Cozy Autumn Cocktails to Warm Your Evenings

A hot day at the beach calls for an ice-cold beer or a perfectly balanced tart-and-salty Margarita. The pop of a Champagne cork announces the New Year, and as the seasons shift, so do our cocktail preferences.

The Rye Bar at Capella Washington, D.C., celebrated for inventive craft cocktails and a curated selection of American rye whiskeys, marks the arrival of autumn by inviting guests to explore the art of cocktail making and sample some of the season’s most popular drinks.

Led by Angel Cervantes, a respected Washington, D.C. bartender and experienced mixologist, the Rye Bar’s Signature Cocktail Workshop is scheduled for October 18, November 8 and December 6. Priced at $150 per person (gratuities not included), each two-hour session offers hands-on guidance in crafting five cocktails, complemented by passed canapés and small bites, and concludes with a three-course meal paired with additional cocktails.

These workshops are designed for both curious beginners and experienced home bartenders who want to refine their technique, learn about seasonal ingredients, and discover pairing principles that enhance both cocktails and food. Participants will gain practical skills—such as measuring, muddling, balancing sweet and sour components, and understanding garnish choices—while sampling a variety of flavor profiles from classics to modern twists.

Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from the instructor, and the Rye Bar’s well-appointed setting provides an ideal atmosphere for learning and socializing. Whether you’re seeking a memorable group outing, a unique date-night activity, or an opportunity to expand your at-home mixology repertoire, the Signature Cocktail Workshop offers an engaging, hands-on experience.

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating. Attendees should expect to leave with new techniques, a deeper appreciation for rye whiskeys and craft cocktails, and recipes to recreate their favorite drinks at home.