Warm Weather Coolers: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Summer Cocktail Roundup

Summer’s here, and the DMV’s bars are raising the bar, literally. Think crisp spritzes, herb-packed coolers and icy cocktails made for sunny days and sultry nights. We’ve rounded up the most refreshing summer sips shaking things up this season.

Thirsty for more? Don’t miss our Patio Pleasure & our Up On The Roof guides for the best al fresco food + drink.  

Rose Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't sip all summer long. Check out our favorite spots to pour a glass of pink, here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Planet Wine Rose Fest: Planet Wine's annual pink party is back. They'll be pouring a vibrant lineup of rosés from around the globe, both still and sparkling, in an informal tasting designed to help you find your new summer favorites. On June 28th, tickets here. 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: 

Sunday Spritz All Day (Happy Hour Alert): Just in time for summer, Blagden Alley backyard bar Calico is launching a new “Sunday Spritz” all-day happy hour featuring discounted spritzes and tomato pie combos. Just in time for summer, Blagden Alley backyard bar Calico is launching a new “Sunday Spritz” all-day happy hour featuring discounted spritzes and tomato pie combos. 50 Blagden Alley NW; calicodc.com

Crafted Coolers: Tatte Bakery & Café has launched a new menu of Craft Coolers just in time for summer. Available in Mango Ginger, Strawberry Chamomile, and White Peach & Mint, each beverage features fresh-brewed tea infused with real fruit and herbs. tattebakery.com

Tea Time: Step into a world where sophistication meets spirited indulgence—The St. Regis Society Afternoon Tea is a modern affair inspired by long lunches, sun-drenched garden salons, and a touch of old-world glamour. Seasonal scones with classic accompaniments and a curated tea selection—ranging from bold Darjeeling to fragrant herbal infusions—round out this indulgent escape, with champagne and craft cocktails available to elevate the occasion even further. 923 16th St NW; marriott.com

Give Me Some Shuga: Shuga & Ice have added some new flavors to their menu. Their flavors include Malva Pudding: Back by popular demand, this flavor is inspired by the traditional South African dessert of the same name. It features sweet vanilla ice cream swirled with Malva Pudding cake pieces and apricot jam; Kenyan Chai: A brand new creation, this flavor is handcrafted with authentic Kenyan masala chai, delivering a bold black tea flavor layered with hints of ginger, cardamom, and other warm spices. shugaxice.com

Feeling Frozen: Paraíso has officially launched their frozen margarita bar in their private “Frida Room” just in time for summer, with more frozens, coffee cocktails, and all new paired tapas. From 4-10 PM every Thursday-Saturday, stop into this dimly lit, vibrant private bar space to enjoy music and sip on favorites like frozen Mango Chamoy Margarita, made with tequila, mango, lime and chamoy. 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; paraisotaqueria.com

Dangerous Drinks (Happy Hour Alert): Lucky Danger launches happy hour food and drink specials every day it’s open (Tues. - Sat) at the front bar only. $8 cocktails, including: Mandarin Mule with spiced mandarin syrup, vodka lime, and ginger; the Singapore sling–gin, benedictine, cherry herring, orange liqueur, pineapple, lime, and angostura bitters; and Lucky’s G&T with gin, melon, green tea and mint. 1101 S Joyce St; luckydanger.co

Sante & Proost: The Sovereign’s Happy Hour is your passport to Belgian beer bliss. Santé & Proost to $6 draft beers like Allagash White, TRVE Siren Saison, and Schilling’s Erastus Tripel. Pair your pour with $6 snacks like Petite Loaded Fries with mushroom cream sauce, Belgian Meatballs in Witbier mustard cream, and Brussels Sprouts glazed in kriek gastrique. 1206 Wisconsin Avenue NW; thesovereigndc.com

Dealer’s Choice (Happy Hour Alert):  It’s Dealer’s Choice at Serenata’s Happy Hour — enjoy their rotating cocktail of the day for just $8, plus a curated menu of Latin-inspired favorites like the bold Margarita 2.0, smoky Oaxacan Old Fashioned, Classic Mojito, Mezcal Mule, and zesty Paloma. Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM; 1280 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.; serenatadc.com

I Said Corn Star, Not Porn Star (Frozen Drink Alert): Frozens are BACK at Pascual. Drinks include the Frozen Mango Margarita (tequila, mango, curcao, lime) ($17). Other highlights throughout the season will include a take on Frosé and variations based on produce seasonality. Plus, Pascual just opened up their covered patio for the season. 732 Maryland Ave NE; pascualdc.com

Amalfi Summer, Thai Surprise (High Tea Alert): Flore Cafe has launched a new "Amalfi Summer, Thai Surprise," tea experience. Flore Café offers specially curated cocktails and mocktails by The Rowing Club at Sisters Tysons, available for an additional charge. Enjoy cocktails like Limone Bliss (Tito's Vodka, Limoncello, Yuzu Purée) and Citrus Serenade (Malfy Gin Rosa, grapefruit juice, sparkling wine), or refreshing mocktails such as Sorrento Shine and Blush Coast.  7735 Capital One Tower Road; Florecafe.com

Tokyo in Tysons: A new restaurant has opened in Tysons called the Naisho Room. Naisho (meaning “secret” in Japanese) is both the name and the ethos of this dimly lit, design-driven space. With just a few nights of service each week, and reservations reviewed one by one, The Naisho Room is already one of the hardest seats to secure in the DC area. Those who make it inside are rewarded with skyline views, immersive ambiance, a bar program built around rare Japanese spirits, and artful bites from Wren’s Executive Sushi Chef, Hobin Kim.1825 Capital One Dr, Tysons, VA 22102; Instagram

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: 

Love is Love: U Street wine bar Lulu’s Winegarden is celebrating World Pride DC and Pride Month, introducing a “Love is Love at Lulu’s” drink menu filled with colorful cocktails and charitable Cava through June 30. And drinkers can sip for a cause, as the U Street wine garden is donating $1 from each Pride drink sold to the Human Rights Campaign. Lulu’s Winegarden has created three special pride cocktails (each $16): the crushable “Dancing Queen” (vodka, house blueberry lemonade and club soda); the purple-hued “Taste the Rainbow” (a creative riff on a classic Aviation with gin, creme de violette, fresh raspberry and lime, garnished with a rainbow candy belt); and the tropical “Come to My Window” (a strawberry-coconut daiquiri with white rum, coconut liqueur, strawberry and fresh lime, with a coconut-dusted rim).1940 11th Street NW; luluswinegarden.com

Mah Jongg Players Alert: JOY by Seven Reasons invites you to come play the classic Chinese game over bites and specialty cocktails inspired by the game. Highlights from the menu include the “BIRDBAM” ($15) (Aperol, Lillet Rose, Sparkling Wine, Strawberries, Oranges), The “GREEN DRAGON” ($14) (Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Olives), and the “JOKER” ($12) (NA - Passion Fruit, Lime, Rosemary, Indian Long Pepper). Led by instructor Caryn Fagan, this experience is available on select Mondays, starting at 6 pm. You can also rent the Mah Jogg set if they’re familiar with the game. 5471 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase; joy.com