Spring is in full bloom. Everywhere you look, a rainbow of blossoms is coming up – even in cocktails. Mixologists are harnessing flower power to add floral flavors and gorgeous garnishes to their spring sensations. Whether you’re brunching with your crew on a sunny Sunday or just looking to add a special element to after-work drinks, here are 15 cocktails with a floral flourish to help you raise a glass to the season. Not near any of them? OpenTable has you covered with more than 51,000 restaurants for any craving or occasion.
The Occidental, Washington, D.C.
Meet spring’s most stunning sipper. The 1475 Frosé features Dark Horse rosé, Absolut Elyx, peach liqueur, and pineapple juice. It’s garnished with a pink rose. Make a reservation at The Occidental.
Daniel, New York, New York
There’s a floral flourish to the White Cosmopolitan. St. Germain elderflower liqueur blossoms in its depths, along with vodka, white cranberry juice, and lime juice. A stunning sphere of ice completes the Insta-worthy cocktail. Make a reservation at Daniel.
Ocean Prime, Greenwood Village, Colorado
Black Orchid is the DC Comics superheroine you don’t know but should. It’s also the name of this alluring white cranberry/lemon-vibed cocktail fortified with St. Germain elderflower liqueur and Belvedere black raspberry vodka. A show-stopping orchid ice ball is the finishing flourish. Make a reservation at Ocean Prime.
Gianni’s, Miami Beach, Florida
We love Up in Smoke. No, not the Cheech & Chong movie (though it is high on our list of smokin’ stoner flicks), the cocktail. A rosemary-smoked martini glass is filled with a mixture of chartreuse, gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and then garnished with charred rosemary and flowers. Make a reservation at Gianni’s.
Fyve, Arlington, Virginia
St. Germain elderflower liqueur and rose water give this warm weather delight a flowery personality. Filibuster gin and lemon juice fill it out. And a rose petal ice sphere adds swish. Make a reservation at Fyve.
Saxon + Parole, New York, New York
Chamomile honey adds sweetness and a blossomy bottom line to the Chamomile Sazerac. Remy Martin 1738, Old Forester rye, bergamot, and Peychaud’s bitters fill it out. It’s presented with a sprig of freshly trimmed chamomile flowers, of course. Make a reservation at Saxon + Parole.
Merriman’s, Kamuela, Hawaii
Meet the Mobeeto. The pretty-in-pink potable plays on the mojito, featuring light rum, vodka, mint, basil, and pickled beet. A sprig of lavender, hand-picked from the restaurant’s garden, is the finishing flourish. Make a reservation at Merriman’s.
E.P. + L.P., West Hollywood, California
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, this life. Also, it’s this citrusy, vegetal sparkling cocktail made with gin, cucumber, mint, and lemon soda. It’s garnished with a unique flower-pressed ice cube. Make a reservation at E.P. + L.P.
Radiator, Washington, D.C.
We believe in Flower Power. The floral-inspired Moscow Mule features lavender-infused vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime, and fresh ginger. The name is a nod to Woodstock’s 50th anniversary this year. Make a reservation at Radiator.
LEYNIA, Miami Beach, Florida
Edible rosemallows and pansies top off this darling drink. They sit on a coverlet of chickpea foam. Underneath that, there’s a mélange of vodka, desert pear syrup, Amaretto Disaronno, simple syrup, lemon juice, and yuzu. Make a reservation at LEYNIA.
Spoonbar, Healdsburg, California
Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow. The Flower Power is tart with lemon and lime, boosted by Nolet’s gin, and enlivened with St. Germain elderflower liqueur. It’s garnished with an edible purple flower that tastes as good as it looks. Make a reservation at Spoonbar.
Artisan, West Hartford, Connecticut
Hibiscus and rose liqueurs blossom in the Red Hills with Flowers cocktail. They’re fortified with vodka, Lillet Blanc, and Aperol. An edible flower ice cube makes it almost too pretty to drink (almost). Make a reservation at Artisan.
Trophy Room, Wellington, Florida
Think pink – and then drink it. Smell the Roses features Wölffer Estate rosé gin, Belvedere vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and tonic. Rose petals floating on the surface create an eye-catching mosaic. Make a reservation at Trophy Room.
Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago, Illinois
You won’t be sour you ordered this cocktail. The Hibiscus Sour is tarted up with the namesake flower and powered by mezcal, tequila, and amaretto. A dainty clothespin holding a pink petal completes the blushing charmer. Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House.
Westlight, Brooklyn, New York
Take a pic before you take a sip. Butterfly pea flower gives the Lavender Lake a regal pink hue. Meanwhile, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Bombay Sapphire gin, and Italicus (an Italian liqueur made with rose petals) give it a kick. Make a reservation at Westlight.
Let us know which of these floral cocktails you want to try here or over on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. And, remember to snap + share your #dishpics with us on Instagram for a chance to win in our weekly giveaway.
Nevin Martell is a Washington, D.C.-based food and travel writer and the author of several books, including Freak Show Without A Tent: Swimming with Piranhas, Getting Stoned in Fiji and Other Family Vacations. Find him on Twitter @nevinmartell and Instagram @nevinmartell.
Photo credits: Rey Lopez (The Occidental); Lettuce Entertain You (Shaw’s Crab House).
