(19) Herb Caen's Vitamin V @ Balboa Cafe

Herb Caen, according to the internets, "was a San Francisco journalist whose daily column of local goings-on and insider gossip, social and political happenings, painful puns and offbeat anecdotes appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle for almost sixty years." Painful puns, sounds like my kind of writer. This drink was his signature martini, nicknamed Vitamin V = Stolichnaya vodka served in a wine glass (thank you for not opting to drink out of a martini glass sir Caen), over ice, with a spritz of soda and garnished with a skinny orange wedge. Oh lordy, clear alcohol is mighty deceiving. You'd think that this one is particular would be no problem since it's a watered down icy drink. Sheeeesh. You couldn't be more wrong. On another note, Balboa Cafe looks like an old diner from the outside but it's actually quite ritzy inside.

Herb Caen's Vitamin V @ Balboa Cafe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Herb Caen's Vitamin V = Stolichnaya vodka, over ice, splash of soda, orange slice. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Balboa's Cafe bar. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Balboa Cafe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Herb Caen's Vitamin V @ Balboa Cafe ($9)
3199 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.921.3944
(Lunch) Monday - Friday > 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(Brunch) Saturday & Sunday > 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(Dinner) Sunday - Tuesday > 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Wednesday - Saturday > 4  p.m. - 11 p.m.
(Bar) Daily > open 2 a.m.

(18) Grasshopper @ Twin Peaks Tavern

Well this bartender certainly did not like me. He outright refused to make a Grasshopper claiming he didn't make them and claimed that no one at the establishment would. When I explained myself and this drink list, he haggled me some more, but utlimately he scurried to the back to look up the recipe and grundingly made it. He was sooo snarky and rude and pompous. What the hell man, just make the drink and I'll give you money, why you gotta be so mean? Maybe he didn't like me from the get go because I was a girl in an all male gay bar - there wasn't even a female bathroom, haaaaaa! For the record, the drink was good, it tasted like a melted mint chip ice cream milkshake. And I'd order it again if I could. 1992 called, they want their website back. HA! TAKE THAT MEAN MAN.

Grasshopper @ Twin Peaks Tavern. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Grasshopper @ Twin Peaks Tavern ($8)
401 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
415.864.9470
Monday - Wednesday > 12 noon - 2 a.m.
Thursday - Saturday > 8 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Sunday > 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.

(17) Grapefruit Soda @ The Hideout at Dalva

The Hideout @ Dalva is a bar within a bar. SECRET BARS, YES PLEASE. Go here. It's my new favorite spot in the Mission. The Grapefruit Soda is no longer on the menu but the awesome bartender, David, willingly concocted it in a flash & gave me the secret recipe. Thanks David, you rock!!!!!! This drink was reaaal tasty. It's my top favorite on this list competing with the Blood & Sand from Alembic. It's super floral, grapefruitty, & magical. If you'd like to DIY, here ya go:

Grapefruit Soda @ The Hideout at Dalva

1 oz. Lemon juice

0.75 oz. St. Germain liquor (elderflower liqueur)

0.5 oz Combier liqueur (an orange-flavoured liqueur made from dried peels of bitter & sweet orange)

1.5 oz Broker's Gin

5-6 dashes of Angostura bitters + grapefruit bitters

Grapefruit Soda @ The Hideout at Dalva

The Hideout at Dalva. Photo credit: San Francisco Magazine.

Grapefruit Soda @ The Hideout at Dalva ($10)
3121 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.252.7740
Dalva open 7 days a week, 4pm-2am
Hideout inside Dalva open 7 days a week, 7pm-2am

(16) Gin Martini @ Persian Aub Zam Zam

This place!!!! THIS PLACE! What a find. Established in 1941, it's a hole in the wall with a half circle bartop that seats 12-15 people. They have other spaces to sit, but the bar top is where it's at. There seems to be a lot of regulars at this watering hole because everyone knows the bartenders and each other. This place is known for their martinis, which are stirred not shaken at this joint. And they sure pack a punch, so be forewarned. What really makes this place is the amaaaazing old school jams they play from their jukebox (e.g. The Marvelettes – Please Mr. Postman, James Brown – This is a Man’s World, Peggy Lee - Fever, Sam Cooke’s - Bring It On Home To Me, Tina Turner’s cover of Otis Reading  - I’ve Been Loving You Too Long!!!!!) THE JAMS! This type of music is butter to my ears & soul. Loooooove ittttt.  I’d love to rally 15 of my friends to come here in the New Year to dominate the circular bar, who’s in?!?!?

