Earlier this winter WLDC Author Jasmine, along with another friend and I, headed out for a ladies night in Old Town. We made our way down King Street, and wound up at The Majestic where we snagged a seat at the bar and sipped some very classy cocktails.

The cocktail menu boasts, “Our cocktails are made with fresh ingredients and take a bit more time than most. Thank you for your patience. We promise they are worth the wait!” Having a front row seat to the two mixologists behind the bar, the menu isn’t joking. They bartenders pick fresh mint out of a large bundle and hand crush it carefully for the Mint Julep. Decorative twists are done one at a time, fresh for each cocktail. I was smitten, each drink is incredibly labor intensive, and the longer we sat there, the more impressed I became.

The bar at the Majestic serves as the waiting area for tables, as with most places, but it seemed like at least half the patrons there were like us, in it for the drinks, and content ordering snacks or full meals at the bar. Described as causally swank, you are welcome to wear jeans, but make sure they’re your best jeans and you’re topping them off with a blazer. The bar doesn’t seat many, but there’s another seating area facing out the window, so they jam pack you into it, but the bartenders aren’t afraid to leave the bar to come take orders or answer questions.

We tried Hemmingway’s Daiquiri, the fresh grapefruit juice standing out against Cruzan rum.  It had a kick, and a tartness to it. We also sampled the French 125, a take on the classic drink French 75. Served in a tall glass, it reminded me of a bellini.

The bartender threw together the Ramos Gin Fizz for another customer, and I was taken aback by how many steps went into creating one cocktail, not to mention how much vigorous shaking went into them.

All in all, if you’re out for a fancy cocktail in Old Town,  make a point to visit The Majestic. You’ll be able to sip on the labors of love, with plenty of entertainment behind the bar.

The Majestic is located at 911 King Street in Alexandria. Photos courtesy of flickr user Needlessspaces.

Katie

Katie moved to DC in 2007, and has since embarked upon a love affair with the city. She’s an education reform advocate and communications professional during the day; at night and on the weekends, she’s an owner here at We Love DC. Katie has high goals to eat herself through the entire city, with only her running shoes to save her from herself. For up-to-the-minute news and reviews (among other musings), follow her on Twitter!