As we’ve scanned the bar landscape across America, we’ve noticed some colorful concoctions being stirred up of late. To illustrate this tasty fact, we’ve picked a great sampling of luxury hotels from Washington, D.C. to Orange County serving some new and seasonal drinks. So, pull up a bar stool, take a sip and toast to the day.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.
While cicadas ascend from the ground every 17 years, 2013 marks the first time the insects will hit Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. in a different form — a drink. The luxury hotel’s Lobby Lounge put together the Cicada Soirée cocktail to toast the critters’ arrival. But don’t even think about swatting this drink away. Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, a touch of blue curaçao and pineapple juice come together for a citrusy concoction served in a martini glass, complete with a sweet treat on top: a cicada-shaped chocolate from the hotel’s pastry kitchen.
Stop by the Five-Star hotel’s Shanghai Terrace for a delicious drink and a great view of the Windy City. While the terrace may be too cool for winter, spring temperatures are blooming so pull up a chair, take in the sights and try one of the bottled cocktails from the spring menu. All of the libations are served in 250ml bottles with a flower frozen in a small chunk of ice. The Longevity drink will take you to the beach with blue curaçao, coconut rum, pineapple and orange juices and a frozen chrysanthemum; the refreshing Happiness cocktail comes with a marigold in ice, Hendrick’s gin, triple sec and lime; Prosperity is served with an orchid, Jose Cuervo Silver, peach liqueur and lemon juice.
If you’re looking for a fresh cocktail, this Five-Star retreat is a good place to start. With a garden on property grounds, there’s a great chance that ingredients in your drink from the Five-Star restaurant, Studio, will come straight from the earth. In fact, you may even see bartenders grabbing a few items for your next round. When it’s time to make your drink decision, try the aptly named Studio Garden, a nature-inspired nip with Ketel Citroen vodka, fresh lemonade, infused lavender syrup and a muddled strawberry.
The Four Seasons company set its mixologists around the world out with a task for May — make a cocktail from ingredients sourced from within 100 miles of their hotel. The Five-Star New York hotel met the challenge head-on. Food and beverage director Simon De Swaan came up with the New York Gin Cream by combining locally produced items like Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin and Fox’s Syrups with organic whole milk and club soda or seltzer water.
Indulge in your villainous ways during your next stop in Atlanta with The Mandarin, a tasty tipple named after the main adversary in the new film Iron Man 3. The Four-Star hotel’s mixologists whip up the signature drink with Tennessee Bourbon shaken over ice and mixed with lime, mint, thyme and, of course, freshly squeezed Mandarin orange juice. It’s a beverage with bite that heroes and bad guys alike can agree on.
Photos Courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago, VFM Leonardo Inc, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Montage Hotels And Resorts, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company LLC
