Rum and Fun at Tiki TNT
By Nicole L. Gill, CouncilMag.com
Waterfront views are just part of the draw at Tiki TNT from acclaimed bartender Todd Thrasher. Thrasher, of PX fame, has brought a rum distillery and bar/restaurant to Washington, D.C.’s revitalized Southwest waterfront.
The bar on the main level of Tiki TNT extends outside when temperatures allow.
“I love that we can be a go-to site for a buzzy, laid-back, and fast-casual bite, day-drinking hangout, pre-concert pit stop, or post-meal nightcap.”
The “Make Rum Not War” smokestack is visible from Interstate 395.
“I think The Wharf itself is bringing something that has long been missed: a waterfront opportunity that’s also a gathering place,” said Thrasher about his decision to locate along the Potomac River. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of that experience.”
It’s hard to miss the smokestack while driving into D.C. from Virginia on Interstate 395. The view from the highway says “Make Rum Not War.” And making rum is exactly what Thrasher is doing at Potomac Distilling Co. The words on the other side? “Thrasher’s Rum.”
Thrasher describes his rum as “rich, oaky and molasses-based.” He said he draws inspiration from his time traveling the South Pacific and the Caribbean. Thrasher’s Rum comes in four styles: green spiced, spiced, white and gold. The rums are featured in cocktails at Tiki TNT and sold at the distillery.
Thrasher’s Green Spiced Rum is made with herbs grown in Todd Thrasher’s backyard, including lemon verbena, lemongrass, lemon balm, mint and green cardamom, he said.
Thrasher calls the green spiced rum “the first of its kind” with flavors that are evocative of English gin. “The light distinctive spirit is herbaceous, floral, and vibrant with hints of green citrus,” he said.
“My fascination with craft cocktails continues to grow and evolve, and I wanted to create something that showcases the seafaring spirit and how rum is sourced and made,” Thrasher said of pairing the distillery with Tiki TNT.
Tiki TNT “is a place where people can gather, drink, and enjoy a stage where cocktails are fun and rules are consistently being bent,” he said.
A drink to try at Tiki TNT is the Yellow Bird cocktail, which is new on the menu. “The coastal concoction conjures days of pink, powder-soft sand, crystal blue waters, and straw hats,” Thrasher said.
The menu is the brainchild of executive chef Larry Blevin in collaboration with some of the area’s top chefs, including Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto, Bryan Voltaggio of Volt and Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse, and David Guas of Bayou Bakery, Thrasher said.
“We set out to create fun, island-inspired food. The menu showcases no frills beach-inspired eats,” he said, adding that one of the must-try dishes is the Tiki Tots with its many sauces, including pineapple, mango, green onion, cilantro and chili.
The interior of Tiki TNT has a tropical feel. Note the bamboo along the bar.
Earlier this year, the Washington Post called Tiki TNT one of the hottest rooftop bar scenes in the District.
“It’s hard to beat a sunset view with a chilled cocktail in hand on the rooftop of Tiki TNT,” Thrasher said. “We like to think of it as vacation in a glass.”
Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Co.
1130 Maine Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20024
Tiki TNT
Monday through Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Potomac Distilling Co.
Tours available upon request: Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
