Spring is in bloom and in DC that means the welcome of cherry blossoms and spring-inspired cocktails on seasonal drink menus. Check out these drinks before they (and the cherry blossoms) disappear.

 

Located beneath Ambar, Balkan-inspired BABA will offer a specialty cocktail in honor of springtime and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Pop over to the Clarendon bar to sip on the Cherry Flower: cherry rakia, lemon juice, cherry-infused simple syrup, rose blossom water, egg whites, orange bitters and topped with edible flowers. (2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington; 703-312-7978)

 

Spring is in full bloom at Drink Company’s Cherry Blossom themed pop up bar. Open through April 21, head to the Shaw bar for blossom-inspired cocktails and ramen from Uzu Ramen. This year’s design pays homage to the DC’s springtime tradition while also incorporating ramen decor elements. Derek Brown’s team has whipped together 10 specialty cocktails including Once and Floral (Bluecoat Gin, Peach, Matcha, Lemon, Orange Flower Water, Egg White), Sesamiso (Toasted Sesame Infused 8 yr. Rum, Giffard Banana, Miso Cordial, Milk) and Yuzu Daisy (Altos Tequila Plata, Yuzu Sake, Vanilla Agave, Grapefruit, Perrier). (1839 7th St, NW; 202-316-9396)

 

The Georgetown restaurant recently unveiled a new lineup of spring cocktails - perfect for the impending warmer weather. The seasonal drinks include a play on the classic Pimm’s Cup - The Pimm Rose includes Pimm’s Rujero Singani, elderflower liqueur and rose syrup; the Sake to Me with Aylesbury Duck vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, raspberry purée and sweet sake, garnished with an edible flower and the Sloe Bloom with Hayman’s sloe gin, Dolin’s sweet vermouth and Jack Rudy elderflower tonic. (1054 31st St, NW; 202-470-6606)

 

The Southern Italian restaurant at The Wharf is featuring the aptly named Primavera cocktail throughout the National Cherry Blossom Festival dates. The refreshing drink is a mix of Tito’s vodka, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, Bianco vermouth and cherry syrup. (40 Pearl Street, SW; 202-506-1306)

 

Head to David Chang’s DC outpost for a slew of seasonal sippers just in time for spring. Try the cherry blossom-inspired spritz, Pocket Full of Cherry (Mancino Sakura Vermouth, Tedorigowa ‘festival of stars’ sparkling sake, Rhubarb shrub, Gran Classico), the East Coast West Coast incorporating local distillery Don Ciccio & Figli’s Cerasum with persimmon syrup and St. George Bruto Americano; and the Hey Jealousy - a cherry play on the traditional Rickey with Sipsmith Gin, Mancino Sakura vermouth, Don ciccio & Figili cerasum, Dry curaçao, Club soda. All cocktails are priced at $16 and available through mid-April. (1090 I St, NW; 202-602-1832)

 

Pop over to the Navy Yard Italian eatery for the return of the popular Sgroppino program. The frozen drinks incorporate house made sorbets with prosecco resulting in the perfect springtime sipper. Just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Osteria Morini will offer the Cherry Lambrusco Sgroppino with sweet cherry and Lambrusco sorbet topped with prosecco. (301 Water St, SE; 202-484-0660)

 

Downtown newcomer, Scotts DC, will be adding three springtime specialty cocktails available through April 14. The Cherry on Top menu of drinks features The MacGregor with bourbon, scotch, sweet vermouth, chocolate bitters and maraschino cherry; the Aviation with gin, Crème de Violette, maraschino liqueur, citrus and garnished with a maraschino cherry; and In Bloom with gin, vanilla and rose infused vermouth, cherry flavored purée, citrus and sugar - garnished with a flower and cherry. Pair these drinks with the restaurant’s popular Scotch eggs. (927 F St, NW; 202-628-7000)