Category: Drinks

At Founding Spirits, we believe that the heart of great spirits lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care used in distilling. We are a small-batch distillery in the nation’s capital, majority-owned by American family farmers. We take pride in using only the finest sourced ingredients and ensuring that every bottle reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and flavor.  

The Founding Spirits difference is clear in every sip, from our smooth and supremely mixable rums to our rich, sophisticated Rye Whiskey. Our distilling team cultivates unique and tasty spirits from primarily American-grown wheat, barley, corn, rye, sugar cane, and many botanicals. We craft and distill our spirits with care, infusing them with a sense of place and purpose.  

In a world where mass production often takes center stage, Founding Spirits stands as a reminder of the impact that small batches and quality ingredients can have on the final product. Every Founding Spirits bottle is filled, labeled, and sealed by hand in our very own distillery inside our Founding Farmers & Distillers restaurant. For us, it is a true labor of love. Or, as our Distiller, Bob VanLancker, says: “With this distillery, we are taking small-batch spirit production to the next level. We are going to blow people away with new and different flavors, and a whole new taste experience.” 

For example, our Founding Spirits Dry Gin exemplifies our efforts and the impact that high-quality, thoughtfully curated botanicals can have on the final product. Our Dry Gin captures a distinct flavor profile that stands out from mass-produced alternatives. By distilling our gin in small batches in-house with regionally sourced botanicals, we’re able to create a product that makes every pour a celebration of our local landscape and our company mission. You can stop by one of our restaurants for what we think is one of the best Gin & Tonics around. Enjoy the classic or try our ever-popular frozen G&T made with our own house tonic. 

As a craft distillery, we don’t just create spirits; we are working to dismantle the industrial supply chain. Every Founding Spirits bottle tells a story of care, precision, and dedication to making spirits that are as unique as they are delicious. Whether you’re enjoying our vodka in a Founding Farmers cocktail or savoring our bourbon neat, you can taste the difference that comes from a small-batch distillery that values quality at every step of the process, from grain to glass. 

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s never too early to start checking names off your gift list. If you’re looking for a memorable and sophisticated present, a beautifully crafted holiday gift basket featuring our premium craft spirits is sure to impress. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or colleagues, our curated selection of spirits makes for the perfect addition to any gift basket. Here’s how you can build the ultimate gift baskets with Founding Spirits, just in time for the festive season. 

Step 1: Start with a Signature Spirit 

The centerpiece of any spirits gift basket is, of course, the spirits themselves. We offer a variety of options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect bottle for your basket: 

• For the Bourbon Lover: Our rich, smooth Bourbon brings warmth with its tastes & notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice—ideal for cozy winter evenings by the fire. It’s the perfect spirit to include for whiskey enthusiasts. 

• For the Gin Enthusiast: Our Dry Gin offers a crisp, botanical experience, making it a refreshing option for those who enjoy gin cocktails. Its bright, citrus-forward flavor pairs wonderfully with mixers for a versatile holiday basket. 

• For the Vodka Aficionado: Clean, crisp, and smooth, our Vodka is a must for cocktail lovers. It’s an excellent base for festive drinks like holiday martinis or spiked punches. 

• For the Rye Whiskey Fan: Bold and spicy, our Rye adds character to any basket. Its complex undertones and rich finish make it a great gift for the person who enjoys their spirits with a bit of edge. 

• For the Rum Connoisseur: From sweet and subtly spiced in our White Rum to notes of oak and baking spice in our Dark & Navy Strength Rums, all are crowd-pleasers for rum fans. Versatile enough for tropical cocktails or simple sipping, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of our rum in your basket.  

• For the Tequila Lover: Our Blanco Tequila delivers smooth, agave-forward flavor with a light, peppery finish. It’s a thoughtful gift for those who love margaritas or simply enjoy sipping neat. 

Step 2: Personalize with Thoughtful Pairings 

Once you’ve chosen your signature spirit, it’s time to get creative with pairings. Think about complementary items that elevate the drinking experience. Here are a few ideas: 

• Mixers and Cocktail Tools: Include artisanal tonic water, ginger beer, or a selection of craft mixers that pair perfectly with your spirit of choice. You can also add a stylish cocktail shaker or a set of stainless-steel jiggers for a complete cocktail-making kit. 

