Where to get a (literal) taste of spring in Canberra
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Spring is in the air, but it’s also in our food and drink with the launch of some seasonal menus packed full of floral flavour.
We know. Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. But there’s something about an iced latte served with rose petals, flower-themed cocktails topped with baby’s breath and sweet spring treats that are best consumed in the sunshine.
Luckily, just in time for the final weeks of Floriade, Canberra’s cafes and bars have launched their springtime menus so you can enjoy all that and more before the flower festival ends.
Here are eight places where you can get a taste of spring in Canberra. You might just want to take an antihistamine first…
The floral-infused cocktail menu at Clover Dining
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Nothing says ‘Hello spring’ like sipping on a specially crafted floral cocktail after a visit to Floriade. Luckily, Clover Dining has curated a cocktail menu inspired by delicate botanical infusions to celebrate the start of one of Canberra’s most beautiful seasons.
Just a short walk from the flower festival, why not pop in to try the V. Violette, Lavender and Amber Highball for yourself?
197 London Circuit, City | cloverdining.com.au
The Rose Iced Latte at Fave Cup Café (City)
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Mixing the romance of roses with the kick of coffee, this is the perfect springtime drink to get you through the workday. Made with rose syrup and topped with rose petals, not only is it pretty as a picture, but it’ll give you the sweet kick that you’ll need in the morning once daylight savings starts.
The Capital, G09/39 London Circuit, City | favcupcafe.com
Floriade Cocktail Menu at Compa (City)
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Your spring afternoons are sorted at Compa with their Floriade-inspired Negronis and seasonal bites. Available Wednesday to Sunday from 3 pm until 5 pm, drop in for a sip and snack for a little taste of spring, or to try one of their garden-inspired cocktails: Jasmine, Violet and Chamomile. All full of floral flavours, they’re the perfect way to ease into the afternoon.
148 Bunda Street, City | comparistorante.com.au
The Springtime Gin Garden at Midnight Bar (Braddon)
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Transforming Midnight Bar into a floral, light-filled oasis, the Springtime Gin Garden promises to be a pretty and seasonal Friday night escape. Created in collaboration with Underground Spirits, here you’ll find Floriade-themed cocktails (including one that changes colour), curated gin tastings and spring-inspired share plates. Open from 3 pm til late until Sunday 12 October, it sounds like the perfect after-dark continuation of Floriade.
Midnight Hotel, Ground Floor/1 Elouera Street, Braddon | midnightbar.com.au
Crepe Tacos at Taco Boi (Braddon)
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Tacos are always a good idea, but Taco Boi in Braddon has put a sweet twist on their menu with the addition of Crepe Tacos. You read that right.
Available in two flavours – lemon cheesecake and banoffee – they’re topped with flowers and almost look too pretty to eat (almost). Available only until Sunday 12 October, head along for some post-Floriade fuel.
31 Mort Street, Braddon | tacoboi.com.au
Spring Cocktails at Paloma’s (Braddon)
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Who can resist the idea of a Strawberry-Rhubarb Marg in the sunshine? Paloma’s is now pouring some Floriade-inspired cocktails that taste like spring in a glass. From the Rose Paloma (tequila, mezcal, lime juice, passionfruit, rose syrup, and a sparkling splash of grapefruit soda) to the Elderflower Spritz (gin, elderflower, lemon, green apple, prosecco, yuzu and soda), whether you’re looking for something floral, fruity, or refreshing, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy.
They’re only here for Floriade season, so you better be quick!
2/5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | palomas.bar
The Spring Drinks menu at Highroad (Dickson)
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Perfect for those who don’t drink alcohol but want to join in on the fun, Highroad in Dickson has launched their spring drinks menu – perfect for levelling up brunch or for a little seasonal treat. Including a Banana Pancake Iced Latte, Spring Floral Soda and Cotton Candy Iced Matcha, those with a sweet tooth will have plenty of drink options to choose from.
1 Woolley Street, Dickson | highrd.com.au
The Floriade Berry Lab at Pollen (Acton)
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Inspired by Floriade’s theme of Science and Nature, Pollen Café in the National Botanic Gardens has mixed sweetness and science to create the ultimate treat: The Floriade Berry Lab.
A classic raspberry coconut slice served with a playful twist – a syringe of raspberry serum for drizzling, swirling and experimenting – it’s part sweet treat and part edible experiment and offers the perfect excuse to continue your springtime adventure by exploring the lush gardens.
Clunies Ross Street, Acton | pollencafe.com.au
The limited-edition spring lineup at The Cupping Room (City)
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The Cupping Room is bringing spring straight to your coffee cup. Their limited-edition Cuppo specials are designed to capture the colours and flavours of Floriade in four distinct drinks: Floral White, Lavender Garden, Aurora Bloom and Cherry Blossom Garden.
Each one channels a different side of spring, from soft florals to vibrant blooms, and they’re only available while stocks last. Pop in, try them all, and find your favourite before they’re gone.
1/1-13 University Avenue, City | thecuppingroom.com.au
Feature image: Clover Dining.
