imported from Guyana and more will be highlighted in cocktails throughout the evening.

Guest bartender Lukas B. Smith, of Jack Rose Dining Saloon’s underground cocktail den Dram & Grain, DC’s forthcoming rum distillery Cotton & Reed, and founder of Secret Monkey Social Club, will collaborate with The Royal’s Bar Manager Lee Carrell on a series of 8-10 creative Tiki cocktails (all $8) made with esoteric spirits, exotic juices and hollowed-out fruits. The bar’s vintage ice shaver sourced from Guatemala by owner Paul Carlson, will churn shaved ice for some cocktails, while other sips might include unique spins on the Hurricane, and fitting for the chilling weather, a warm Tiki concoction.

And to further transport guests to the tropics for the evening, The Royal will screen island flicks such as the Elvis-headlined Blue Hawaii and Donovan’s Reef with John Wayne on the projector.

This is part of The Royal’s “Royal Knights” event series, where on the second Monday of each month, they focus on a new batch of craft spirits, lesser-known liqueurs, and the creative people who make them, hosting guest-bartenders from around the country and introducing guests to creative new brands in the booze industry.

Next month’s “Royal Knights” will take place on Monday, February 8th, themed around all-things-amari and bitter.

The Royal’s monthly “Royal Knights” industry nights are free and open to the public, running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the second Monday of every month. Details for subsequent “Royal Knights” nights will be announced closer to each event. For more information, please visit www.theroyaldc.com or call 202-332-7777.

WHO: The Royal
Guest Bartender Lukas B. Smith

WHEN: Monday, January 11, 2016
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.”