clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

These Classic D.C. Restaurants and Bars Are Still Worth a Visit

Bottomless Brunches That Will Turn Your Weekend Into a Blur

The Hottest New Restaurants to Try Around Baltimore

More in Washington DC See more maps
Allegory has a new “Garden of Live Flowers” cocktail.
Aphra Adkins

Spring Cocktails to Sip Right Now in D.C.

Where to find drinks bursting with florals, fruit, and savory ingredients

by Kalina Newman
View as Map
Allegory has a new “Garden of Live Flowers” cocktail.
| Aphra Adkins
by Kalina Newman

Spring is in full swing, which means seasonal cocktail ingredients like citrus and coconut are back at D.C. bars. And savory drinks with salty and briny flavor profiles remain a top trend as temperatures continue to rise.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Casa Kantuta

Copy Link

Adams Morgan’s Bolivian cocktail bar unleashes a sea of late spring cocktails on Friday, May 19. The “Isla Del Sol,” named for the Bolivian island in Lake Titicaca, stars Singani 63, Torontel pisco, falernum, api (fermented purple corn), lemon, ginger ale, and a Pasankalla (popcorn) garnish. The “Ukumari” — which means “Andean bear” in Quechua, Bolivia’s indigenous language — loops in Singani 63, Amaro Nonino, lime, peach liqueur, and mocochinchi (peach) juice. Sample the fresh lineup inside or right out front on its new pint-sized patio.

Basement Level, 2309 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Casa Kantuta’s “Oruro” clarified cocktail, named after a city in Bolivia, comes with Singani 63, Bergamot, Earl Grey tea, orange juice, honey syrup, and CK bitters.
Mack Ordaya/Imbibe Photography

Also featured in:

Conservatory at Gravitas

Copy Link

The dreamy bar above chef Matt Baker’s Michelin-starred Gravitas is the spot to sample seasonal gin flights served with accoutrements, ice, and choice of Fever Tree club soda or tonic ($32). Or opt for one of bar director Judy Elahi’s snazzy new cocktails like the “Spring Blossom” ($22) made with J. Rieger Kansas City gin, Berto dry vermouth, Chateau De Breuil VSOP Calvados, lime, mint, rose water, and Aquafaba. Check out Gravitas’s cocktail menu here and Conservatory’s here.

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 763-7942
(202) 763-7942
The “Sleeping Beauty” comes with Untitled Gravitas gin, chamomile syrup, Don Ciccio Mandarinetto, cava, and tableside “beauty spray.”
Gravitas/Leading DC

Also featured in:

Doyle Bar

Copy Link

The cocktail lounge inside The Dupont Circle Hotel has transformed its interior into a springtime seasonal experience dubbed “Dreaming in Color.” Along with bright, new floral designs around the bar, there are several botanical cocktails to sip on. Taylor Swift fans should appreciate the aptly-named “Lavender Haze” that features Absolut Elyx, Italicus, Lillet lavender foam, and rosemary.

1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 448-4301
(202) 448-4301

Also featured in:

Destino

Copy Link

The chic Mexican eatery’s spring cocktail lineup from beverage director James Simpson is meant to evoke the strength of women and female superheroes. The $16 “La Mujer Maravilla,” which translates to “Wonder Woman,” is made with pisco, gin, lemon, egg white, Fresno chile, and beet.

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 866-0933
(202) 866-0933
Destino’s seasonal cocktails are packed with pisco and fruit.
Josh Phillips/Destino

Also featured in:

Residents Cafe & Bar

Copy Link

The spring menu at Residents Cafe & Bar keeps cherry blossom season alive while exploring herbaceous flavors. The “Thai Basil” ($17) is mixed with young Thai coconut, aquavit, pineapple and Ancho Reyes Verde, while “The Bee Vol. 4” ($17) is their latest riff on the classic gin cocktail, infused with elderflower, whey, bee pollen, and Nordic mead. And if you’re feeling spicy, a bright mezcal jalapeno cocktail is colored for spring with green chartreuse.

