Stop Fenneling Me, Alchemist

Alchemist is located 2 blocks from AT&T park in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. While my research partner started with the Something with Vookah cocktail, I was drawn to the Stop Fenneling Me. How could I not order this fun named drink? I don't know what I was expecting, but I was surprised that it arrived clear and transparent.  I loved the complexity of flavors in the drink. No need to stop fenneling me when it tastes this good. Beware, you may need to tell others to stop fenneling you with one too many of these potent drink.

The Drink - Stop Fenneling Me, $11
Right Gin, manzanilla, falernum, fennel bitters

The Place
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)
Bar, open Monday - Saturday
http://alchemistsf.com/

* It's on the 2nd floor of the building. With their street signage, it's hard to miss. They don't serve food, but with Root (a new Thai restaurant) downstairs, it's easy to grab a bit before/after a visit to Alchemist.

Other Alchemist Drinks
Something with Vookah

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Something with Vookah, Alchemist

Alchemist is located 2 blocks from AT&T Ball Park in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. I've been looking forward to having drinks at Alchemist for some time. The cocktail menu is a fun read. We started our visit with the Something with Vookah. Even before we took a sip, we were practicing our Russian accent. It's funny how cocktail names can start a great conversation. I just love how in the moment some cocktails. I can say our Russian accent improved with each sip and each order of this drink. Even as I write this, I am remembering the conversation and all the laughs that started from this refreshing drink. I loved the aroma from the thyme and the pop of texture from the ginger beer. Tres has usually been my go to place for a pre-game margarita. But with the variety of cocktails at Alchemist, I will definitely be going here.

The Drink - Something with Vookah, $11
Vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime, thyme syrup, ginger beer

The Place
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)
Bar, open Monday - Saturday
http://alchemistsf.com/

* It's on the 2nd floor of the building. With their street signage, it's hard to miss. They don't serve food, but with Root (a new Thai restaurant) downstairs, it's easy to grab a bit before/after a visit to Alchemist.

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Soggy Dollar, Jasper's Corner Tap

Jasper's Corner Tap is located in the Hotel Serrano in the Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. I love, love, love this drink. The coconut milk and pistachio syrup hooked me in. All my aches and stress instantly disappeared with the first sip. Each time my woes returned, I just grabbed the glass for another sip. After a few sips, I started planning my island getaway! With this cocktail, the British Virgin Islands don't seem that far away. Thank you Kevin for your twist on the Painkiller cocktail!

The Drink, Soggy Dollar, $12
Beefeater 24 Gin, coconut milk, pistachio syrup, lime

Per the Cocktail Menu "Inspired by a visit to the Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Vank Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Bartender Kevin Diedrich shakes up this nutty gin based version of the famous Painkiller cocktail that calls these Islands home.  Served over cobbled ice in rocks glass.

The Place - Jasper's Corner Tap
Union Square, San Francisco
Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night, full bar
http://www.jasperscornertap.com/

Other Jasper's Corner Tap drinks
Allison's Ruby Summer
Strawberry Lime Soda
Bill's Toasty Coconuts
Pineapple Ginger Fizz

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La Copa Verde, Padrecito

Padrecito is located in the Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. I've been eagerly waiting for this place to from the Mamacita folks which originally was home to EOS restaurant. Since it's opening, the corner of Cole/Carl has been rejuvenated. When I arrived, I saw servers carrying a good number of green filled glasses. When I sat down, I read through all the cocktails (10, currently on the list). Of course I was drawn to this green glass of mezcal, cilantro and chipotle powder. This smoky slightly spicy green goodness is the perfect way to welcome Spring. I will definitely be returning soon to enjoy more of the cocktail offerings (gin, rye, scothc, vodka, tequila). Have a look at the cocktail menu. I actually want to color it in too.

The Drink - La Copa Verde, $9
Mezcal, cilantro, chipotle powder, lime

The Place - Padrecito
San Francisco, Cole Valley
Mexican restaurant
Dinner Tuesday - Sunday, full bar
http://www.padrecitosf.com/

I love seeing the corner of Cole and Carl busy again. I most especially love seeing the second floor packed again as I remember from the heydey of EOS. From 5:30 to closing, the restaurant and lounge is bustling. It's been hard to walk in to either the restaurant or the bar without a wait (a few time they've said over 90 minutes). If you don't have time to wait, you should definitely make a reservation. 

