Emperor Norton's 2nd Mistress, Elixir

I've been wanting to try Elixir in the Mission District of San Francisco for ages. Luckily I was in the neighborhood on a Wednesday afternoon and was able to pop in. The cocktail menu is such a fun read, but given the number of great drinks page after page (Spring Produce Cocktails, Elixir Classics, Ritual Cocktails, Golden Gate Cocktails and Classic Cocktails), it was definitely difficult to narrow down to a few choices. I guess the bartender could tell I was overwhelmed with all the amazing choices. So he took charge and said "Here are some of my favorites." Of the 4 given to me, I chose the Emperor Norton's 2nd Mistress as it was one already on my shortlist of 10 to try. Also given that there have been other Mistress Cocktails (International Mistress from Maven and Diego Rivera's Mistress at 25 Lusk), I knew that this choice was meant to be. You can not go wrong with bourbon, strawberries and Tuaca. Refreshing, comforting and bold all at once. So glad I found the recipe on-line to enjoy at home!

The Drink - Emperor Norton's 2nd Mistress, $10

Cyrus Noble Bourbon, Tuaca, Fresh Strawberries; Shaken and Served tall, with a fresh strawberry 

The recipe is included in H's pinterest photo of this cocktail, pinterest recipe and on the Elixir menu

Recipe per the Elixir Spring Produce Cocktails Menu

1.5oz Cyrus Noble Bourbon

.75 oz Tuaca

Strawberries (California local strawberries start coming in mid-June and thrive for a few months, so this drink will be at peak flavor all summer!)

In a mixing cup muddle 3 strawberries to juice. Add Bourbon and Tuaca and fill with ice. Shake hard to dilute and Hawthorne strain over fresh ice (allowing for bits of strawberry) in 10.5oz Old Fashioned. Slice one strawberry half way and place on rim to garnish.

The Place - Elixir
San Francisco, Mission
Weekday 3pm - 2am, Sat noon to 2am, Sun 11am to 2AM, full bar
http://www.elixirsf.com/

The bar

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Arbutus Aperitif, Arbutus

Arbutus is a restaurant located in the SOHO neighborhood of London. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when I found out my friends had made pre-theater reservations at a restaurant that only served wine and beer. I was resigned to the fact that I was going to have some wine at dinner when I saw their signature aperitif at the top of the menu. I'm so glad that I gave the Arbutus Aperitif a try. What a surprisingly elegant and refreshing cocktail with only 3 ingredients, blood orange, pomegranate and campari. I will need to give this a try at home.

The Drink - The Arbutus Aperitif, $8

Blood orange, pomegranate and campari

The Place - Arbutus

London, SOHO

Daily lunch and dinner, pre-theater specials, beer and wine

http://www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk/

Other pictures from the visit

 Kingsdown Still Water

 Market Vegetable Soup (part of Pre-Theatre Prix Fixe)

 Steak and Potatoes

 

 Scottish Beef and Pappardelle (Part of Pre-Theatre Prix Fixe)

 

 Pork Belly and Lentils

 

Cheeesecake and Yorkshire rhubarb (part of Pre-Theatre prix fixe)

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Chili Season, Alexander's Steakhouse

Alexander's Steakhouse is located in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. It's been a while since I've been to Alexander's so I was excited to try a few of the new cocktails on the Alexander's Originals Menu. With tequila, chili and pineapple gum syrup, I knew that I was going to give the Chili Season a try. As the server mentioned, the cocktail is perfectly balanced. Although I must admit since I like spicy cocktails, with a name like Chili Season, I wish there was a bit more kick of heat to this drink.

The Cocktail, Chili Season, $14
Milagro Blanco, Combier Liqueur d'Orange, lime juice, egg white, angostura Orange and chili pepper tincture.


The Place - Alexander's Steakhouse
South of Market (SOMA), San Francisco
Dinner nightly, full bar
http://www.alexanderssteakhouse.com/sf_site/san_francisco_information.html

Other Alexander's Steakhouse Drinks
Shiso Bomb
Mayan Calendar

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Cask Mai Tai, Artesian Hotel

The Artesian Bar is located in the Langham Hotel just off of Oxford Circus in Central London. With Barrel Aged cocktails all the rave the past year, I wanted to see what this internationally award winning bar came up with with the Cask Mai Tai.  From the presentation with the edible garnishes to the smooth flavor, I could only say" Oh Mai My!".