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 796-5665
(202) 796-5665
The new mezcal jalapeno cocktail at Residents.
Hawkeye Johnson

Also featured in:

BOURBON STEAK

Copy Link

The patio for this Four Seasons Hotel restaurant officially opened for the season in early May with a new menu full of springy cocktails. Sip on the “Kitsugi” made with Suntory Toki Japanese whisky, campari, raspberry, chamomile, grapefruit, and lemon or the “La Palabra,” a mix of mezcal, green chartreuse, kiwi syrup, and lime.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Also featured in:

Dauphine’s

Copy Link

Among this downtown restaurant’s New Orleans-influenced menu are two new drinks for spring. The “White St. Charles Punch” puts a spin on the Louisiana classic by subbing white port for ruby, orange instead of lemon saccharum, and orange bitters for angostura. If you’re in the mood for something frozen, their “Ponchatoula Strawberry Shandy” uses Abita Strawberry Lager and organic strawberry puree.

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 758-3785
(202) 758-3785
The “White St. Charles Punch” at Dauphine’s.
An-Phuong Ly

Also featured in:

Allegory

Copy Link

Eaton DC hotel’s hidden cocktail lair has a selection of boozy and spirit-free cocktails for the season. The savory “Garden of Live Flowers” ($18) infuses rhum agricole, R&R Assembly gin and Bitter Bianco with snap peas, cardamom, aloe, black pepper, coconut, and lemon. The $13 “Awakening” comes sans-alcohol, with ube milk tea, coconut, yuzu, and a reclaimed pineapple rind.

1201 K St NW #1, Washington, DC 20005
“Garden of Live Flowers” cocktail at Allegory.
Aphra Adkins

Also featured in:

Immigrant Food+ at Planet Word Museum

Copy Link

Taste your way through Immigrant Food’s martini menu with their new spring martini flight ($23), served at their location adjacent to the Planet Word museum. The flight comes with three selections out of six available martinis, with flavor profiles ranging from spiced rum and espresso to grapefruit and maraschino.

925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 888-0760
(202) 888-0760
Spring Martini Flight at Immigrant Food

Also featured in:

The Smith

Copy Link

In addition to a new “Martini Hour,” featuring raw bar specials and martinis from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. until close all week long, The Smith is also introducing a selection of new cocktails for spring. The “V&T” — a play on a vodka and tonic — is made with rhubarb, lemon, and elderflower tonic. “Got Milk Punch” features clarified milk, mezcal, green tea, jasmine, kombu, and calamansi fruit.

901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 868-4900
(202) 868-4900
“Got Milk Punch” at The Smith.
The Smith/official photo

Also featured in:

Dirty Habit

Copy Link

Dirty Habit’s courtyard patio is officially open as a French-Italian springtime pop-up dubbed “Riviera at Dirty Habit.” Northern Virginia native and hospitality veteran JR Rena recently joined the team as beverage director. His debut menu not only features drinks like the frozen “Medusa Complex,” made frozen rose, a lychee cordial, and shiso shrub ($16) but a popsicle cart stocked with both homemade N/A popsicles and a rotating spiked variety ($11) made with vodka, melon, pistachio, yuzu, avocado, tequila, and chile salt.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 449-7095
(202) 449-7095
“Medusa Complex” at Dirty Habit.
Kimberly Kong/NOM Digital

Also featured in:

THE GRILL

Copy Link

The cutely named “Sonic the Grapefruit” spritz is now live at The Grill. The drink is made with its titled fruit four ways, with juice, bitters, tonic, and liqueur. Sip on this drink, adorned with none other than a slice of charred grapefruit, while taking in views of the Potomac River.

99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 916-5996
(202) 916-5996
“Sonic the Grapefruit” drink by The Grill.
The Grill

Also featured in:

ilili Restaurant DC

Copy Link

Head to the Wharf for a new selection of spring cocktails and spirit-free beverages at Lebanese restaurant ilili. Crafted by mixologist Rachid Hdouche, a lineup of $10 bottled mocktails includes the “Levantine Lemonade” made with fresh lemon juice, mint and simple syrup, and a grapefruit thyme soda. If you’d rather sip on something savory, “A Little Pick’le’ Me Up” packs a punch with Jun gin, pickled shishito peppers, onion brine, and an arak spirit rinse.