• Gourmet Snacks: Pair Founding Spirits Bourbon or Rye with dark chocolate like our Founding Farmers Chocolate, spiced nuts, or charcuterie items. Gin and vodka baskets pair well with savory crackers, cheeses, or citrus-forward snacks like candied orange peels. 

• Glassware: Consider including elegant glassware like highball glasses, whiskey tumblers, or martini glasses. The right glass can enhance the experience of enjoying a well-crafted spirit. 

Step 3: Add a Festive Touch 

Presentation is everything when it comes to gift-giving. Choose a beautiful basket or box to display your selection of spirits and treats. Decorate with festive touches like: 

• Holiday Ribbons and Bows: Wrap the bottles in festive-colored ribbon and add a bow for an elegant finish. 

• Personalized Tags: Write a heartfelt note or create custom tags that explain why you chose each item for the recipient. 

• Seasonal Decor: Fill the basket with holiday greenery, pinecones, or ornaments for a festive, seasonal look.  

• Include a Recipe Card: Take your gift basket to the next level by including recipe cards for holiday cocktails using Founding Spirits products. Consider recipes for Bourbon Hot Toddy, a Gin & Cranberry Fizz, or even a festive holiday punch.  

Step 4: Tailor the Basket to the Recipient 

The beauty of creating a custom gift basket is that you can tailor it to suit the recipient’s preferences. If they love entertaining, include items like a cocktail recipe book or stylish barware. For someone who enjoys sipping spirits straight, opt for high-quality garnishes or whiskey stones. 

Make Holiday Shopping Easy with Founding Spirits 

We have everything you need to create an unforgettable holiday gift basket. Whether you’re gifting a single bottle or creating a full, luxurious basket, our craft spirits bring a touch of sophistication and quality to every gift. Shop early and give the spirit of the season with Founding Spirits. 

Happy holiday shopping! 

How To Pair Our Spirits with Your Favorite Fall Foods

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, it’s time to embrace the rich, comforting flavors of the season. At Founding Spirits, we believe that the right spirit can elevate any meal, especially when paired with the hearty, seasonal dishes found on the Founding Farmers fall lunch & dinner menu.  

Whether you’re preparing a feast at home or dining with us at our restaurants, let us guide you through the best ways to pair our handcrafted spirits with some of our favorite fall dishes.  

Your Perfect Fall Bar Essentials  

You can purchase our selection of bottled spirits online or in DC-area stores. For autumn cocktail pairings, our top picks to enhance your home bar include: 

• Founding Spirits Bourbon 

• Founding Spirits Rye 

• Founding Spirits Dark Rum  

Additionally, we also offer vodka, dry gin, white rum, navy strength rum, and blanco tequila to keep your cocktail game strong all year round.  

Perfect Pairings: Spirits and Fall Dishes 

Fall is synonymous with hearty, warming dishes full of earthy, sweet, and savory flavors. Pairing these flavors with the right spirit can truly elevate your dining experience. Here’s our guide to matching some of our favorite Founding Farmers fall dishes with our spirits. 

Cauliflower, Butternut Squash & Farro Salad 

• Ingredients include: celery root, kale, cranberry, blueberry, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, farmers herbs, maple Dijon 
• Pair it with: Our Founding Spirits Rye 
• The spiciness and depth of rye complement the earthiness of the cauliflower and farro while balancing the sweetness of the butternut squash and cranberries. Try it in our You Caught My Rye cocktail, combining rye, Campari, lime, almond, and bitters for a refreshing contrast to the salad’s rich flavors. 

Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts & White Cabbage 

• Ingredients include: red onion & maple butter 
• Pair it with: Our Founding Spirits Bourbon 
• The bourbon’s smoky notes meld with the roasted, caramelized flavors of the brussels sprouts and maple butter. You can also pair it with our Maple Bourbon Smash cocktail. The citrus and maple flavors in the drink will add a lively twist to the dish. 