Gin Martini @ Persian Aub Zam Zam. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Gin Martini @ Persian Aub Zam Zam. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Mural & circular bar @ Persian Aub Zam Zam. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Gin Martini @ Persian Aub Zam Zam ($5 during Happy Hour)
1633 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415.861.2545
Daily > 1 p.m. - 2 a.m.

(15) Ginger Rogers @ Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Ginger Rogers = Beefeater gin, fresh mint, ginger syrup, lemon & lime juice, ginger beer. This cocktail was light, refreshing and delicious - tons of mint sprigs, gingery sweet syrup, and tart lime flavor. Down the hatch. P.S. Remember the soft garlic pretzels I posted about on The Big Eat in October? I ordered them again and fell in love with them again. Mmmmmmmmm. Soooo gooooood.

Ginger Rogers @ Absinthe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

(15) Ginger Rogers @ Absinthe Brasserie & Bar from Kendra Aronson on Vimeo.

Bar @ Absinthe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Ginger Rogers & Soft Pretzels @ Absinthe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Drink list @ Absinthe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Ginger Rogers @ Absinthe Brasserie & Bar ($10)
398 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.551.1590
Monday > closed
Tuesday & Wednesday > 11:30 a.m. - 12 midnight
Thursday & Friday > 11:30 a.m. - 12 midnight, bar open til 2 a.m.
Saturday > Brunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 3 p.m. - 12 midnight, bar open til 2 a.m.
Sunday > Brunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

(14) Gin Fizz Tropical @ Heaven's Dog

Heaven's Dog is temporarily closed for renovations - does anyone know when they will be open for business? I tried calling but their voicemail but it didn't give any details.....post will be forthcoming in the New Year, stay tuned folks.

Gin Fizz Tropical @ Heaven's Dog
1148 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.863.6008
Monday - Thursday > 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday > 5 p.m. - 12 midnight
Sunday > 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

(13) Gin Fizz @ Presidio Social Club

The Gin Fizz @ Presidio Social Club is a delicious little bevvy consisting of Ransom "Old Tom" gin from Portland, fresh foamy strawberry puree, puckery citrus juice, siphoned soda, and some drops of absinthe for good measure. Tastes like summer in a glass - the type of beverage that makes you feel wonderfully fuzzy inside :)

(13) Gin Fizz @ Presidio Social Club from Kendra Aronson on Vimeo.

Gin Fizz @ Presidio Social Club. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Strawberry Gin Fizz = Ransom "Old Tom" gin, strawberry, citrus, soda, absinthe. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Presidio Social Club dining room. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Presidio Social Club bar. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Gin Fizz @ Presidio Social Club ($10)
563 Rutger Street
San Francisco, CA 94129
415.885.1888
Monday - Friday > 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday > 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday > 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

(12) Germain-Robin Sidecar @ Bix

Germain-Robin Sidecar @ Bix = Germain-Robin brandy, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao & Lime Juice. Essentially this cocktail tasted like boozy lime juice. It was super tart, lime-y, floral, sugary - it made my teeth enamel feel funny because of all the acid/sugar. It's not my favorite because of the style of drink it is - sugar rimmed served in a martini glass. [Rant: Who the hell engineered a martini glass? The liquid is asking to be spilled. And the glass when tipped over is asking to be shattered into a million stupid pieces. Am I right?!?! Whoever invented martini glasses I’d like to personally punch them in the neck. Seriously, what a ridiculous drinking vessel. End rant.] The place feels a bit stuffy and I’m a totally out of my element here. They brought out some chex mix, bright orange gold fish, pretzels sticks salted peanuts and pumpkin seeds, that were spicy, super salty and snackable, so they won some points in my book I guess.  To quote The Most Interesting Man in the World, "while I don't like being coerced, in this case I shall make an exception."

