Bitter is better

The folks at The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar present their cocktail menu as a helpful guide of sorts, divided into “tart and refreshing,” “juicy” and “bitter.” My cold, dark soul craves anything hard and bitter, which makes the last category a dream. On a recent visit, I ordered the Fah’s Folly ($11), made with bourbon, mezcal and chocolate bitters. The bourbon gives the drink a soul-soothing base (read: numbing) while the mezcal and bitters imbue it with smoke, spice and just the slightest hint of an anise sweetness. 2718 J Street, http://theredrabbit.net.