Finally, the dregs of winter are behind us and the change of spring is in the air. Nowhere is this more true than in Washington D.C., where spring arrives with a theatrical flourish, marked with thousands of blossoming cherry trees.

As the air warms up, there seems to be a mass exodus to outdoor spaces where we can relax, unwind and socialise with the refreshing breeze rolling by. So it’s the perfect time to explore the new cocktail menu at Bar Dupont, one of the hottest spots in the city (with a gorgeous outdoor patio to boot).

The new menu encompasses all of the spring flavours we crave at this time of year – the bitter tang of Aperol, the zing of citrus and the refreshing bubbles from champagne.

Here’s a little taste of what you’ll find…

Irish American (main picture)

Jameson, Oatmeal Stout Jelly, Egg White, Vanilla Bitters 

En Fuego

No 3 Gin, Serrano Infused Aperol, Yuzu, Honey

Yellow Rose

Jameson, Benedictine, Dry Orange Curacao, Veuve Clicquot 

Dreaming of Doha

Tanqueray, Green Tea Syrup, Lavender, Honey

Letters from Bali

Pisco, Cardamom, Basil, Coconut

Jungle Bird (pictured right)

Campari, Cruzan Blackstrap, Pineapple, Lime 

BD Tiki

Meyer’s Rum, Peyschaud’s, Grapefruit, Orgeat

Makana

Tanqueray, Aperol, Licor 43, Falernum 

Summer Punch Bowls

Rhubarb Rouge

Lillet Rouge, Absolut Elyx, Rhubarb Bitters

Milk Punch

Absolut Elyx, Plymouth Gin, Cardamom Spice Mix

Pimm's Cupp

Pimms, Strawberry, Cucumber, Lemon Soda

If you get hungry, you can have a nibble on one of the lighter platters from the menu – try the Charcuterie Board, with Bresaola, Air Dried Duck Breast, Sopressatta, Prosciutto, Crackers and Dried Fruits. Or the Mediterranean Platter, which comes with Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Olive Tapenade and Pita bread to scoop it all up with. Don’t forget, there’s a full menu too if you’d prefer a full meal.

Even if the weather isn’t quite up to scratch, you can watch the world go by through the oversized windows that overlook the Dupont Circle. Get there early and you can nab one of the best seats in the house and watch as the movers and shakers make their way through the city.