Germain-Robin Sidecar @ Bix. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Germain Sidecar @ Bix. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bix bar menu. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

The bar @ Bix. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

(12) Germain-Robin Sidecar @ Bix from Kendra Aronson on Vimeo.

Germain-Robin Sidecar @ Bix ($13)
56 Gold Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.433.6300
Monday - Thursday > Bar open @ 4:30 p.m. / Dinner @ 5:30 p.m.
Friday > Lunch @ 11:30 a.m. / Dinner @ 5:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday > Dinner @ 5:30 p.m.

(11) French 77 @ Cliff House

The Cliff House of San Francisco is a gorgeous iconic building, read about it here. I suggest romping around the neighborhood - Sutro Heights Parks, Land's End, Sutro Baths, Camera Obscura - and ending your day of adventures at the Cliff House for a French 77 & a bowl of warm clam chowder. P.S. In case you are curious  > French 75 = gin, Champagne, lemon juice, & simple syrup, French 76 = vodka, Champagne, lemon juice, simple syrup & grenadine, French 77 = St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Champagne & lemon juice.

French 77 @ Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

(11) French 77 @ Cliff House from Kendra Aronson on Vimeo.

Iconic Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

The view from Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Seal Rocks from the Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bar @ Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Clam Chowder & French 77 @ Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bar/Dining Room @ Cliff House. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Cliff House decor. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

French 77 @ Cliff House ($10)
1090 Point Lobos
San Francisco, CA 94121
Monday - Thursday > 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday > 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday > 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

(10) Frank Lloyd Wright @ Bourbon and Branch

Frank Lloyd Wright = Bourbon, pear liqueur, nocino (sticky dark brown liqueur made from unripe green walnuts), Islay whiskey, old fashioned bitters. Frank Lloyd Wright (or Franky Lloyd as my Dad refers to him), holds a special place in my heart. This cocktail was structurally awesome - it was smooth, sweet, smokey, and spicy. Getting a reservation at Bourbon & Branch is super limited, but once you're in, you are in. If you can't get a reservation, you always have access to the Library, just say the password "books" at the front door and you are in!

Frank Lloyd Wright @ Bourbon & Branch. Photo credit: City Owls.

Frank Lloyd Wright @ Bourbon & Branch ($12)
501 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.346.1735
Monday - Saturday > 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.

(9) Chinese Whiskey @ Li Po Lounge

Li Po Lounge has been slinging out Chinese cocktails in Chinatown since 1937. It is a total dive and a total gem. I'm so happy to have discovered this magical porthole on the main drag of bustlin' Chinatown. The whiskey was poured out of this awesome ceramic jar that was probably smuggled from the motherland, or at least, I'd like to imagine this was so. It was smokey but floral, and super spicy like Chinese fivespice-spicy (star anise, clove, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seed). It was like no other whiskey I've ever had. Biiiiig thumbs up for this whiskey & Li Po Lounge. Other notable things that are photographed below: (a) I want to go back to try their Chinese Mai Tai - dark & light rum, chinese liquor, pineapple juice (b) the dried foods stores on Grant Avenue and (c) Chinese people just doing their thing in Chinatown.

Chinese Whiskey @ Li Po Lounge. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bar @ Li Po Lounge. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese Whiskey $6 or Chinese Whisky. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Li Po Lounge House Special = Chinese Mai Tai (dark + light rum + 151 rum + chinese liquor + pineapple juice). Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Strange dried food things in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Dried food galore in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Dried food bulk bins in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese lanterns in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Li Po Lounge on Grant in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Hilarious chinese person napping shortways vs. longways in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese awesomeness in Chinatown. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Chinese Whiskey @ Li Po Lounge ($6)
916 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.982.0072
Monday - Sunday > 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.

(8) Cherry Bounce @ Comstock Saloon

Cherry Bounce @ Comstock Saloon = Bourbon, cherry brandy, lemon, Angostura bitters, champagne. This is a robust drink with heavy earthy cherry notes, boozy bourbon notes, and herbacious/citrusy notes - all brought together with some bubbles. Three cheers to you, Cherry Bounce & the Comstock Saloon for keepin' it real.

