Toast to Spring: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Drink
Spring has sprung—and so have the seasonal sips. As DC shakes off the last of winter, the bar scene is bursting with cocktails that bridge the cozy and the crisp. From herbaceous and floral notes to bright citrus and garden-fresh garnishes, we’re diving into the drinks that are defining the season. Ready to raise a coupe to spring? We are.
Plus, the DMV’s tea scene is steeped in flavor—click here to discover the best spots to sip.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
PowerUp DC: Small businesses are the heart of D.C.’s economy and POWERUP DC is back to help them thrive. This free, all-day business summit is designed to provide local entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners with the tools, connections, and insights they need to grow and succeed in a rapidly changing landscape. May 6, 2025. 8:00am-3:00pm. More info here.
Virginia Wine Festival: Saturday, May 31 (4–9 PM) & Sunday, June 1 (12–5 PM), 2025. Taste the best of Virginia wine at the Commonwealth’s premier wine event, featuring over 200 wines from 30+ top wineries, live music, gourmet food, and artisan shopping—all just steps from the Silver Line Metro. This year’s festival is made even more exceptional with the participation of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, curating elevated culinary offerings that perfectly complement the region’s finest wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just in it for a good time, this is your ultimate weekend to sip, savor, and celebrate. Tickets are available here.
Tacos & Tequila: On May 17 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, you can have tacos & Tequila with a special event at Na's Park. Your ticket includes 12 tequila and cocktail tastings plus a free taco sample from some of the best in the game, including in-park favorite and reigning Tacos & Tequila champion Los Cincos Tacos. Sip on 90+ tequilas including Tapatio Tequila, Arette Tequila, La Medida and Macurichos, and more while savoring tacos from DC favorites like El Bebe, Taqueria Habanero, El Techo, and Taqueria Xochi. Plus, enjoy music from dueling DJs—DJ Rise and Mr. Styles.Get tickets here.
Wines of the Shenandoah: Discover Peak Shenandoah - A Collective Wine Tasting Event to have the opportunity to meet with winemakers and owners from multiple vineyards in one location. Peak Shenandoah Wine Region announced its upcoming collective wine showcase event, “Discover Peak Shenandoah - A Collective Wine Tasting Event”, to be held Sunday May 18, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, at Fox Meadow Vineyards & Winery 3310 Freezeland Rd, Linden, VA 22642.
SommCon: SommCon, the leading conference for wine and spirits education, is making its highly anticipated return to the East Coast with the SommCon DC Summit, taking place June 2-3, 2025, in partnership with The SOMM Journal. Each day of the SommCon DC Summit features two wine-tasting seminars and a curated wine-paired lunch. Sessions offered on June 2 differ from those offered on June 3 and attendees have the option to attend one or both days of the summit.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
The Cellar Club: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant has introduced The Cellar Club, a new members-only program offering special access to expertly curated wines handpicked from premier vineyards worldwide, typically reserved for the most distinguished private collections. Sign up here.
Literary Cocktails: The Library has introduced a new event called “Quiet Hours” in the Library. Located in the Speakeasy of a pizza joint, you will find a space dedicated to a unique experience that will delight the senses. With literary cocktails like “Carrie” (a take on an espresso martini, also known as a “carajillo”) or “Tom Clancy Wrote Another Book” (your soon-to-be favorite Tomato-tini), there is something for everyone. Light fare is also available in the form of tinned fish, citrus-marinated olives, and more. 1908 14th Street NW;
Tea from Thi: Moon Rabbit's Bar Director Thi Nguyen’s new Spring cocktail list boasts flavors of the season intertwined with Vietnamese ingredients. Drinks include the Xí Muội, aka Grandma’s Candy Jar made with butterfly pea-infused yobo soju, salted plum, rice paddy oleo saccharum and lime, as well as their Chi Pha made with Barsol pisco, Ming river Baijiu, lacto-fermented pineapple milk cordial, and kinh giới red wine granita. 927 F St NW; moonrabbitdc.com
Brunch with Your Pooch (Yappy Hour Alert): Bring your pup to JOY by Seven Reasons for a special “Yappy Hour” menu during brunch every weekend on the patio. Options for four-legged friends include Salmon w/ Rice & Veggies, Shredded Chicken w/ Veggies, and Tropical “Pupsicles” made with Strawberry, peanut butter, & yogurt or Watermelon mint, coconut milk, & agave. For humans, Chef William Morles is launching several new brunch items for Spring including a Croque Madam, Chilaquiles, Carrot Cake, & Cinnamon Rolls. Photos here courtesy of Maritza Rondón. 931 H St NW, Washington D.C, 20001; sevenreasonsgroup.com
Tulum-Inspired Oasis: Perched atop Hotel Nell, Treehouse is an outdoor, Tulum-inspired oasis serving up handcrafted cocktails, elevated bites, and more. They have happy hour deals available all day Monday, and Tuesday - Friday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. The deals include $8 Classic Margaritas, and more. 411 New York Ave NE; hotelnelldc.com
Irish Rebranding: Sazerac's recently-acquired Irish Whiskey Distillery has changed it's name to Hawk’s Rock Distillery. The name change reflects Sazerac Company’s vision for the future of Irish Whiskey – the art and science of blending, innovation and respect for Sligo’s rich heritage. Named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains that inspired Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler (W.B.) Yeats’ play “At the Hawk’s Well”, Hawk’s Rock Distillery aims to become a global hub for Irish Whiskey, while offering a gateway to explore the rich traditions of Sligo and the surrounding region. HawksRock.com
