Feeling Parched? 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
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.
Earth Day Tasting at Cork: Join Cork for a special Earth Day celebration that toasts to the planet. In this immersive wine experience, you'll explore the world of organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines crafted by small producers. You'll journey through diverse wine regions, tasting unique selections that reflect their climate, soil, and terroir. From vineyard to bottle, we’ll discuss how natural farming methods and environmental factors shape the character of each wine.. The event takes place April 22 2025 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Get tickets here.
Oysters + Champagne + Vinyl: a.Kitchen & Bar is hosting an oyster, champagne and vinyl event on April 25th. District Champagne is joining them.., They'll be uncorking some fantastic, oyster-friendly wines and dropping some serious beverage wisdom. Get ready to discover your new favorite sip. Get tickets 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:
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
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
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
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
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
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Maryland Wine Winner: Loew Vineyards has won at the 2025 TEXSOM Awards. This year’s competition marked TEXSOM’s 40th anniversary, bringing together top judges and industry professionals to recognize excellence in the beverage world. Loew Vineyards received multiple accolades at the competition, reinforcing its commitment to producing exceptional wines. Loewvineyards.net
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
Seasonal Sips at Bourbon Steak: This spring, local mixologist Engidawork Alebachew unveils a vibrant lineup of seasonal cocktails. Standout sips include the Kiwi Lime Pie – Mint-infused Patrón Silver, falernum, kiwi, lime; the Tokyo Highball – Lemongrass-infused Suntory Toki, Oka Yuzu liqueur, shiso tea, lemon, whey, and more. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave; bourbonsteakdc.com
New Name, Same Iconic Vines: RdV Becomes Lost Mountain Vineyards: A new chapter begins at one of Virginia’s most celebrated wineries: RdV Vineyards is now Lost Mountain Vineyards. The name may be changing, but the soul remains—the same land, the same team (led by Master of Wine Joshua Grainer), and the same obsession with world-class wine. Now part of Eutopia Estates, Lost Mountain pays tribute to the granite hillside and unique terroir that’s shaped every bottle. Tastings and tours continue Thursday–Sunday, by reservation. Come raise a glass to what’s next, visit members.rdvvineyards.com
DC Brau Throws One Down : DC Brau has introduced its latest creation: Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager. This bold new addition to the DC Brau lineup brings rich malt character and a perfectly balanced finish, offering beer lovers an exciting new way to experience local craft brewing at its finest. With pronounced toasted bread crust flavor and subtle background hints of brown sugar and toffee, it is a very lively brew. 3178-B Bladensburg Rd NE; dcbrau.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
Cocktails Up On The Roof: From ice-cold Crushes like the Orange, Grapefruit, and Mexico to fresh takes like the Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Marg and Lavender Lemonade, the new cocktail list is made for rooftop season at 801. Make it a chill afternoon or party time with a Mega Mule or 801 Disco Punch, served in share-worthy giant mugs and disco balls. With refreshing frozen cocktails, crisp wines, and a stacked selection of beers, seltzers, and cans, the spring menu at 801 Shaw is built for good vibes and longer days. 801 Florida avenue; 801.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.
HAPPIER HOUR at Unconventional Diner (Happy Hour Alert): Weekday afternoons just got a serious upgrade thanks to Unconventional Diner’s new Happier Hour—running Monday through Friday from 12–6 p.m. at the bar. For just $22, you can snag one of their crave-worthy combo meals featuring a fan-favorite entrée, fries, and your pick of a Happy Hour drink (think: a Retro Classic cocktail, House Wine, or Draft Beer). Choose from “The Classic” Double Cheeseburger, “The Golden Boy” Fried Chicken Sandwich, or the “Perfect Dinner” Dirty Caesar—all served with a side of fries and a solid pour. Even better—patio season is officially on. With temps climbing into the 70s and beyond, it’s prime time to sip a frozen cocktail on their covered patio (yes, it’s dog-friendly!) while digging into a mix of Unconventional favorites and new seasonal bites. 1207 9th St NW; unconventionaldiner.com
Out of this World (Happy Hour Alert): Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington just dropped a new happy hour menu. Swing by Mondays (12–9PM) or Tuesday–Friday (3–6PM) for seriously stellar deals. Sip on $4 beers (like their house Cosmic Kölsch), $6 frozen cocktails, and classic $6 margs, mules & mimosas. Hungry? Grab bites like chicken or smashburger sliders, loaded tots, mini nachos, or a five-piece chicken finger fix. Perfect for post-work hangs or midweek pick-me-ups. Check out the full menu at astrobeerhall.com.
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
Happy Hour is All Set (Happy Hour Alert): All Set Restaurant and Bar, the contemporary New-England inspired restaurant has extended Happy Hour in the restaurant’s bar and lounge area Mondays through Saturdays from 3PM until close (9PM Monday through Thursday, 10PM Friday & Saturday), and offering Happy Hour throughout the entire restaurant from 3PM to 6PM Mondays through Saturdays. All Set’s updated Happy Hour menu also features specialty cocktail options available for $10, in addition to a selection of classic cocktails available for $7. The bar serves up vodka-based cocktails including The Provincetown with cranberry-infused vodka, cucumber, basil, and mint, and the Boston Tea Party made with tea-infused vodka and lemonade. 8630 Fenton St; allsetrestaurant.com
