Could this DC cocktail bar be the world’s next best one?
Cocktail guru Ryan Chetiyawardana, better known as Mr. Lyan, just opened Silver Lyan, his first bar on American soil, at the Riggs Hotel in DC’s Penn Quarter. The London-based mixologist opened his first bar, White Lyan, in London back in 2013 as the world’s first cocktail bar to not use perishables–that means no fruits nor ice. His sustainable approach to cocktail making and his use of innovative ingredients have gained Mr. Lyan multiple awards, including World’s Best Bar in 2018 for his bar Dandelyan (Now reborn as Lyaness), and the Best New American Cocktail Bar in 2020. Now he’s disembarked on our shores to bring us a taste of his magnificent drinks with Silver Lyan, what will probably be yet another award-worthy cocktail spot. Now, after being close since February 2020, because of the pandemic, Silver Lyan is reopening on July 16!
The underground bar’s wood paneling and marble accents set a retro and chilled vibe in which to drink in the room’s rich history as Washington DC’s old bank vault while enjoying some excellent cocktails in great company à la Mad Men.
The drinks menu at Silver Lyan steals the show with its playful nods to America’s complex cultural heritage. In its ranks, you’ll find a Jello Fruit basket for $80, featuring two fruity jello shots and four champagne ones, and the more extravagant Presidential Gift, made with Old Highland Aberfeldy Scotch, DC honey and applejacked bitters, for a steeper $375. You’ll also find more exotic options like the Japanese Saddle, made with Sakura sour and Roku gin, which at a more reasonable $14, offers an equally delectable experience.
[Feature image: @riggshotel / Instagram]
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