Chacho Spirits
✨ Vibe
A vibrant, llama-themed sanctuary in Manor Park that blends the industrial energy of a production distillery with the cozy, low-lit intimacy of an artist’s studio and vinyl lounge.
🍸 Best For
Spicy cocktail aficionados, immersive distillery tours, local art browsing, and laid-back date nights.
🔥 Highlights
- Award-Winning Spirits: Recognized as Washington City Paper’s "Best Distillery" and "Best Margarita" in 2023, the bar is famous for its signature Jalapeño Aguardiente—a fiery, Colombian-inspired firewater crafted on-site.
- Owner-Led Experiences: Founder Daniel Ziegler frequently helms the bar and leads personal tours, sharing the brand's unique story alongside tastings of house-infused spirits and bourbon-barrel-finished variations.
- Art & Soul: The colorful space features a rotating gallery of South American and local artwork for sale, perfectly complemented by a soundtrack of curated vinyl records.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Complement your spicy "Chacho-rita" with a menu of authentic Colombian snacks and small bites sourced from local favorites.
- Keep an eye out for seasonal specials like the "Coco Caliente" and be sure to snap a photo with Chacho the llama mascot before you leave.
📰 In the News
33 Best Bars in Washington, DC for Top-Tier Drinks
Chacho Spirits is a cozy local distillery in Washington, DC, featuring a botanical-themed interior with greenery and soft lighting. The venue specializes in cocktails crafted from its signature jalapeño aguardiente, such as the Spicy Lemonade, and offers guests on-site distillery tours and tastings.
Why D.C.'s distillery boom went bust
Chacho Spirits is a Latin aguardiente-style producer based in Washington D.C.’s Manor Park neighborhood. The distillery is recognized as a resilient niche operator that has successfully navigated the District's shifting craft spirits market by specializing in unique products rather than traditional whiskeys and gins.
Chacho Wins Two City Paper ‘Best Of’ Titles: Best Distillery & Best Marg!
Chacho Spirits, located in DC's Manor Park neighborhood, earned the titles of Best Distillery and Best Margarita in Washington City Paper’s 2023 "Best of DC" awards. The distillery is known for its signature Jalapeño Aguardiente, a spicy South American-inspired spirit crafted on-site from cane sugar and natural peppers.
A Love Letter to D.C.’s Cocktail Culture
Chacho Spirits is a llama-themed distillery and bar in Washington, D.C. that specializes in aguardiente, a South American sugar cane spirit infused with anise. Located in Northwest D.C., the establishment has become a popular community hub known for its unique Colombian-inspired offerings and house-distilled firewater.
Your Sipping Guide to Latin Spirits Around DC
Chacho Spirits, located in DC’s Manor Park neighborhood, is a production facility and tasting bar specializing in jalapeño-infused aguardiente. Owner Daniel Ziegler crafts the spicy, sugarcane-based spirit using traditional South American firewater, offering unique variations such as a version finished in bourbon barrels.
Recent Reviews from Google
Dan, the owner, personally is behind the bar and leads tours - very personable, friendly, tells a great story and offers tastings of everything. Excellent margaritas and the Chacho spirit is...
Chacho Spirits is that rare spot where the bartenders treat cocktails like alchemy—every sip feels like a tiny revolution. The mezcal old fashioned? Smoky sorcery. The vibe’s all low-lit convos and...
I recently visited for a tasting on my anniversary, and while the bartender was fantastic, personable, knowledgeable, and attentive, the experience was marred by the owner's lack of hospitality....
Do yourself a favor and visit the lovely Chacho Spirits in DC! Great local small business with a great atmosphere, amazing drinks, and creativity. Has lots of art from locals on the walls for sale,...
Chacho!!! Dan did an amazing job with the fit out of the new distillery space. Incredible menu of cocktails from local bars that have supported Chacho over the years. Staff is so friendly and the...
