The Washington, DC, area is on high alert for peak cherry blossom bloom. And local shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants are all celebrating the season with specially themed packages, food, drinks, and events. If you’d like to join in the fun, we’ve rounded up some places to try festive cherry blossom sips around the NoVA area.
Capital Hilton
Stop by the Capital Hilton for a special Cherry Blossom lattes in its coffee shop, The Grind. The hotel is also offering Japanese whisky tastings and seasonal cocktails and menu items in The Statler Lounge. 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC
Conrad Washington DC
Inspired by the deep-rooted connection between Japan and DC, the Conrad’s Signature Kyoto spring cocktail is crafted with Japanese gin and cherry blossom green tea syrup. It’s available at the hotel’s Estuary’s Bar and Lounge. 950 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC
CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Rosewood Washington, D.C
Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a special Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea with sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of pastries, such as raspberry-thyme and cherry blossom vacherin. Or choose a handcrafted cocktail, including a French 75, Hugo Spritz, or a glass of Duval-Leroy Brut Champagne. 1050 31st St. NW, Washington, DC, $85 per person or $105 per person with a cocktail
Dirty Habit DC
Through April 13
Pop into Dirty Habit for a Sakura Spirtz, a blend of Roku Gin, shiso shrub, yuzu, and pink peppercorns. 555 8th St., NW, Washington DC
NiHao
March 20 to April 20
While Japan and DC are traditionally most associated with pink blossoms, the flora blooms throughout China and is a revered spring tradition. To celebrate, NiHao will offer a Sakura Blossom Sochu-based cocktail with Sloe Gin. The will also offer a special rosé brut and Hojicha tea. 1550 Crystal Dr., Ste F, Arlington
The Pembroke
This Dupont Circle bar is leaning into the season with the First Bloom, a floral-infused cocktail. 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Pendry Washington DC — The Wharf
Through April 30
The hotel is offering a Cherry Blossom Boozy Tea. Drinks choices include the Hibiscus Hana with Haku vodka, Roku gin, St. Germain, Sorel, black tea, orange bitters, and lemon; the Sencha Shogun with Casamigos Reposado, Licor 43, caramel, Japanese sencha green tea, and lime; or a Sakesso Serenade with Tozai plum sake, Sakura tea, bitters blend, and lemon. 655 Water St., SW, Washington, DC, $80
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, March 14 to April 13
The Ritz-Carlton’s Cherry Blossom Tea includes Japanese Cherry Blossom-inspired tea sandwiches, pastries, warm scones, and a variety of luxury loose-leaf teas, all complemented by a glass of sparkling wine. And younger guests can enjoy treats paired with their choice of tea or hot chocolate, plus a special Cherry Blossom teddy bear to take home. 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington, $88 for adults, $55 for children 12 and under
VUE Rooftop at the Hotel Washington
This rooftop bar is serving up seasonal cocktails and scenic views. Their new Sakura Drift was created to mirror the reflection of the cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin with floral Sakura floating atop Citadelle Rogue’s spice. 515 15th St., NW, Washington, DC
Washington Hilton
The Hilton has transformed its McClellan’s Sports Bar into a Cherry Blossom Lounge offering special cocktails. Try the Haku Espresso Martini, crafted with Haku Japanese vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and finished with espresso beans or an orange twist. Or the Go Juu Martini with Roku gin, Sakura-Mancino vermouth, and garnished with a dried peach slice or edible flowers. The Sakura Spritz mixes Haku vodka, Sakura simple syrup, prosecco and is garnished with edible Japanese cherry blossom flowers. Or try a Japanese whisky flight with Toki, Legent, and Yamazaki whisky. 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
Thursday to Sunday in Peacock Alley; Wednesday to Sunday in the Tea Room
At the hotel’s special Cherry Blossom Tea (available through April 27), you can sip and savor while you listen to the Willards’ in-house harpist, Kristen Jepperson. This year’s menu features an array of sweet and savory specialties prepared by executive chef Gyo Santa and pastry chef Sabri Uzun. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $90 per adult or $105 with a glass of Champagne; $65 for ages 3-12
Willowsong at the InterContinental Washington D.C
Celebrate peak bloom at Willowsong at the InterContinental with a Blossom & Bloom cocktail featuring Japanese Roku Gin. 801 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC
WREN at The Watermark Hotel
March 17–April 6
WREN will be serving up a Yoshino cocktail, a floral, gin-based drink honoring the historic Yoshino cherry trees. Additionally, guests can enjoy a Highball Cart Experience (March 25 to 26 and April 1 to 2), offering classic Japanese whisky highballs and cherry blossom–themed cocktails. 1825 Capital One Dr., Tysons
Feature image courtesy Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
