Courtesy of Moshe B Zusman

Cheers to the Cherry Blossoms

By Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (AKA: TheLiquidMuse.com)

It's that magical time of year when the Potomac's riverbanks explode with pink and white, attracting visitors from all over the world. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates Japan's gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the District with arts exhibitions and, of course, specialty cocktails! Those lucky enough to attend are invited to pop into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (overlooking the famed trees) for a themed libation.

Red Mouth
(Courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.)

3/4 ounce white rum
3/4 ounce Heering cherry liqueur
3/4 ounce cream
1 1/4 ounces milk
Heat all ingredients and pour into heat-resistant glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Red Lotus
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces Lichido liqueur
Splash cranberry Juice
Dash lime juice
Shake vigorously with ice, pour into chilled martini glass and garnish with a red flower or lime wedge.

(April 2007)