Cotton & Reed is definitely a hidden gem! From the moment we walked in, we had a great experience. The bartender was very knowledgeable and clearly knew his craft, which made the experience even better. The drinks are definitely on the pricier side, but honestly, they are worth it. My friends ordered the Coco Motion, which had such a beautiful color and looked almost too pretty to drink. I ordered the Jungle Bird, and it was exactly what I like--just the right amount of sweetness with a great flavor. I really enjoyed every sip! If you're looking for a unique cocktail experience with well-crafted drinks and a knowledgeable bartender, I definitely recommend checking out Cotton & Reed. I'll definitely be back! read more

See all

Located in Union Market, this is a great place to grab a drink after a nearby dinner or snack. It's a little hidden from the other restaurants, but I promise the drink I tried was worth it. The cocomotion was genuinely one of my favorite rum drinks I have tried in dc and is perfectly worth the hype it has gotten. I would be interested to go back and try some of their other drinks as well. It seems like they also have nice happy hour specials, so I will be back to test that out too. There seemed to be a birthday party or something happening in the back room when I went, so it was pretty crowded. I think the front room has some great spaces to sit, as well as a bar along one of the other walls to rest a drink on while talking to people. My main feedback is that it could use a little more seating, but overall is very fun and easy to mingle. read more

Cotton & Reed - Bar area - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We really enjoyed the Cocomotion! There is ample seating in the bar and the service is quick, however, the music is extremely loud. We had trouble at times hearing one another over the music, but truly enjoyed the flavor of the drink and seating area in the bar. read more

Cotton & Reed - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm such a fan of this place!! I've been here twice and I find that I am actually a fan of rum, if it's from here...LOL! Last time we came I tried the Knock Knee'd. I could drink it alllllll day...almost did. LOL! My friend tried the Three's Company. Let's just say it was a very good day. The bartenders are super chill and friendly. Something you hope to get when you're at a bar. I'll be here again when I venture to DC. read more

Cotton & Reed - Knock Knee'd - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great variety of drinks, reasonable prices, and plenty of space to hang out! They already had a great sound setup & disco ball so I was wishing there was a DJ & dance floor, but I also appreciated that it wasnt overly crowded. I got the Jungle bird which I would've liked to have been a bit more bitter and with more molasses flavor but it was still enjoyable. Still, the prices and variety of options were greatly appreciated--I willl be sure to come back soon! read more

Cotton & Reed - Jungle bird - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Love this small little place. Motto seems to be "No beer, no wine, just rum" and they stick to it unless you're drinking one of their non alcoholic drinks. They usually have two types of slushy drinks, when I was there they had Cocomotion (white rum, coconut, pineapple, and pandan), and Punk Panther (white rum, strawberry all ways, rhubarb, and lime). You could also get swirl mix of the two. Cocomotion was great on a hot night. They have the usual rum drinks, Dark & Stormy, Daiquiri, etc plus some unique drinks like a Coconut Rickey and Cuba Liberace. They also sell bottles of their different rums to take home. As mentioned, it's small. They have maybe 20 seats in here, more room for standing, and some outside seating. Their rum is distilled on premesis, you can take a tour of the distillery part of the establishment on Saturdays. Best to reserve ahead for this. Staff is always helpful every time I've been here. It can get packed and they do keep up. The owners worked for NASA once upon a time and decided to partner up and open a distillery. DC trivia point! It's just up the street from the main Union Market building so you can grab some food (they don't serve any food). Cards and cash accepted, not sure about Apple pay etc. Support a local business and check it out! read more

Cotton & Reed - Cocomotion slushy - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cotton & Reed is a hidden gem worth traveling to NoMa for. I particularly loved the inside/outside feel, it's the perfect place for a summer drink. I tried the pandan and strawberry daiquiri. It was fruity and refreshing. I saw on the menu that there is a pandan rum I definitely will be back to try. Bartenders were also great. read more

See all

I passed this place on the way to Union Market and the Jollof Festival. I was curious about it but thought it looked a tad sketchy. On my way back to the car I decided to stop in. I'm so glad I did! Don't let the outside deter you as it is quite nicely decorated on this inside of this small refurbished warehouse space. They also have a larger open air area that would be great for events. I tried the knock knee'd (rum and gin) and the frozen pink panther rum drink with rhubarb. They were both excellent. So good in fact that I grabbed a bottle of their very own white rum for my home collection. The staff were friendly too. This is a must visit spot that I'll certainly visit again. read more