100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 918-7766
(202) 918-7766
Thyme Grapefruit Soda at ilili DC

Also featured in:

Taco Bamba (multiple locations)

Copy Link

Chef Victor Albisu’s homegrown taco shop slings a “Honeydew Punch” packed with mezcal, Agricole rum, honeydew melon puree, ginger-fresno laurel syrup, and lime. Its newest location in Herndon, Virginia is drawing early notice for its standout cocktail program.

4000 Wilson Blvd Suite C, Arlington, VA 22203
(571) 777-1477
(571) 777-1477
The “Honeydew Punch” is available in Ballston and a few other area locations.
Greg Powers

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Casa Kantuta

Basement Level, 2309 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Adams Morgan’s Bolivian cocktail bar unleashes a sea of late spring cocktails on Friday, May 19. The “Isla Del Sol,” named for the Bolivian island in Lake Titicaca, stars Singani 63, Torontel pisco, falernum, api (fermented purple corn), lemon, ginger ale, and a Pasankalla (popcorn) garnish. The “Ukumari” — which means “Andean bear” in Quechua, Bolivia’s indigenous language — loops in Singani 63, Amaro Nonino, lime, peach liqueur, and mocochinchi (peach) juice. Sample the fresh lineup inside or right out front on its new pint-sized patio.

Basement Level, 2309 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Casa Kantuta’s “Oruro” clarified cocktail, named after a city in Bolivia, comes with Singani 63, Bergamot, Earl Grey tea, orange juice, honey syrup, and CK bitters.
Mack Ordaya/Imbibe Photography

Conservatory at Gravitas

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The dreamy bar above chef Matt Baker’s Michelin-starred Gravitas is the spot to sample seasonal gin flights served with accoutrements, ice, and choice of Fever Tree club soda or tonic ($32). Or opt for one of bar director Judy Elahi’s snazzy new cocktails like the “Spring Blossom” ($22) made with J. Rieger Kansas City gin, Berto dry vermouth, Chateau De Breuil VSOP Calvados, lime, mint, rose water, and Aquafaba. Check out Gravitas’s cocktail menu here and Conservatory’s here.

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 763-7942
(202) 763-7942
The “Sleeping Beauty” comes with Untitled Gravitas gin, chamomile syrup, Don Ciccio Mandarinetto, cava, and tableside “beauty spray.”
Gravitas/Leading DC

Doyle Bar

1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

The cocktail lounge inside The Dupont Circle Hotel has transformed its interior into a springtime seasonal experience dubbed “Dreaming in Color.” Along with bright, new floral designs around the bar, there are several botanical cocktails to sip on. Taylor Swift fans should appreciate the aptly-named “Lavender Haze” that features Absolut Elyx, Italicus, Lillet lavender foam, and rosemary.

1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 448-4301
(202) 448-4301

Destino

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The chic Mexican eatery’s spring cocktail lineup from beverage director James Simpson is meant to evoke the strength of women and female superheroes. The $16 “La Mujer Maravilla,” which translates to “Wonder Woman,” is made with pisco, gin, lemon, egg white, Fresno chile, and beet.

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 866-0933
(202) 866-0933
Destino’s seasonal cocktails are packed with pisco and fruit.
Josh Phillips/Destino

Residents Cafe & Bar

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

The spring menu at Residents Cafe & Bar keeps cherry blossom season alive while exploring herbaceous flavors. The “Thai Basil” ($17) is mixed with young Thai coconut, aquavit, pineapple and Ancho Reyes Verde, while “The Bee Vol. 4” ($17) is their latest riff on the classic gin cocktail, infused with elderflower, whey, bee pollen, and Nordic mead. And if you’re feeling spicy, a bright mezcal jalapeno cocktail is colored for spring with green chartreuse.

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 796-5665
(202) 796-5665
The new mezcal jalapeno cocktail at Residents.
Hawkeye Johnson

BOURBON STEAK

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

The patio for this Four Seasons Hotel restaurant officially opened for the season in early May with a new menu full of springy cocktails. Sip on the “Kitsugi” made with Suntory Toki Japanese whisky, campari, raspberry, chamomile, grapefruit, and lemon or the “La Palabra,” a mix of mezcal, green chartreuse, kiwi syrup, and lime.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Dauphine’s

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Among this downtown restaurant’s New Orleans-influenced menu are two new drinks for spring. The “White St. Charles Punch” puts a spin on the Louisiana classic by subbing white port for ruby, orange instead of lemon saccharum, and orange bitters for angostura. If you’re in the mood for something frozen, their “Ponchatoula Strawberry Shandy” uses Abita Strawberry Lager and organic strawberry puree.

