Based on the fact that Moonshine is still outlawed in the U.S., my curiosity was sparked when I received word that Art & Soul was launching a new line of cocktails highlighting the controversial beverage.  The restaurant has created a distilled modern moonshine served up in jelly jars.

Playing with locally produced & domestic whiskeys, Art & Soul’s mixologist, Ronald Flores, infuses figs, cucumbers and kumquats through a two to three hour saturating process.   After the whiskey has been infused with the fruits/veggies, the cocktails are ready to be made.  The restaurant is keeping it domestic with brands like High West Silver Whiskey, Lincoln County Lightening and Death’s Door White Whiskey.

Kumquat Moonshine

My favorite came in the form of simple kumquats soaked in Lincoln County Lightening tipped off with a little ice and shaken into a cool, refreshing cocktail.

Rosemary & Fig Infused w/ Death's Door Whiskey

The restaurant chose to play with fire with their moonshine cocktail of Death’s Door White Whiskey infused figs and rosemary.  The cocktail is shaken over ice and topped off with a light blaze of fire over the figs. I.am.officially.ready.for.Spring.  The outdoor patio space, updated Moonshine cocktails and priced at 1/2 price during happy hour make for a way to end the work day.

I could not go in Art & Soul and not eat especially when cocktails were on the agenda.

Art & Soul "Dirty Rice"

After hearing that the Dali Lama tried the “Dirty Rice” on his visit to D.C. in July 2011, I was curious to see why this stood out on the menu for him.  Light, creamy golden rice combined with mushrooms and frantola olive oil, this dish is ideal for the vegetarian at heart.

House Made Corned Beef Sandwich

The House Made Corn Beef sandwich is a guilty pleasure at its best with fat gripping the skirts of the sandwich forcing you to either indulge or cut the edges off to preserve your arteries.

Shrimp & Grits

The staple at Art & Soul, however, is the shrimp and grits which is a sample of creamy white grits, spinach, grilled shrimp and andouille sausage.

Though the restaurant has been around the D.C. food scene long enough not to be considered a rookie, its good to see its keeping up rookie moves by adding new selections that keep the D.C. food scene on its toes.  Mock Moonshine is definitely a way to keep it fresh.