Did Somebody Say Free & Bottomless Brunch Cocktails? (Brunch Alert): Chef David Bacot's full brunch menu (including Housemade Cinnamon Rolls, Steak & Eggs, PBELT with pork belly, fried egg, romaine lettuce & cilantro mayo, and much more) now comes with free bottomless brunch cocktail: guests can opt in to receive complimentary bottomless brunch cocktails (mix-and-match Aperol Spritzes, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys) for 2 hours with the purchase of any brunch entree or sandwich. boundarystonedc.com
Cocktail Shake Up at Serenata: Serenata is shaking up spring with a fresh lineup of bold cocktails inspired by Latin American and Caribbean flavors. From smoky, spirit-forward sips like the Alejandro (mezcal, Brugal Mamajuana, Campari, and allspice-cinnamon smoke) to tropical, island-inspired pours like The Ackee Way (Ten to One Rum, banana, raisin, ackee, and ginger-lime), the new cocktail menu is sure to be a good one. 1280 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.; serenatadc.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Tiki on 18th Gets a New Look: and a Filipino Soul — Adams Morgan’s beloved Tiki on 18th is back with a full-on glow-up. The tropical two-story hangout is now a vibrant fusion of Filipino flavors, island vibes, and nightlife energy, thanks to a major rebrand from DC hospitality stars Jo-Jo Valenzuela and Oscar Guardado. Expect a revamped menu of bold Filipino-inspired dishes (yes, Jo-Jo’s Pansit is back), next-level tiki cocktails with a modern twist (hello, Pistachio Mustachio and Gin Pom Elite), and late-night DJ sets to keep the vibes strong. Designed by Naii Vegas of Creative Buildr Studio, the space is all lush greenery, bamboo, and cozy corners. More at tikion18th.com | Follow @tikion18dc
A Legendary Pour For A Legendary Score: Bluejacket has released 895, an Imperial Red Ale brewed to celebrate the greatest goal scorer in hockey history. With 238 pounds of specialty malt (a tribute to the legend’s playing weight), this beer hits with deep caramel, toffee, and toast notes, balanced by vibrant citrus, spice, and herbaceous layers. Crafted with storytelling ingredients like Kazbek, Chinook, and Strata hops, 895 is a tribute to power, legacy, and that iconic number. At 8.0% ABV, it’s a beer worthy of the milestone — and the man. 300 Tingey Street; bluejacketdc.com
BOGO Happy Hour for Federal Workers (Happy Hour alert): The Chang family hopes to allay some stress for DC-area federal workers with a special happy hour offering: buy-one-get-one-free food items during happy hour at both Chang Chang and NiHao. Guests can redeem the deal for the happy hour food menu AND full dinner menus Monday - Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at NiHao in Arlington and Monday - Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. & Friday and Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Chang Chang. 1200 19th St NW; changchangdc.com
Pucker Up (Happy Hour Alert): The team at Amazonia has a new deal called Sour Hour, an exciting new happy hour designed to bring you bold Peruvian flavors, refreshing cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere—all at incredible prices. Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet up with friends, or start your evening with something special, Sour Hour is the perfect opportunity to indulge in Amazonia’s signature sips and bites without breaking the bank. 920 Blagden Alley NW; causadc.com
Patio at Patty O’s: Just a short drive from D.C., Patty O’s Café has new seasonal sips. Highlights include the Bloody Mary - with Dill Potato Chip Infused Vodka, Tamari, the Spice Barrel - including Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Thai Chili, Orange Bitters, Patty O’s Root Beer Syrup and more. 389 Main Street; pattyoscafe.com
Toast To Spring: Peacock Alley has new drinks to toast to spring. Seasonal highlights include the Bell Tower - made with Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Passion Fruit Liqueur and Pink Peppercorn, the Hazel & Rye - featuring Sazerac Rye, Rothman & Winter Orchard Cherry Liqueur, Frangelico, Simple Syrup and Lime Juice. hilton.com
Mondays Just Got Sweeter: Industry Nights at El Cielo: Hospitality fam, this one’s for you—El Cielo is rolling out the red carpet every Monday night with 15% off all food and drinks just for industry pros. Chef Juanma’s signature modern Colombian tasts (yes, including that dreamy choco-therapy ) and sip on crafted cocktails in a space that celebrates creativity and community. 1280 4th St NE, for more information visit, elcielo.com.co
Sip, Score, and Win on the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail : Just in time for baseball season and playoff fever, the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail kicks off with a fresh new passport and 27 stops across Cumberland County and downtown Harrisburg. This year’s trail brings the spirit of the game to your glass—featuring sports-themed prizes like rotating tees, keychains, and even an invite-only tailgate party at Back Porch Brewing during pro football season. Sign up at VisitCumberlandValley.com/BeerTrail, check in via mobile, and earn points as you sip your way through local breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
Mesero, There’s a Grasshopper in My Drink! (Happy Hour Alert): Amparo Fondita has a new expanded happy hour—complete with sopesitas topped with mezcal, flambeed Oaxacan insects, and $5 tacos wrapped in hand-pressed blue corn tortillas. 2002 P Street; Amparo Fondita