There's no need to describe how good this cocktail is since the Artesian does an amazing job on their own in the cocktail menu. "Delicious, yet pungent twist on Mai Tai. Sweet notes of warm spices, orange peel and candy reminiscent of nutmeg, ginger and cocoa with freshness of mint and tart lime".

The Cocktail - Cask Mai Tai
Appleton Extra and secret blend of other ingredients matured in European oak cask.

The Place - Artesian
London, Oxford Circus
Full bar, food
http://www.artesian-bar.co.uk/artesian.html

Other drinks from the Artesian Bar

Aromatic Randez Vous 
Summer in Paris 
Berry Foolies 
Cask My Thai
Silk Route
Oye Mi Canto
Artesian Punch


***Congratulations to the Artesian and head bartender Alex Kratena who won Spirited Awards at the Tales of the Cocktail this past weekend in New Orleans for World's Best Hotel Bar and International Bartender of the Year, respectively.***

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Rhubarb Margarita, Hakkasan

Hakkasan is a modern Chinese restaurant which has several locations in London, Middle East, US and India. Before my trip to London in the Spring, I had read that Hakkasan was planning an outpost in my home city of San Francisco. So I knew during the London trip I had to check out Hakkasan's London location. It took quite a while to browse through the extensive cocktail and food menus. For their cocktail menu alone, the categories were Cocktails, Martinis, Bellinis and Non-alcoholic drinks presented over five A5 sized tall pages. There were plenty of exotic fruity concoctions on the menu which I was not in the mood for. I decided on the Rhubarb Margarita since I've never had one and it also had falernum and a chilli rim. It made quite an entrance in this long stemmed cocktail glass. Simply amazing. I can't wait for Hakkasan to open up in San Francisco.

The Drink - Rhubarb Margarita
Tapatio Reposado Tequila, rhubarb, lime,vanilla, falernum liqueur with a vanilla and chilli rim

The Place - Hakkasan Mayfair
London, Mayfair
Daily lunch and dinner, full bar
http://www.hakkasan.com/

Other pictures from the visit

 Potstickers

Egg Rolls 

Sweet and Sour Pork

Gai Lan

Salted Caramel Torte

Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueuer

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Bonne Vie No 2, Ice Cream Bar

The Ice Cream Bar is located in the Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco.I just returned from a research visit in Las Vegas and had nothing in my fridge to put a quick lunch together. So I headed to the Ice Cream Bar to check out their lunch offerings and see what drinks (although non-alcoholic) are on the menu. I had a tough time deciding between the Passion Project lactart and and the float. After a short discussion with the soda jerk, I went with the Bonne Vie No. 2 float since I was looking for something light and refreshing. I never knew that basil ice cream could taste that good. What a nice refreshing surprise after a delayed flight back(Air Force One) from the heat of Las Vegas.

I am always impressed by their combination of flavors on their menu so I'll return soon for the Passion Project. I can't wait to see what fun concoctions they will come up with once they get their beer and wine license in place.

The Drink - Bonne Vie No. 2, $8
Fresh pink grapefruit, turbinado sugar, citric acid, basil ice cream, fresh basil

The Place - Ice Cream Bar
San Francisco, Cole Valley
Daily noon to 10pm
http://theicecreambarsf.com/

Other Ice Cream Bar Drinks
Valentina (non-alcoholic)
A Lover's Game (non-alcoholic) 

Other pictures from the visit

 Grilled Cheese and Sweet Potato Chips, $8.50

Egg Salad Sandwich and Roasted Vegetable Salad. $8.50

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Coco Chanel, DSTRKT

DSTRKT is a restaurant and nightclub located just off Piccadilly Circus in Central London. It opened late 2011 with a £25 million renovation to the space. There are so many choices for cocktails and delicious food at this destination club/restaurant. Everything from the space to the cocktails to the foods grabs your attention. Just like the space, the Coco Chanel Cocktail was bold, stunning, elegant, and smooth all at once. You can not go wrong with a cocktail named Coco Chanel at DSTRKT. Dining in this glamorous, yet clubby atmosphere (especially the lights) was quite an experience. For £8 pounds for this cocktail in London, it was an absolute bargain!

The Drink - Coco Chanel, £8
Smirnoff Black Vodka, rose liqueur, rhubarb puree, pink grapefruit juice, apple juice, orange bitter and rose petals.