Cotton & Reed - Two of their many tasty drinks - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Love coming to Cotton & Reed on a weekday for a drink and good vibes. I will specifically note that I think coming to this bar in the Union Market area is better on a Tuesday/Wednesday then a Saturday. As you can imagine with how busy it gets in Union Market on the weekends the same reflects for Cotton & Reed and there's typically not many seated options and the bar can get very packed. I do love that there's plenty of space and during the warmer months they open the back door so that there's fresh air circulating air. I see a lot of people tend to rent the space for private events which is cool. Each time I come there's always a friend group celebrating a birthday with pies of pizza and a birthday cake. It's very cute. Now for the drinks, I think they're decent. Nothing that blows me out of the water and that I'm going out of my way for. I do like the blue slushie drink--it's perfect for the warmer days. Check it out! read more

See all

A really solid cocktail bar - I am not even a rum lover and all the drinks were so well made, you almost forgot it was a rum bar. We loved the redbeard - it was refreshing and light, something I could drink by the pool all summer. The coconut rickey felt "healthy" and light as well and of course, the cocomotion was the star of the show. Bartenders were quick, and the space was trendy with clean restrooms. Overall good selection and we enjoyed all drinks we tried. read more

Cotton & Reed is a hometown classic. Their products are top notch if you are a rum lover. The gold rum and allspice dram are standouts, plus they have the best coconut rum I have ever tasted. It is less sweet than something like Malibu but has a strong, smooth coconut flavor. It is truly a marvel. The distillery does a great job at providing a great on-site bar experience, too. It is dim for a nice mood, always has a great playlist, and their cocktail list is always changing and always interesting. It is winter time, which means it's coquito time. La Famosa makes the world's best coquito, and it showcases C&R's rum nicely. If you want to keep it simpler, their rum old fashioned is delicious, too. They do not sell beer or wine, just rum, but with rum this good, who cares. They make a bunch of interesting, small batch rums throughout the year, and they work very well in cocktails, you will find something you like no matter what you like. They have been rocking at this spot for over nine years, now, so that really tells you something about their quality. They have earned a spot in the DC pantheon. read more

Absolutely love this place! My friends and I stumbled across here by chance after having dinner at Union Market. This slushy is probably the best alcoholic slushy I've had in my life. It's creamy instead of icy which I personally love. I got the swirled flavor and it worked so well. Hoping to love to NoMa area and I'd be lying if I said this place wasn't a factor of wanting to move to the neighborhood read more

Cotton & Reed - Locomotion slushee and rum flight - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We've come here probably 10 times since moving to Noma, and every time has been a great experience. The service is always so fast, even when it is busy. It is a great environment to sip some cocktails and hang with your friends. We finally did the tour, which adds another level to the Cotton & Reed experience. read more

Cotton & Reed - Rum flight from the tour - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a special spot. They make rum. They make good rum. You can get tours on Saturdays. They just expanded the distillery to Ivy City. Unfortunately, their court yard is closed. But the ambiance is still great. Don't expect drinks that aren't rum based. They make the rum, they make the mixers. It's special. Try the rum negroni, it's excellent. The service is fantastic. They feel like your friends, but they aren't in your way..they just make you feel at home. Come back, again and again. You won't regret it. read more

Amazing rum cocktail bar. Great happy hour prices. Space can get crowded with limited seating but has a great relaxed vibe. read more

Cotton & Reed - Cocomotion, redbeard - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A cute rum centered cocktail bar in union market. I love the indoor/outdoor covered patio vibes. Very chill with great service and drinks. I wish they did have snacks on the menu, to compliment the drinks but overall I had a great time and would come back read more

Cotton & Reed - cocomotion - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Cotton & Reed is one of my favorite places to visit in DC. It's got a chill vibe, good music, and friendly staff. It's roomy, so you can spread out or visit with a group. They only have rum-based drinks, which is fine with me, because I love rum. I really enjoyed the drinks I've had, especially the rum old-fashioned. We had some really excellent cocktails recently, but I forgot to write down the names. The slushies are perfect in the summer. I appreciate that the drink menu changes. I'm always down to return to Cotton & Reed. read more

Cotton & Reed - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Drinks were good but the rude staff ruined the experience especially the weird creepy bouncer, kept making my lady friends uncomfortable.

