San Francisco’s cocktail scene is excellent for the same reasons that its food scene is cutting-edge: there is a similar focus on locally sourced, unusual ingredients and an eye for detail in making individual drinks that you would normally see in a four-star restaurant.
Out of the 660 bars in the city, there are a handful of establishments you shouldn’t miss if you’re trying to get a unique cocktail with artisanal ingredients. Consider these a starting point to kick off your exploration of San Francisco’s rich craft-cocktail scene.
Best bar for getting a fresh take on a classic:Alembic
Founded in 2006, Alembic may have been one of the first bars to usher in the craft-cocktail craze. They do excellent takes on classics, like the Sazerac ($12), and have a wide variety of creative cocktails developed in-house. I chatted with the bar manager, Larry, who explained that a portion of their cocktail list was seasonal and heavily influenced by new ingredients from local farmers’ markets. For a truly delectable drink, try Our Lady of Guadalajara ($13), which evokes the state Jalisco with its elegant mix of reposado tequila, Curaçao, Nocino and mole bitters. If you’d like to make one at home, Alembic was kind enough to share their secret recipe:
Our Lady of Guadalajara (Alembic)
1.75 oz. Suerte Tequila Reposado
0.5 oz. Carpano Antica
4 dashes Pierre Fernand Dry Curaçao
4 dashes Nocino
3 dashes Maraschino
3 dashes Mexican mole bitters
Combine and stir. Strain into coupe and garnish with an orange twist.
Best bar for getting a drink education: Bar Agricole
If you’re looking for a high-octane, expertly crafted drink, look no further than Bar Agricole. If you sit at the bar, you might be lucky enough to chat with bartender Craig Lane, who will take you on a virtual trip to Martinique, where rhum agricole originates. Bar Agricole specializes in its namesake—rhum agricole—as well as Armagnac and Calvados, both French spirits. Craig and his team are passionate about the origin of their spirits and have exclusive deals with distributors to bring in small batches (specially produced for Bar Agricole) to their establishment. For something bold and spirit-forward, try the Ti Punch ($12), which will knock you off your feet with its simplicity (and potency). It’s a simple combination of rhum agricole, lime peel and sugar syrup. For something on the lighter, fruitier side, try the Planter’s Punch ($14), which incorporates grapefruit juice and bitters.
Best bar for evoking old-time San Francisco: 15 Romolo
You’ll get the feeling that you’re in an old-time San Francisco saloon at 15 Romolo. Stepping into the bar is like walking into a little piece of San Francisco’s past—the dimly lit interior and sultry vibe are reminiscent of an earlier time. The bar menu is also unique, as 15 Romolo is one of the few places in the city to feature an extensive sherry selection, a drink more common in the Basque region of Spain. If you come here (which you should), try the Pimm’s Cup with gin ($10)—it’s refreshing and delicately balanced, and makes for a perfect warm-weather drink. I could drink a pitcher of these on a warm afternoon. The food here is delicious as well. The Basque-influenced menu features a fantastic octopus dish and tasty French fries.
Best bar for taking you back to the London Underground: Whitechapel
Obsessed with gin? Head to the newly opened Whitechapel. They have over 400 gins and upwards of 100 cocktails on their menu. Whitechapel’s décor is reminiscent of a 1970s train station in East London, and the menu has been influenced by British, Dutch and Indian traditions—the three countries with historical connections to gin. For something unique and a little sweet and spicy, try the Lamplighter’s Story ($12), a balanced mix of hibiscus, grapefruit marmalade, serrano chili, orange soda and lemon. The kick of chili adds a nice after-bite, and the orange soda / grapefruit marmalade combination adds a hint of acidity. Be sure to get there early—I walked out of Whitechapel at 7:00 p.m. and saw a line of disgruntled people waiting outside for seats.
Best bar for
kicking back: Tradition
There are several bars located at the bustling corner of Jones and O’Farrell, and though Tradition might not be the flashiest, it’s great for those seeking the simple pleasure of a beverage and some good conversation. The drinks are creative, and the cocktail menu is often evolving. Definitely try the London Fog ($10), a delicious concoction of gin, lemon, Earl Grey tincture and ginger beer. It offers a slight hint of sweetness and the refreshing flavor profiles of bergamot and juniper.
Best bar
for hanging with hipsters: Trick Dog
It’s located in one of the hippest hoods in the Mission, and if you get there after 5:00 p.m., you won’t find a seat. So if you like drinking peacefully without having someone trying to steal your seat, show up in the afternoon. The drinks are flavorful and the décor creative. When I went, the cocktails were featured on an adorable puppy calendar, each cocktail tied to a different month’s puppy. I tried the June ($13), which was Trick Dog’s take on a Pimm’s Cup and featured Junipero Gin, apple, cucumber, tea, hibiscus, fig, vermouth and bitter lemon soda. It was sweet without being cloying and was balanced nicely by the herbal notes. Try the chicken nuggets ($9) if you’re feeling peckish.
Best bar for
speaking like a pirate: Smuggler’s Cove
Or best bar for speaking like a pirate after having one too many tropical drinks and getting totally trashed. Walking into Smuggler’s Cove reminds me of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland—the place is riddled with kitschy nautical décor and pirate memorabilia. There are over 550 rums at Smuggler’s Cove, and you could spend a lifetime trying all of them. Smuggler’s shines when it comes to fruitier tropical drinks. The Kona Cocktail ($10) was sweet but balanced, with passion and pineapple juices as well as a hint of honey—like a vacation in a glass.
