Are You What You Drink?: TheListAreYouOnIt.com’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Drink

The winter chill is finally abating, and the drinks are flowing with plenty of seasonal flavors.  We're diving into DC's buzzing bar scene, where the sips are in the spotlight. From the rich and cozy transitioning into the bright and floral, we've got the scoop on mid-season cocktails. We’re ready to raise a coup - are you?

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Enter the Cherry Blossom Cocktail Competition: Think you know how to make a great cocktail? This is your chance to win. This event is sponsored by OKA BRAND , a family of distinctive Japanese spirits that specialize in unique ingredients and time-honored production methods. OKA blends these traditions with a modern flair across its diverse range of products. Create a cocktail using at least 2oz of Japanese, Oka Brand Spirits or Sakes. The top 3 finalists will be selected and notified by April 2, 2025. Submit here. 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: 

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

Gooooal!: Catch every Bayern Munich match at Prost, your go-to spot for soccer, steins, and authentic Bavarian bites. With ½ off Paulaner drafts and $4 pretzel bites during every Champions League and Bundesliga game, plus early openings for key matchups, there’s no better place to cheer on the action.  Enjoy games on March 5th and 8th. 919 5th street; prostdc.com

Manic Monday : Executive Chef George Rodrigues's first solo restaurant in Rockville Town Center opened in the Winter of 2022. El Mercat Bar de Tapas is a restaurant representing Spanish cultural diversity's essence. A concept of simple and delicious food, serving shareable, seasonal, and house-made dishes. The menu allows guests to savor different dishes that will take them through a vibrant Spanish culinary journey with the most exciting flavors of true tapas fare. On Mondays, you can enjoy a BOGO wine deal, order a bottle of wine with dinner and enjoy a second bottle on them. 101 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD; elmercatbardetapas.com

Five Dolla (Happy Hour Alert): Established in 1982, The Madhatter has been a DC staple for more than 40 years. Enjoy classic American fare in a welcoming environment with themes from the original Alice in Wonderland. They also have a deal running on Fridays for $5 martinis from 4-8pm. 1319 Connecticut Ave NW; madhatterdc.com

Tea Time: Zinnia has a new tea time for you to enjoy. The 90-minute experience takes place in either the Main Dining Room at Zinnia or the 1850s-era Parlor original to the house that became Mrs. K's Toll House. here are 12 teas available for selection including black teas (Earl Grey, Darjeeling, English Breakfast), green (Japanese Sencha), white teas, and caffeine-free herbal teas (Peppermint, Roiboos). A three-tiered platter is served with tea sandwiches (smoked salmon, cucumber, Coronation Chicken) along with breads and sweets (Pistachio Madeleines, Croissants, Chocolate Mousse, Lemon tarts). 9201 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring MD; eatzinnia.com

You Wouldn’t Be From Ireland, Would Ya?: Barrel House is launching an exclusive pop-up series featuring themed events. Enjoy immersive experiences with crafted cocktails, seasonal bites, and uniquely curated ambiances—ranging from cozy winter vibes at The Lodge to Irish-inspired celebrations at Shamrock Shack, a tribute to Japan’s cherry blossoms at Sakura, and the enchanting fairy garden escape of Pixie Hollow. 1341 14th St NW; barrelhousedc.com

New IPA in NW: Comet Beer has a new IPA. Comet Rundlauf IPA! At 6% ABV and with tasting notes of tropical fruits, overripe melon, lemon, and lime. 5037 Connecticut Avenue Northwest; CometPingPong

Bagels & Booze: Known as DC's cocktail queen with a larger-than-life personality, Gina Chersevani is bringing her bagel-and-booze empire to the Cleveland Park hood this February 2025. They're brewing seriously good Ceremony Coffee from Annapolis, MD, turning your morning caffeine fix into an experience with Bananas Foster Lattes and Lavender Matchamoments that'll change your morning ritual, all for the better. 3501 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008; buffalobergendc.com

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: 

Rooftop in Reston: Syn rooftop bar is opening next week. SYN’s menu, curated by Executive Chef Alexis Hernandez and Food & Beverage Director Ceren Hunt, will showcase artfully designed cocktails and shareable plates as the restaurant highlights globally inspired flavors and blends influences from various culinary traditions. 1975 Opportunity Way; synrooftopreston.com

It Ain’t Easy Being Green (Happy Hour Alert): The Green Zone is introducing a new happy hour menu. Happy hour will now feature $12 cocktails from 5 - 8 PM Tuesday - Friday, 2 - 8 PM Saturday, and all day on Sunday (starting at 2 PM). This is a change from our current happy hour pricing of $15. 2226 18th Street NW, Washington, DC; thegreenzonedc.com

This Happy Hour Starts at 3 PM (Happy Hour Alert) : Corso Italian in Shirlington has launched a brand new happy hour. Now 3 - 7 PM, seven days a week! (Only at the bar.) Get deals on hh bites, beers, wines and cocktails. 4024 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22206; corsoitalian.com

Gimme Some Shuga: Cafe Shuga - an innovative coffee bar serving single-origin coffee from various African countries, specialty drinks, and teas that highlight beloved African ingredients and the bold flavors of the continent has opened. Try drinks like Vanilla Moringa Latte, a caffeine-free latte infused with the earthy flavor of moringa powder, smooth vanilla syrup, and velvety steamed milk. Other offerings include a Mint Baobab Paloma, prepared with tart baobab syrup, grapefruit soda, and a hint of fresh mint, and a Honey Sesame Ginger Latte, made with honey sesame candy, golden honey, fresh ginger, and steamed milk. 8200 Dixon Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910; instagram.com

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 Hourthroughout 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