The season is here. We’re ready for all things cherry blossom, all day long, and drinks are no exception. For your next happy hour, girls’ night out, or date night, head to one of these bars and restaurants in NoVA and DC, where the drinks are pink, floral, and inspired by springtime.
Virginia
Ambar
This Balkan restaurant in Clarendon offers a seasonal cocktail and dessert for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20 to April 14. The Cherry Spritz has cherry-infused rakia, lemon juice, triple sec, and sparkling wine for a fruity and refreshing sip. Pair it with a housemade crêpe, filled with cherry compote, chocolate, almond crumble, and whipped cream. 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Caboose Commons
If you prefer beer to cocktails, try the cherry-inspired brew at Caboose Commons and Caboose Tavern. It’s a traditional maibock lager aged with cherry puree in a bourbon barrel. You’ll taste notes of cranberry, almond, vanilla, and oak in this springtime special. 2918 Eskridge Rd., Fairfax; 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna
Hank’s Oyster Bar
At Hank’s fresh seafood goes perfectly with specialty springtime cocktails — especially when it’s all enjoyed on a patio. Sip the Peach Oolong Old Fashioned, made with Japanese whisky and peach oolong tea syrup or the Suntory Toki Highball with Japanese whisky, Angostura, and ginger ale. Or try the Matcha Made in Heaven topped with Roku Japanese Gin, matcha tea powder, mint, saline, orange bitters, and strawberry boba pearls. Cherry blossom specials are available until April 12, so don’t hesitate. 818 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Hotel AKA Alexandria
Staycation, anyone? Hotel AKA Alexandria is offering a signature cherry blossom cocktail at its on-site bar, a.lounge. In Bloom features four-year Flor de Caña rum, orange liqueur, Campari liqueur, Peychaud’s Aromatic Cocktail Bitters, lemon, and airy cherry blossom foam on top. 625 First St., Alexandria
Lena’s Woodfired Pizza & Tap
Pair a slice of Neapolitan pizza with The Blossom, a combination of Flor de Caña rum, Luxardo cherry liqueur, lemon juice, grenadine, and cherry bitters. It’s garnished with a cherry and rimmed with sugar for a sweet springtime treat. 401 E. Braddock Rd., Alexandria
Washington, DC
Artechouse
To celebrate the blossoms, Artechouse DC is hosting an immersive art exhibit called Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds, inspired by the Isekai genre of anime. The exhibit is accompanied by six themed cocktails, including the Japanese whisky–based Zuzuu and the floral spritz Hero’s Quest. 1238 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC, tickets starting at $25
Ciel Social Club
The lounge and restaurant at DC’s AC Hotel goes all out for cherry blossom season — the space is decked out with pink blossoms and the food and drink menus are full of seasonally inspired specials. Try the Miso cocktail, with Laphroaig 10 whisky, red miso, and St. Germain; the Matcha Mojito mocktail; or one of the 17 Japanese whiskies. 601 K St. NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel
DC’s Hamilton Hotel will host a blossom-themed pop-up at its onsite bar Society full of food and drink specials to celebrate cherry blossom season. Try the Cherry Blossom, a sake cocktail with cherry liqueur, gin, and Grand Marnier or the Rice & Roses, with sake, rose liqueur, and seltzer. Pair your libations with bites like tuna crudo, crispy pork belly, and a pistachio and cherry shortcake. The Hanami Pop-Up Bar is open March 15 to April 30. 1001 14th St. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Hotel AKA Alexandria
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