Second time back here - first time here was for a friend's birthday. We walked in on a Friday evening to meetup with 2 friends and grabbed a table at the back. I appreciate the huge space there and ample seating. Cocomotion was delicious (and dangerous). The strong rum was almost covered by the pandan flavor and it tastes really good. read more

See all

This is a cute bar with some indoor seating and a few picnic tables that serve as their outdoor seating. They have a QR code located at the tables, which you scan to see their drink menu and place your order. Then someone brings your drink to your table. I like this idea because it minimalist and efficient, and provides you the opportunity to keep personal track of what you're spending. The customer service was friendly and straightforward. And the drink selection was eclectic..with a few tasty mocktail options. Overall, highly recommend read more

This is a great spot for drinks with a large group of friends! Cotton & Reed is located close to Union Market so if you're in that area, it's so easy to walk over. As a rum distillery, it only features rum based drinks, so if you're looking for a place to try some really unique cocktails, this is the spot. Service is quick and everyone is so friendly. I was here for a going away party and everyone was so kind and helped us take multiple group photos. I was having such a good time that I wish I had captured a few photos of my drink! The frozen cocomotion is delicious and with the recent wicked movie coming out, I loved that it was green. read more

This is a go to for me whenever I'm in Union Market. Their rum offerings are unique and their cocktails are solid. The bartenders know what they're doing! I love the space with the natural light coming in. Definitely the spot to go if you're looking for a chill vibe and a quality cocktail. read more

Cotton & Reed - Pandan slushie - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great tasting with Russell! He was so knowledgeable and personable! The rum was very smooth. My favorite ended up being the Gold! This tasting is $25 per person inclusive of tax and tip. This is perfect for a small group outing. read more

distillery in the back of the union market area - cool space, tons of seating, bar in the front with additional tables in the back. service is friendly, drinks are decent and well priced. read more

We were looking for a nice bar to get a drink and found this rum bar after leaving Union Market. Initially impressed with the feel of the place - a more upscale bar while still having a laid-back vibe. Great selection of rums, and delicious rum-based cocktails. The flight was a great introduction to their rums, and then we tried their cocktails. He eat cocktails! Loved the cocomotion slush - the pandan is delicious and goes so well with the rum - perfect sweetness and great with a rum float. Only downside was that their service wasn't the best. They weren't very crowded when we were here and we were sitting at the bar, but the service wasn't very attentive or efficient which was a bummer. As a heads up, they also tack on a 20% service charge to all bills for tip and staff benefits. So be mindful of that when you get the bill. Otherwise, great bar to try some new rum, enjoy a favorite rum, or get a rum cocktail! read more

See all

never been a rum girl but I am a cotton & reed girl - there is an epidemic of bars loving the idea of cosplaying NYC bars with long lines...but I don't want to risk a ruined evening trying to get into one of those. this spot constantly has seating with that huge cool stone room on the side - I think the drinks are so creative and thank god somehow still maxing at 16 bucks. I love the prevalence of rum and coconut drinks (coconut rickey especially) while still being summery and light! sometimes rum can be very heavy - obviously their frozen drinks are famous for a reason. the cocomotion is delicious without tasting like a machine made frostee. it's a sophisticated frostee without the grainy texture - the "boozy" Negroni called "3s a company" packed a punch. any Negroni drinker would love this one. I was buzzing already - Queen of the dunderworld barely tasted like rum from the fruity pomegranate flavors so those who don't love rum can find options here, they mix several drinks with mezcal, tequila, or gin so everyone can find a drink! - the workers are so kind and chatted with me about various drinks and their favorites. you order at the bar then go find seating. it's very warm and happy with fun pop music playing. plenty of fans to regulate hot days too read more

Cotton & Reed - Left: coconut rickey, top: Queen of the dunderworld, bottom: 3s a company - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We came to Cotton & Reed after brunch to taste some local rum. Since it was our first time we decided to get the regular tasting along with the limited release tasting. There were some unique flavors and some stronger than others, but it was a great way to figure out what we did like. You can also just grab cocktails and forgo a tasting. It is in the union market area so very easy to stop by for a drink before heading over to the market. It has an industrial feel, and definitely a place to just be comfortable and relax. The service was great, and they are very knowledgeable about the rum and how it is made if you have questions. Definitely recommend checking out if you are in the area and like rum. read more

See all

One of my favorite places to visit in D.C. regardless of the season. This rum distillery has plenty of amazing and well-priced drinks, but they are especially known for their slushes. All of them are good, but my favorite is the Cocomotion with Coconut, Pineapple Pandan, and White Rum; however, their swirls are a great option. There is plenty of indoor dining space with two counters in the bar room and a spacious back room that is heated in the winter with a fun disco ball in the center. In the summer, one can sit on the street in a turf setting. There is one bathroom for anyone to All the bartenders are really kind and make great recommendations. read more

