Northern Virginia is famous for its Asian fare. And not only for the quality, but for the breadth and depth of offerings — Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Lao. Many restaurants are also serving up creative drinks, and these five Asian cocktails are infused with the flavors of their culinary traditions.
Alice Cocktail Bar
Delicate and floral, this beverage is as fun to consume as it beautiful. It’s violet hue comes from butterfly pea, which is combined with Roku gin, elderflower cordial, lavender, and yuzu. It has just the right amount of tart and citrus. Roku gin is made with six Japanese botanicals including sakura blossom and sencha, so it complements the floral notes of the lavender and elderflower. The drink is served in a coupe adored with edible flowers. 724 King St., Alexandria
Bombay Velvet
There are so many tempting cocktails on Bombay Velvet’s menu, it’s hard to know which one to choose. For one that truly represents India and also provides for a dramatic presentation, try the Backwaters. Served in a giant conch shell, this eye-catching beverage is made with rum, coconut water, cumin, pineapple, and jaggery. The essence of the drink is tropical, and the cumin adds a slightly smoky element to give the beverage depth of flavor. 12100 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston
Immigrant Food
Immigrant Food in Ballston offers the Kanha, made with shochu, honey, lime, cucumber, Thai basil, and jalapeno. Like the cuisine at Immigrant Food, the drink is a fusion. It has Thai flavors, but a name that comes from the Kanha National Park in Central India. The name of the drink is inspired by the evergreen sal forest of the park which is represented in the pale-green color of the beverage. 4245 Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Nue Vietnamese
The 3 Steps Colada is effortlessly smooth, with a deep caramel flavor from caramel-infused bourbon, sweet citrus notes from pineapple clarified milk, a hint of coconut and vanilla from pandan, and a touch of effervescence from sparkling wine. The presentation is also wildly creative. It’s served in three glass long-stemmed cups that arrive peeking out from a smoking vase. Think the three cups are too small? Don’t worry, more of the beverage is served in an adjacent decanter, 944 W Broad St., Falls Church
Wren
Kaze no nori means “riding the wind” in Japanese, a phrase that suits this smokey, complex beverage. The base is scotch, softened with nori and Sichuan-sesame foam, which bring an earthy, briny richness to the drink. Ginger liqueur adds a hint of spice, while orange bitters lend a bright note. Sip slow and ride the wind. 825 Capital One Dr., Tysons
Feature image of Nue Vietnamese 3 Steps cocktail at Immigrant Food courtesy Hannah Park