The Place - DSTRKT
London, Piccadilly Circus
Lunch and dinner Tuesday - Saturday, nightlclub 10PM - 3AMfull bar 
http://www.dstrkt-london.com/

 Burrata and Broccolini

 Lamb Riblets

 Gnocchi

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Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Plaj

Plaj is a Scandinavian restaurant located at the Inn at the Opera in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. One of our beer researchers is currently on holiday in Scandinavia and passed by 9 Fiskargatan in Stockholm. So I figured it was perfect timing to share the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo drink which is found on the Plaj list (pronounced play), aka the cocktail menu. This snowy white  cocktail is delightfully good. It's neither sweet nor savory, but with pure ambrosial flavors.

The original Swedish title for the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" book is "Män som hatar kvinnor". It was interesting to see that the English translation is "Men who hate Women".

The Drink - Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, $10
Bols Genever Danish Gin, eldeflower liqueur, egg white, angostura bitters

The Place - Plaj
San Francisco, Civic Center
Dinner nightly
http://www.plajrestaurant.com/ (note at time of publication, this website was still under construction)

Other Plaj drinks
The Plajer 

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The Grace, Bevacco

The Grace is a skillfully mixed cocktail from the bar at Bevacco in beautiful and historic Brooklyn Heights NY. Served up it has a very light lavender color with a thick white foamy top. A mixture of Veev, Creme de Violette, Bonal Gentian-Quina, Lemon, Egg White and Prosecco makes for a cocktail that is light in citrus, a bit fruity and very refreshing with an artfully crafted blend of flavors that keeps one intrigued sip after sip. The Creme de Violette gives the body color and is just enough to add a taste that makes the drink exotic. The bump of Prosecco introduces a lovely crispness. 

The Grace certainly lives up to it's name. From its visual presentation to it's well balanced refreshing flavors it is truly a graceful cocktail. 

The Drink - The Grace
Veev, Creme de Violette, Bonal Gentian-Quina, Lemon, Egg White and Prosecco

The Place - Bevacco
New York City, Brooklyn Heights

Mon. - Fri. 11:30am - 12am, Sat and Sun. 10am - 12am

www.bevacco.com

* Written by Drinks in the City correspondent, Steven Ballinger.

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Georgia Lemonade, Dixie

Dixie is a Southern restaurant located in the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. They have an extensive list of cocktails that it's been difficult to decide on which one to have the couple times I have gone. Since I was there during their happy hour, known as the Cocktail Hour, I sat in one of the Large booths at the lounge area. My research partner for happy hour that day decided to go with the $5 cocktail hour special for the week named the Georgia Lemonade. You can easily imagine sipping several of these lemonades while sitting on the front porch in your rocking chair or lazily swinging in the hammock. With each sip, the cocktail gets better. It teases you with each swig that it's difficult to put the glass down before you reach for another. With the cocktail hour price of $5 for this drink, you must beware, the Georgia Lemonade is as my research partner said, "Vixenly good".

Dixie's nice priced Cocktail Hour from 4pm-6pm has a cocktail of the week, beer, and wine for $5. 

The Drink - Georgia Lemonade, $5
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, peach, lemon, sugar, soda

The Place - Dixie
San Francisco, Presidio
http://sfdixie.com/
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekday happy hour (4pm-6pm)

Other Dixe drinks
Derby Cooler
Dixie Triple S
"Terroir" Fizz

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Azucar, Azucar

Azucar is a Mexican Lounge in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood of San Francisco. I first heard about Azucar when I attended the Cuesa Spring Cocktails of the Farmer's Market, where Edgar served up the delicious Beso de Rogelio. Although it took a while for me to actually make it to Azucar, I have made it one of my regular spots since the Mexican street food and the fresh cocktails are delicious and addicting. I chose the signature cocktail Azucar (means sugar in English) for my first cocktail since it has tequila and habeñero. I just loved the slight heat from the tincture.

The Queso Blanco (jalapeno parmesan cream sauce) served with chips below is addicting. I almost ate the entire order myself. They also have Taco Tuesdays (all you can eat for $10) and $4 margaritas. On Wednesdays they have Wanderlust Wednesdays with International Tacos, the first week was Adobo tacos from the Philippines.