See all

Literally a whole in the wall bar in the warehouse district (union market), this place brings BIG flavor with small spaces. I had two different rum drinks here (brewed onsite), one with a light rum and one with a dark rum. Both were amazing! At one point, the server did forget to bring out my drink and we had to ask for it - but she was quick to correct it. Overall, will def be back to this place! read more

Cotton & Reed - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Verrrryyy fun inside space that also has outdoor seating where you QR order. We sat inside. Service was quick and friendly. We got the Babylon sisters, mule, and queen of the dunderworld. The queen was my favorite, super easy to drink and had great flavor. Really good selection of drinks seems like there's something for everyone. Dying to try the frozen drinks, will definitely be back!! read more

Cotton & Reed - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Buy the all spice rum. You can drink it straight because it is so smooth. Their daiquiri with coconut rum is also excellent. I get it every time! Amazing customer service too. read more

Cotton & Reed - All spice rum! - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I absolutely LOVE this place! It's such a vibe. The bartenders are usually super nice and welcoming (depending on who it is).. there is security some nights which makes it feel safe since the area is still a little sketchy. The drinks are THE BEST! If you like rum, you'll love this place. There batched drinks are good but the made to order cocktails are MUCH MUCH better! There isn't any food but they'll allow you to order UberEats, DoorDash, or bring something in. I also LOVE the esthetic! I wish it was more seating in the main area but it's still more than enough space. read more

Cotton and Reed literally have the best house made rum I've ever tasted. Their blend of frozen drinks are a staple and do not miss a mark. Service is top tear and I love the rusted setting. read more

Cotton & Reed - Celebrating my brothers birthday at his favorite spot in the city. Cotton and Reed. - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The space is fun and well-designed. The staff were very knowledgeable and make a mean cocktail, but it did feel a little like we "bothered" them when asking for info. Didn't think too much into it, though; it kind of seemed like they were just juggling a lot. Best daiquiri in town, hands down, if you can get past the weird customer service vibes. read more

Favorite bar in the DMV. Their house made rums are amazing and the cocktails are very well balanced. Even their frozen cocktails, such as the Cocomotion, are local legends. Service at the bar is always great, too. read more

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place before. Maybe because I didn't want to share my favorite place. It's like Cheers coming in here! The vibe is nice no matter what day you come, the music and the bartenders are the reason why this is literally my favorite bar in this area. Also the drinks, you can't pick a bad one. You should attended a distillery tour to find out their process and what makes rum distilleries so special read more

Cotton & Reed - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Super cool, cute and fun spot with AMAZING cocktails and service!! I came here with my lil sister (her recommendation) and am SOLD!!! My lil Sis and I stopped in for a quick cocktail that turned into 3 immediately after tasting that amazing frozen drink - I had a swirly boy - that had me slurping it like it was a slurpee lol We chatted it up with Ben, who was super cool and funny, while we threw 'em back. Apparently, it's a pretty popular spot as we were in on a "school night" and it was semi-jumping! So they are a rum bar and only serve rum based cocktails or flights. Bring your own food if you are or think you will get hungry. read more

Cotton & Reed - Swirly boy - YUMMY!!! - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What an awesome distillery this is. I am glad to have seen one of my friends favorite distilleries. The vibe inside was so chill and fun even though we sat outside. That too was super chill and we met a cute dog while there too. Love that we could order online and some one would bring the drinks out to us. We went on a not so crowded time but boy did the drinks come out fast! Which is a good thing. I will definitely want to come back here and see if they have any winter seasonal drinks. Even if they do not I will try something else. read more

Cotton & Reed - Distilleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Simply phenomenal cocktails, highly recommend for drinks with friends or colleagues. Really good bar in dc. Fantastic rum locally produced here in Washington DC read more

Great place to expand your Rum palette. They offer plenty of rum based cocktails catering to all kinds of tastes. I personally prefer drinks on the sweeter side and tried the famous, Cocomotion along with Queen of the Dunderworld. I also tried some sips of 5th Street Yacht Club. Queen of the Dunderworld was my favorite; it reminded of a boozy cranberry ginger ale but not really. It's complex to describe, but very tasty. Cocomotion I was a little disappointed with the fermented coco-lacto sourness and wished it was sweeter with no fermentation. By the time I tried a sip of 5th Street, it tasted like a boozy limey soda. I would come again for Queen of the Dunderworld or their other cocktails. I am curious how their Daiquiri, Punk Panther, and other drinks taste. I just wish their music wasn't blasted incredibly high where I can't hear what others are saying. Have to speak much louder to have a conversation. read more

See all