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 758-3785
(202) 758-3785
The “White St. Charles Punch” at Dauphine’s.
An-Phuong Ly

Allegory

1201 K St NW #1, Washington, DC 20005

Eaton DC hotel’s hidden cocktail lair has a selection of boozy and spirit-free cocktails for the season. The savory “Garden of Live Flowers” ($18) infuses rhum agricole, R&R Assembly gin and Bitter Bianco with snap peas, cardamom, aloe, black pepper, coconut, and lemon. The $13 “Awakening” comes sans-alcohol, with ube milk tea, coconut, yuzu, and a reclaimed pineapple rind.

1201 K St NW #1, Washington, DC 20005
“Garden of Live Flowers” cocktail at Allegory.
Aphra Adkins

Immigrant Food+ at Planet Word Museum

925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Taste your way through Immigrant Food’s martini menu with their new spring martini flight ($23), served at their location adjacent to the Planet Word museum. The flight comes with three selections out of six available martinis, with flavor profiles ranging from spiced rum and espresso to grapefruit and maraschino.

925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 888-0760
(202) 888-0760
Spring Martini Flight at Immigrant Food

The Smith

901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

In addition to a new “Martini Hour,” featuring raw bar specials and martinis from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. until close all week long, The Smith is also introducing a selection of new cocktails for spring. The “V&T” — a play on a vodka and tonic — is made with rhubarb, lemon, and elderflower tonic. “Got Milk Punch” features clarified milk, mezcal, green tea, jasmine, kombu, and calamansi fruit.

901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 868-4900
(202) 868-4900
“Got Milk Punch” at The Smith.
The Smith/official photo

Dirty Habit

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Dirty Habit’s courtyard patio is officially open as a French-Italian springtime pop-up dubbed “Riviera at Dirty Habit.” Northern Virginia native and hospitality veteran JR Rena recently joined the team as beverage director. His debut menu not only features drinks like the frozen “Medusa Complex,” made frozen rose, a lychee cordial, and shiso shrub ($16) but a popsicle cart stocked with both homemade N/A popsicles and a rotating spiked variety ($11) made with vodka, melon, pistachio, yuzu, avocado, tequila, and chile salt.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 449-7095
(202) 449-7095
“Medusa Complex” at Dirty Habit.
Kimberly Kong/NOM Digital

THE GRILL

99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

The cutely named “Sonic the Grapefruit” spritz is now live at The Grill. The drink is made with its titled fruit four ways, with juice, bitters, tonic, and liqueur. Sip on this drink, adorned with none other than a slice of charred grapefruit, while taking in views of the Potomac River.

99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 916-5996
(202) 916-5996
“Sonic the Grapefruit” drink by The Grill.
The Grill

ilili Restaurant DC

100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Head to the Wharf for a new selection of spring cocktails and spirit-free beverages at Lebanese restaurant ilili. Crafted by mixologist Rachid Hdouche, a lineup of $10 bottled mocktails includes the “Levantine Lemonade” made with fresh lemon juice, mint and simple syrup, and a grapefruit thyme soda. If you’d rather sip on something savory, “A Little Pick’le’ Me Up” packs a punch with Jun gin, pickled shishito peppers, onion brine, and an arak spirit rinse.

100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 918-7766
(202) 918-7766
Thyme Grapefruit Soda at ilili DC

Taco Bamba (multiple locations)

4000 Wilson Blvd Suite C, Arlington, VA 22203

Chef Victor Albisu’s homegrown taco shop slings a “Honeydew Punch” packed with mezcal, Agricole rum, honeydew melon puree, ginger-fresno laurel syrup, and lime. Its newest location in Herndon, Virginia is drawing early notice for its standout cocktail program.

4000 Wilson Blvd Suite C, Arlington, VA 22203
(571) 777-1477
(571) 777-1477
The “Honeydew Punch” is available in Ballston and a few other area locations.
Greg Powers

Related Maps