Other pictures from the visit

 Crispy Calamari Tacos. $9

 Arctic Char Tacos, $11

Chips and Guacamole, $9

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Pomegranate Julep, Dixie

Dixie is located in the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. Dixie's website says "Contemporary Bay Area Cuisine...with a Southern Soul". Their cocktail offerings are no different. When it arrived, I felt like a kid again. It's a grown up's version of a kid's snow cone. I just love Dixie's seasonal take on a classic Mint Julep. My research partner and I both concluded that we can imagine sitting on a porch sipping the day and night away with this Pomegranate Julep. 

The Drink - Pomegranate Julep, $10
Mint, pomegranate, sugar, Maker's Mark bourbon, Angostura bitter


The Place - Dixie
San Francisco, Presidio
Southern inspired cuisine
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekday happy hour (4pm-6pm)

http://sfdixie.com/

Other Dixie drinks
Derby Cooler
Georgia Lemonade
Dixie Triple S
Terroir Fizz

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The Murphy Sour, Elixir

Elixir is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. I just love Elixir's offerings of classic and seasonal cocktails. The Murphy Sour is their garden to glass version of a classic pisco sour. I was hesitant to order this pisco drink because I thought the Clover honey syrup and clementines would make this a sweet cocktail. It definitely did not. I love the careful attention to the ingredients the precise flat placement of the cilantro leaf on the egg white.

If you've been to Elixir and you want to make one of the seasonal cocktails at home, head to their website where you can find all the recipes in each season's menu (dating back to Fall 2010). Thank you Elixir for this wonderful gift!

The Drink - The Murphy Sour, $11
Campo de Encanto Pisco, muddled clementines, cilantro and Clover honey syrup

Here's a link to the recipe below for this cocktail as found in the Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

1 tablespoon (or a 3 finger pinch) fresh-chopped cilantro, plus cilantro leaf or sprig to garnish
1 clementine, peeled
1½ ounces Campo de Encanto Acholado Pisco
½ ounce lime juice

1 ounce clover honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey and hot water, mixed)
2 tablespoons egg white

In a mixing glass, add the cilantro leaves and one clementine. Muddle well and add the remaining ingredients. Dry shake the mixture for five seconds, then fill the glass with ice. Shake well for 10 seconds, and double strain to remove the solids. Garnish with a cilantro leaf or cilantro sprig.

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

Other Elixir Drinks
Emperor Norton's 2nd Mistress
Honey Kumquat Caipirinha 

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Devil's Tooth, West of Pecos

West of Pecos is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. With this cocktail, the Devil is definitely up to his devious tricks. He first tempts you with his name in the drink. Then he charms you with ingredients such as bourbon, tangerine, ginger and vanilla. This is a well balanced, smooth and addictive cocktail. With each sip, I was thinking how can something so good, possibly be so evil? Once you've been bitten by the Devil's Tooth, you won't be able to stop at one sip let alone with just one order.

The Drink - Devil's Tooth, $11
Single barrel Bourbon, vermouth, tangerine, ginger, vanilla, bitters

The Place - West of Pecos
San Francisco, Mission
Southwestern cuisine
Dinner nightly, full bar
www.westofpecos.com

Other West of Pecos Drinks
Pecos Punch
Do it Yourself Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Prickly Pecos Margarita
Black Rose

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The Cure, Skool

Skool is one my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. I am never disappointed with their food, drinks or service. For some time, I've been wanting to swim with Skool for brunch. Their facebook page picture posts have finally hooked me in for a visit. I am definitely addicted to Skool and this Cure. I'd drink multiple shots of this even without needing one. It's so delicious and reenergizing. Would mixing the Cure with vodka still have the same effect? Stop by and give it a try. I will definitely be back.

*The cure is in the shot glass in the foreground. Behind is another one of my Skool favorites, the Imperial Caipirinha.