The Cocktail - Azucar, $9
Revolution Reposado Tequila, Green Chartreuse, lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, house made habeñero tincture

The Place - Azucar
San Francisco, South of Market
Open Monday - Saturday 4pm onwards and Sunday 11AM - 3pm, happy hour
www.azucarsf.com

Other Azucar drinks
Xalapa Margarita
Bailar con Frida

Other pictures from the visit

Queso Blanco, $6

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Prickly Pecos Margarita, West of Pecos

West of Pecos is a restaurant located in the Mission District of San Francisco. I am in cocktail heaven on this block of Valencia Street with West of Pecos, Locanda and Wo Hing General Store. When I saw the serrano pepper with tequila in the Prickly Pear Margarita, I knew that's what I had to order. I had no idea that a prickly pear was a raspberry colored fruit. So when the pink cocktail arrived, I was a bit skeptical. I honestly don't know why. This drink is my type of drink with a slight hint of sweet and lots of heat. I started to get worried when my lips started tingling after 3 sips. But luckily the heat didn't get stronger. The lovely color from the prickly pear just makes this drink an all around intense flirty drink. I am definitely not one to order or even drink pretty pink drinks, but the Prickly Pear Margarita will be permanently on my list of exceptions to a rule. I'm headed back soon to try some of the other interesting concoctions on their menu like the Sidewinder, Pecolada, and Cortez the Killer. Of course, I wouldn't try all in one night, could I?

The Drink - Prickly Margarita, $11
blanco tequila, fresh lime, agave, serrano pepper, and prickly pear juice
 

The Place - West of Pecos
San Francisco, Mission District
Dinner Nightly, Full Bar
http://westofpecos.com/

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The Plajer, Plaj

Plaj is a Scandinavian restaurant located in the Inn on the Opera in San Francisco's Haye's Valley neighborhood. It's San Francisco's only Scandinavian restaurant. The closest my fellow researchers had been to Scandinavian food is the Ikea cafeteria. There are some fun named and unique flavor combinations in the cocktails at Plaj (pronounced Play). I loved the half sphere of ice in this bold flavored and comforting drink, The Plajer.

There are a lot of fun named cocktails on the menu. I asked the bartender about the inspiration for many of the names on the menu. He said, "He likes being punny!"

Dill is used quite a bit in Scandinavian cuisine in salads, garnish, fish, and sauces. I've seen lots of herbs used in cocktails lately (cilantro, basil, and rosemary to name a few), So I really wanted to have the Midsommar drink that's made with the dill simple syrup. The server said the drink was still in the finetuning stage. So I am anxious to return to give that a try.

The Drink - The Plajer, $11
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, apricot cinnamon gastrique, strawberry

The Place - Plaj
San Francisco/Hayes Valley
Dinner daily
http://www.plajrestaurant.com/

Other pictures from this visit

 Burrata Salad

 Swedish Meatballs

Grilled Smoked Salmon

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La Capilla, Cotogna

Cotogna is a casual Italian restaurant in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco. I recently went to lunch with one of my mocktail researchers. They had no idea that there was a difference between Coke made stateside (with high fructose corn syrup) and Coke made in Mexico (with refined cane sugar). It's funny given their ties to the Mexican community. I just loved how the presentation for this drink from the salted rim to the thick slice of lime tightly wedged at the bottom. Absolutely refreshing!

La Capilla from Spanish translates to The Chapel in English. Google translate gave me the Italian to English translation as La Capilla. So much for technology. Does anyone know the Italian meaning of capilla?

The Drink - La Capilla, $4
Mexican coke, lime and salt rim

The Place - Cotogna
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekend brunch, full bar
http://www.cotognasf.com/

Other Cotogna Drinks
Strait Breeze
Vodoo Child
Viceroy
Valentino
All Summer Long
Crystal Beach

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All Summer Long, Cotogna

Cotogna is an Italian restaurant located in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco. It's the casual sister restaurant of the upscale Quince just next door. I have enjoyed every single cocktail that I've ordered at Cotogna. While the rest of the US has had record heat this summer, the weather in San Francisco has been the typical summer weather, with fog, mist, and cold. Just the other day one of my neighbors was using their fireplace. So when I saw the list of cocktails, the new All Summer Long drink popped out. This petite drink packs a mighty punch with it's fragrant aroma and it's bold flavor. It's not the cherry on top that's the treat for this cocktail, it's the amaro cherry at the bottom. Yum!

