By Jackie Fender
We all have a favorite season, and while the Pacific Northwest boasts mild transitions compared to some regions, each season brings forth its own charm. Now that April has arrived, spring is finally in the air! And on your plates. And in your drinks.
Springtime flavors typically highlight vibrant herbs and crisp fruity notes that pair well with warm days peppered with the occasional seasonal drizzle. Look for cocktail menus everywhere to shift allowing the cast of star players to include in-season greenery, infused spirits and light sippers. Because of the arrival of spring-like weather earlier than anticipated this year, I personally have been daydreaming about the seasonal menu changes that tend to occur once the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Welp, finally they have arrived. Here are a few recommendations for local libations that play with this season’s favorite flavors.
The Social Bar and Grill
The Social Bar and Grill neighbors Tacoma eye candy the Museum of Glass and boasts majestic views of Foss Waterway as well. With arguably the best patio in town, you can sit fireside and sip fun craft cocktail concoctions just about year round. A new feature includes the Spring Harvest. This little gem comes served in a flute filled with fresh squeezed lemon juice, basil, Giffard Peach Liqueur and American Harvest Vodka topped with a little bit of bubbly. It’s a super fresh and flirty sipper that packs a one, two, (three) punch, perfectly balancing the earthy, sweet and tart flavor combinations. This one is a sessionable sipper match made in heaven when partnered with a day of basking in the sun.
The Social Bar and Grill
1715 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA
253-301-3835
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m – midnight
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Smoke + Cedar
Warmer climate means more outdoor activities, including and especially golf, which makes Smoke + Cedar a no brainer. Though one must not be a golf guru to enjoy Smoke and Cedar because it is open to the public seven days a week. With prime views of the green, overlooking Allenmore Golf Course and culinary masters like Gordon Naccarato at the helm, the bar keeps up the pace with barrel aged cocktails and inventive ideas. Take for instance the Strawberry Conniption featuring rum, lime, strawberry and cream providing a lovely matrimony of flavor served up in a martini glass that is drizzled with a house made balsamic reduction. The result lends a sweetness to sipping without giving you a toothache and the balsamic reduction is a compelling addition not often found in libations.
Smoke + Cedar
2013 South Cedar
Tacoma, WA
253-343-6090
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 pm.
Maxwell’s Restaurant and Lounge
Maxwell’s Restaurant and Lounge is set between very walkable neighborhoods like Antique Row and Tacoma’s Stadium and Theatre Districts which is precisely why it’s a prime pit stop for springtime adventures. Maxwell’s specializes in class with a casual speakeasy styled, fine dining atmosphere perfect for a date night or a quick cocktail and nibble. Their libation selection often features some of the most compelling in town, highlighting unique concoctions and often infused spirits. Since spring has sprung, bar manager Ryan O’Donnell has been playing around like a kid on the playground and, though it is yet to be named, his martini featuring a cucumber infused gin and elderflower liqueur muddled with green apple. (Hard cider can also be used instead of fresh apples in the event you wish to forgo the muddling process). It’s a surprisingly crisp and smooth sipper featuring several prominent flavors (gin, cucumber, elderflower and apple can all be flavor divas when allowed) that balance each other when mixed together.
Maxwell’s Restaurant and Lounge
454 Saint Helens Avenue
Tacoma, WA
253-683-4115
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 4:00 p.m. – midnight
Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – midnight
Closed Sunday