Cherry Bounce @ Comstock Saloon. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Menu @ Comstock Saloon. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Cherry Bounch @ Comstock Saloon ($10)
155 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.617.0071
Sunday - Thursday > 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Friday & Saturday > 12 noon - 2 a.m.
Happy Hour Everyday > 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

(7) Chartreuse Swizzle @ Clock Bar

Charteuse Swizzle @ Clock Bar (located inside the Westin St. Francis) was a total......rip off. I mean c'mon, if you are using canned pineapple juice in a cocktail and charging $14 for it, it should be fresh squeezed, no? (Also - $8 for a Bottled Budweiser - ha! Really? Are you joking?!). You'd think hotel bars would charge more fairly so that guests would stay in the hotel and to encourage outsiders, but I guess they always jack up prices because they can. End rant. What I did like about this drink was (1) the lovely John P. Taylor's velvet falernum liqueur - a sweet liqueur that tastes like almond and cloves and (2) the freshly grated nutmeg that lended a touch of spice. But for the steep price I'd rather take my  $$ elsewhere.

(7) Chartreuse Swizzle @ Clock Bar from Kendra Aronson on Vimeo.

Charteuse Swizzle @ Clock Bar. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Menu @ Clock Bar. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Charteuse Swizzle @ Clock Bar ($14)
335 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.397.9222
Daily > 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.

(6) Bloody Mary @ Zeitgeist

The Bloody Mary @ Zetigeist = Vodka, tomato mix, Boozely's spicy pickled green beans, pickle juice, horseradish, olives. My first Bloody Mary, ever! Not exactly my cup of tea, but if they are your thing > check this Bold Italic article on where to find the best bloodys in San Francisco. Supposedly the Bloody Marys @ Zeitgeist are the talk of the town. I got to enjoy it with a new lovely friend soaking up the last few rays of this glorious San Francisco Indian summer. We even scored a seat outside, holler! Love Zeitgeist for it's grungy goodness, extensive beer selection, juke box, outdoor communal picnic tables, rowdy clientele...and it's frequented by the famous Tamale Lady #winning.

Bloody Mary @ Zeitgeist ($8)
199 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.255.7505
Everyday > 9 a.m. - 2 p.m

(5) Blood and Sand @ Alembic

Blood and Sand @ Alembic is epic. Scotch Whiskey + cherry Brandy + Sweet Vermouth + fresh squeezed orange juice + flamming orange peel! They don't mess around when it comes to fine crafted cocktails at Alembic. This cocktail was one of smoothest cocktails I've ever had - a real good drinkability, if you will. Full of earthy cherry aromas rounded out with warm mouthfeel from the Scotch/Vermouth and pulled together with hints of citrus. EPIC I TELL YOU. I wish I lived in the Haight neighborhood or even Cole Valley so that I could haunt this place more frequently. I also wish I had the ability to drink many cocktails here in one sitting because each one sounds so unique and delicious, whoever writes the copy for their drink descriptions is pretty brilliant - made my chuckle and crave every drink. The bartender asked me how this cocktail ranked on the list so far, to which I replied Top 1 or 2, and he said, "whoa, I'm weak in the knees!" What a gem!

(5) Blood and Sand @ Alembic from Kendra Aronson on Vimeo.

Blood and Sand @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Blood and Sand description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bar @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

American Whiskey selection @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Scotch & Run selection @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Agave, Gin, & Brandy selection @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Beer selection @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

"Thank you may I have another" motto @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

"we're feeling it" @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Sazerac description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Bourbon Old-Fashioned description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Jack Rose description. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

The Bobby Burns description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

The Poop Deck Cocktail description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

The Vieux Carre description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson. 

Pisco Sour description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

The Vow of Silence description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Kool Thing description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Brown Sugar description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.  

Last Caress description @ Alembic. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Blood and Sand @ Alembic ($11)
1725 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415.666.0822
Everyday, Lunch > 12 noon - 5 p.m.
Everyday, Dinner > 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Everyday, Bar open til 2 a.m.