The Drink - All Summer Long, $11
V/X Rum, Coca-Cola tincture, Antica Formula (a red Italian sweet vermouth), and a cherry

The Place - Cotogna
San Francisco, Jackson Square
http://www.cotognasf.com/

Other Cotogna Drinks
Strait BreezeVodoo Child
Viceroy
Valentino
La Capilla
Crystal Beach

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Spring's Arrow, Two Sisters

Two Sisters Bar and Books is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. I love how they have transformed this space, which formerly housed Frjtz into a welcoming den of cocktails, small dishes and books. Although they don't have an extensive cocktail menu, each cocktail that I've had there is exquisitely prepared. On this visit, I ordered Spring's Arrow. I absolutely loved the watermelon jolly rancher color of this drink. But don't be deceived into thinking that because of the color, this is a sweet drink. This cocktail is peppery, delicately sweet, sour and pretty all at once. It's lip smacking good!

What's a strawberry shrub? No, it's not a strawberry bush. It's a vinegar based syrup that is reduced with water, sugar and a fruit. Back in the day (Colonial times), shrubs were used to preserve fruit so they could be used for drinks in the summertime. I'm glad to see shrubs on more cocktail menus.

On all my visits, Two Sisters far exceeded their mission, which per their website "is to create a space that nourishes and feeds our community and ourselves – a space where neighbors and strangers alike feel like family."

The Drink - Spring's Arrow $10
Tequila, strawberry shrub, lime, black pepper

The Place - Two Sisters
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Open weekday at 4pm, weekend brunch, full bar
http://www.2sistersbarandbooks.com/

Other Two Sisters drinks
Iggy Pop

Dark Knight

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Zakuski Mule, Windows Lounge

Windows Lounge is located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. Starting daily at 4pm, they serve appetizers which they describe as a refined approach to street food (aka StrEAT food). After a touristy day in Los Angeles, the Zakuski Mule (I love trying to say this name in a Russian accent) was the perfect pick me up cocktail. It's a smash of flavor to the palate and an invigorating herbal citrus aroma for the nose. I can also see it as a refreshing a spa day cocktail, although a cocktail would negate all the benefits of a spa day.

The Drink - Zakusi Mule
Chopin vodka, fever tree ginger beer, fresh lime, agave syrup, cucumber, dill

The Place - Windows Lounge
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills
Monday to Saturday 11am-1:30am, Sunday 5pm - 12:30am, full bar
http://www.fourseasons.com/losangeles/dining/lounges/windows_lounge/

Other drinks from Windows Lounge
Bellini
Ginger Rey


Other pictures from the visit

Korean Tacos and Kimchi

Cotton Candy

Churros

Love the light fixtures at the Windows Lounge

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Southern Gentleman, Reed and Greenough

Reed and Greenough is a snazzy cocktail lounge located in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco. Since 7x7 announced their Toast to Ambition Cocktail Contest with Russian Standard Vodka, I've been trying to find time to taste of all the seven cocktails on the list. I've loved all the cocktails on my various visits to Reed and Greenough. When I read their entry for the contest, the Southern Gentleman, the watermelon, rhubarb bitters and liquid smoke ingredients immediately caught my eye. As with any expectation you would have regarding a Southern gentleman and in general Southern hospitality, this Southern Gentleman did not disappoint. Upon it's arrival it greets you with the typical Southern hospitality, flirts with you with the color and has a distinctive flavor. Beware, this Southern Gentleman could have you talking with a Southern drawl if you have one too many.

 

With the voting deadline on July 20th, I hope I have time to squeeze in the 3 remaining drinks on the list (The Brixton, Trace and Park Tavern). Head on over the following link to get more information and recipes of all the places and cocktails for this contest, http://www.7x7.com/recipes/southern-gentleman-cocktail-6-russian-standard-vodkas-toast-ambition-contest.

Reed and Greenough also has a great daily happy hour from 5pm-7pm with half price wines. On Oyster Tuesdays, they have oysters for $15 per dozen or $9 per half dozen during happy hour. A bonus, if you check in with Facebook or Foursquare on Oyster Tuesdays, they will give you two oysters for free.