Roasted Autumn Vegetables 

• Ingredients include: carrots, parsnips, turnips, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, mulled local apple cider glaze 
• Pair it with: Founding Spirits Dark Rum 
• The warm, molasses-rich flavors of our dark rum harmonize with the earthy vegetables and sweet mulled apple cider glaze. Serve it neat or in a spiced cocktail for a cozy pairing. 

Coriander Pan-Seared Fish of the Day 

• Ingredients include: parmesan risotto, roasted leeks, poached autumn vegetables, mulled local apple cider glaze, lemon butter sauce, chives 
• Pair it with: Founding Spirits Bourbon 
• The creamy and savory parmesan risotto, along with the earthy vegetables and zesty lemon butter sauce, would pair beautifully with the warming, caramel notes of our bourbon. A Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned would add a rich, smoky sweetness to complement the cider glaze and enhance the fish’s coriander crust. The aged oak tones in the cocktail balance the dish’s hearty, autumn flavors, creating a well-rounded dining experience. 

Hazelnut Butter Fish of the Day 

• Ingredients include: pumpkin ravioli, hazelnut oil, pecorino romano, chives 
• Pair it with: Founding Spirits Rye  
• The nutty, savory elements in this dish call for a spirit with depth and spice. Founding Spirits Rye offers a slightly peppery, robust flavor that aligns with the hazelnut butter and pecorino. Alternatively, a Maple Bourbon Smash would introduce hints of sweetness and citrus, which would harmonize with the pumpkin ravioli and provide a fresh contrast to the dish’s richness. 

Enhance Your Fall Dining with Founding Spirits 

Finding the right spirit pairing can transform a meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. From the spicy depth of our rye to the warming sweetness of our dark rum, Founding Spirits has the perfect bottle to complement your favorite fall dishes. Whether you’re cozying up at home or dining at one of our restaurants, these pairings are sure to delight your palate and capture the essence of autumn. 

Shop our spirits online or pick them up in our DC area stores during your next reservation to start crafting your own fall food and drink pairings. Cheers to a season full of flavor! 

Our brand new 100% agave Blanco Tequila is expertly crafted for the ultimate enjoyment. Bursting with vibrant aromas of green guava, peach, grapefruit, and lime, each sip is delicious and bright. But that’s not all – our Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila brings a little something extra to the table with subtle hints of cinnamon and mint, adding layers of complexity to its light citrus flavors. 

Whether you prefer sipping it neat or mixing up a classic margarita, our Blanco Tequila is the perfect choice. It’s well-balanced and smooth, with a slightly sweet and peppery finish that will leave you craving more. Ready to get your hands on a bottle for yourself? You can find our Blanco Tequila at any of our DC locations or order online for delivery straight to your door in most states*. 

You can also enjoy our Blanco Tequila in some of our mouthwatering, handcrafted cocktails at any of our Founding Farmers locations.  

• Rosella Margarita: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, domaine de canton, lime, rosella tea 
• THE MARGARITA 2019: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, cointreau, citrus, egg white 
• Strawberry Ginger Margarita: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, patrón citrónge, lime, strawberry, ginger, mint 
• Paloma: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave, mezcal 
• Spicy Paloma: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, yellow chartreuse, grapefruit, lime, chipotle 

Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something with a twist, we’ve got a drink for every palate. Reserve a table today or order a bottle of Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila online and let the good times roll! 

Founding Spirits is thrilled to introduce our latest rum varieties, crafted with care and high quality ingredients. Distilled from American Gulf Coast molasses and American sugar cane, our rums are delicious on their own and in cocktails.  

Our White Rum is both smooth and versatile with soft notes of fruit, light pepper, ocean air, vanilla, and butterscotch. Enjoy this light & refreshing one-of-a-kind spirit. 

For those who prefer a deeper, richer flavor, our Dark Rum is aged for at least two years in virgin American white oak barrels, resulting in nothing short of pure perfection. With hints of vanilla, spice, and caramel, it’s supremely mixable and sippable.  

If you’re looking for a little more kick, our Navy Strength Rum provides a warm, buttery finish with notes of oak, honey, roasted cherries, and toffee. Like our Dark Rum but with higher proof, it’s versatile, enjoyable, and perfect for crafting dynamic cocktails that pack a punch. 