The Drink - The Southern Gentleman, $14
Russian Standard Vodka, agave, lemon juice, rhubarb bitters, fresh watermelon and liquid smoke
Recipe

The Place - Reed and Greenough
Tuesday to Sunday 5pm to midnight, happy hour daily
Reed and Greenough

Other Reed and Greenough drinks
Pisco Brulee
Amargo Brulee

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Sober Sailor, Blue Mermaid

The Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar is located in the Argonaut Hotel in the touristy Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. They have fun seafarers food and grog menus. If you don't feel like wine, beer or a cocktail, Blue Mermaid has a playful mocktail called the Sober Sailor. This drink is fun, slightly bubbly and on the brink of sweet.Note, this non-alcoholic cocktail is listed in the cocktail menu and not with the other non-alcoholic sodas and juices. So it's easily missed unless you are a Drinks in the City mocktail researcher.

If you happen to find yourself in this touristy part of town on a weekday during happy hour (3pm-6pm), pop into the Blue Mermaid's bar for appetizers, wine, beer and cocktail specials for $3, $4, or $5.

The Drink - Sober Sailor, $6
Peach nectar, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, club soda

The Place - Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar
San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast, lunch, dinner 7 days a week, happy hour, full bar
http://www.bluemermaidsf.com/

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Wonderlust, Absinthe

Absinthe Brasserie is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. As I've previously mentioned, this is one of my favorite cocktail spots in San Francisco. My research companion that afternoon is not particularly a fan of cocktails because they tend to be sweet. I decided on the Wonderlust since it had the Creme de Violette that I loved in Skool's Empress Elizabeth cocktail. The ingredients in this drink really intrigued me. I loved the the spice from Bols Genever, the smoothing quality of the pineapple gum and the kick from the Absinthe. Since it wasn't sweet, I encouraged my friend to give it a try. We both loved the licorice flavor in the drink. A cocktail visit to Absinthe is not complete without trying a cocktail with Absinthe in it.

I love how the Absinthe cocktail menu on the bar menu is now separated into categories: Champagne, Aperitif, Stirred, Shaken and Long. But it doesn't make it any easier to choose which cocktail to enjoy.

If you're unfamiliar with Bols Genever, it's a gin-like spirit that can only be made in the Netherlands. It's protected just like Champagne.

The Cocktail - Wonderlust, $12
Bols Genever, Small Hand Foods Pineapple Gum, Creme de Violette, lemon juice and a dash of Absinthe

The Place - Absinthe Brasserie
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Friday, weekend brunch, dinner Saturday, full bar
http://www.absinthe.com/

Other Absinthe Drinks
Citron Lemonade
Mata Leao
Galapagos
Absinthe Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Sazerac
Citron Presse

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Piedmonte Punch, Locanda

Locanda is an Italian restaurant located in the Mission District in San Francisco. The Piedmonte Punch is a heavenly petite cocktail. But don't let it's size trick you. This cocktail packs a Piedmonte Punch! With cocktails like this, I'll drink my dessert anytime, thank you.

The Drink - Piedmonte Punch, $10
Grappa, pineapple, lemon, and bitters

The Place - Locanda
San Francisco, Mission District
www.locandasf.com

Other Locanda cocktails
Venetian Coast
Vacanza Romana

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Ginger Margarita, Spice Market London

The Spice Market is located in the W Hotel in Leicester Square in London, England. It was my first meal in London since I moved from there almost 16 years ago. What a great way to celebrate my London return. One of my researchers is a fan of ginger cocktails, so when I saw the Ginger Margarita on the menu, I knew that's what I had to order. With tequila, ginger and ginger salt, this drink did not disappoint. This cocktail shines with the spicy pop of the ginger.

At the end of the trip, when my research companion and I went through all the different meals, we decided Spice Market was the best since all the dishes we ordered were spiced differently and were amazingly all delicious.

There are a few other Jean-Georges Spice Market locations (Atlanta, New York and Qatar). If you don't get to one, a link to the cocktail recipe is found below.

The Drink - Ginger Margarita, 11£
Sauza Hornitos Reposado Tequila, Ginger, Lime, Ginger Salt
Recipe
*Note, some of the at home researchers have made this cocktail at home. They note that although it's a bit labor intensive, that it's well worth the wait.

The Place - Spice Market
London, UK/Leicester Square
http://www.spicemarketlondon.co.uk/ 

Other pictures from the visit

 Pappadam Chips

 Crab dumplings

Bento Box

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