Our Founding Spirits Rums can be purchased in store at any of our DC area locations or purchased online for shipment to most states*.  

Want to taste these tantalizing rums in action? Make a reservation and join us at any Founding Farmers location to indulge in our handcrafted cocktails. Picture yourself sipping on a refreshing El Presidente made with our White Rum or savoring the rich flavors of a Buck’s Best Mai Tai with our Dark Rum. Whether you’re craving the classic mojito freshness or the boldness of a Dark ‘n Stormy, we’ve got rum cocktail options to transport you to sunny shores. Check out our restaurant cocktail menus for full details and join us for a taste of paradise! 

Our limited-edition Founding Spirits Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels is here for a limited time, and we don’t want anyone to miss the excitement. This exclusive, almost magic spirit began with an idea to repurpose our bourbon barrels.  

Our story starts with a partnership with Cornell University’s Maple Program in upstate NY that’s nothing short of magical. With their expertise and our commitment to excellence, we embarked on a mission to create delicious maple syrup infused with our Founding Spirits Bourbon.  

To begin, we aged our Founding Spirits Bourbon as we usually do in fresh oak barrels for a full two years. Patience is the key, and these barrels became the canvas for our masterpiece.  

Once our bourbon had matured to perfection, those oak barrels got a second lease on life. We filled them to the brim with Cornell’s Grade A maple syrup, and the alchemy began. Over three months, the syrup absorbed the bourbon’s essence and became our Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. This wasn’t just your ordinary pancake topper; it was a flavor explosion, and we quickly sold out of our bottles. The hints of our Founding Spirits Bourbon really elevated the breakfast game.

But we weren’t finished yet. Those maple syrup-infused barrels still held untapped potential. We poured our Founding Spirits Bourbon back into the barrels for another round of aging. Another eight months of maturation, and we created a limited-edition Bourbon like no other. 

Are you ready to sip the magic? Our Founding Spirits Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels is more than just a unique and delicious spirit; it’s a captivating story in every glass. Confident notes of vanilla, molasses, toffee and spice with a gentle aroma of maple make it tasty on its own and in cocktails. Cheers to innovation, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection in every sip! 

Enjoy our spirits in our restaurants, pick up from one of our DC restaurants, or order online for shipping to most states.

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to show our dads how much they mean to us. We’ve got the perfect gifts to make this Father’s Day extra special: a bottle of our small-batch spirits, a box of our indulgent Founding Spirits Bourbon Caramels, and one (or two) of our bottled craft cocktails. These gifts are sure to make Dad’s day and leave him feeling extra loved and appreciated. 

Our Spirits

Whether it’s a bottle of Dry Gin, Vodka, Bourbon, Rye, Rum, or Tequila, our spirits are sure to lift Dad’s spirits this Father’s Day. Made in our downtown DC distillery, located inside Founding Farmers & Distillers DC, you can pick up our spirits in-store at our DC locations only, including Founding Farmers DC, Founding Farmers & Distillers DC, and Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC.

Our spirits are also available to order ahead online for pick up in our DC stores and ship nationwide to most states.

Founding Spirits Bourbon Caramels

A guaranteed way to make Dad smile: our Founding Spirits Bourbon Caramels covered in 60% classic dark chocolate. These caramels offer a perfect blend of smoothness and sophistication with a delightful hint of Founding Spirits Bourbon. All our Founding Farmers Chocolate is handcrafted with no fillers or preservatives.  

Pick up a box in-store or order online for pick up & delivery.

Bottled Cocktails & more

Take the magic of our craft cocktails home with you this Father’s Day. Get all of Dad’s favorite drinks to go from our DC & VA stores, including Founding Farmers DC, Founding Farmers & Distillers DC, Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC, Founding Farmers Tysons, and Founding Farmers Reston Station.

Also want to celebrate Dad with a meal? Join us around our restaurant tables. Take Dad out for a steak dinner, a delicious, juicy burger — Yelp named us one of best burgers in the US — or treat Dad to a decadent brunch at any of our locations.  

Make a reservation or order online for pick up & delivery today. Happy Father’s Day!