The Drink - The Cure, $2
Ginger juice and honey water

The Place - Skool
San Francisco, Design District
Asian inspired seafood
Daily lunch and dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour, full bar
http://skoolsf.com/

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa
Imperial Caipirinha

G Rated (non-alcoholic)

Birds of a Feather
Smokey and the Bandito

Other pictures from this visit

 Veggie Omelette, $12.50

Crab Brandade, $14

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Black Rose, West of Pecos

West of Pecos is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. I had no idea what to expect when I ordered the Black Rose. I love tequila and I like drinks with shrubs in it, so I thought, why not? I told my research partner that although it had tequila, she would not like it. Of course, she gave it a try. After her first and only sip, I was surprised that there was no immediate facial reaction. Within a millisecond, the puckered lips and cringing eyes spoke silently to me with the "I should have listened to you. You know what drinks I like and don't like". While she did not like the drink, I on the other hand enjoyed the bold and tart flavor. It's deceptive since it looks like a Coca Cola on the rocks when served. If you like shrubs in your drink, then you'll enjoy this one. If all black roses are like this, I'm happy to receive one anytime.

The Drink - Black Rose, $9
Anejo tequila, apple shrub, fernet vallet, black walnut

The Place - West of Pecos
San Francisco, Mission
Southwestern cuisine
Dinner nightly, full bar
www.westofpecos.com

Other West of Pecos Drinks
Pecos Punch
Do it Yourself Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Prickly Pecos Margarita

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Spiced Pear, Old Ebbitt Grill

The Old Ebbitt Grill is located in downtown Washington DC. It's about a five minute walk from The White House. The Spiced Pear at The Old Ebbitt is made with St. Germain Liquer, Absolut Pear Vodka and Lime Juice. It's light, sweet, bright and full of pear flavor makes one of this old establishments (around since 1856) signature drinks quite "pearfect"!

The Drink - Spiced Pear
St. Germain Liquer, Absolut Pear Vodka and Lime Juice

The Place - Old Ebbitt Grill
Washington DC, downtown
Upscale American saloon cuisine
Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night, full bar
http://www.ebbitt.com/ 

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Fire in the Wok, M.Y. China

M.Y. China is located in the Westfield Shopping Center in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. I've been looking forward to going to M.Y. China since it opened. When I walked in, there was an occasional sizzling wok fire show in the open kitchen (behind a glass wall). So that inspired my first cocktail order, the Fire in the Wok. For me, you can't go wrong with a spicy tequila cocktail. I just loved the presentation too with the pepper garnish.

The Drink - Fire in the Wok, $11
Azul Tequila, agave, lime juice, fresno pepper, soda

The Place
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)

Restaurant, full bar

Daily lunch and dinner

http://mychinasf.com/

Other pictures from the visit

 Shu Mai (portion is much bigger than a typical dim sum)

 Pork and Black Truffle Dumpling, $18

 Beijing Knife Cut Noodles, $12

Whole Wheat Potstickers, $7

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Honey Kumquat Caipirinha, Elixir

Elixir is a bar located in the Mission District in San Francisco. This is one of my favorite bars in the Mission. I love how they blend an innovative seasonal cocktail program alongside classic cocktails. When I first read the Honey Kumquat Caipirinha on the menu, I thought that the Clover Honey syrup would make it too sweet for me to try. Don't let the honey mislead you into thinking it's a sweet drink. Mine certainly was not. It's an edgy bold citrus cocktail. Per their Facebook page, hurry in for this cocktail since the Kumquat season was so short this year.

Drop in for pre-dinner, post dinner or nightcap drinks to help them celebrate 155 years of a saloon being located at this corner (established in 1858).

The Drink - Honey Kumquat Caipiriha, $12
Barrel Aged Leblon Cachaca, Velvet Falernum, Clover Honey Syrup, Kumquats muddled and built in an Old Fashion Glass

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

Other Elixir Drinks
Emperor Norton's 2nd Mistress

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Yerba Buena, Two Sisters

Two Sisters is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. As frequent readers of the site may know, I am definitely not a beer drinker. However, I do enjoy a beer cocktail. Yerba Buena translates from Spanish to English as good herb. I love the refreshing pop of spice from the ginger and gin and the fizz from the beer.

The Drink - Yerba Buena, $10Ginger infused gin, lime, beer

The Place - Two Sisters
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Bar
http://www.2sistersbarandbooks.com/

Other Two Sisters drinks

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Basil Peach Smash, The Dutch

The Dutch is located int he South Village of New York City. It's tough to choose what cocktail to order with such an interesting collection of ingredients. Currently on the menu is cardamom, vanilla bitters, rhum clement creole bitters, caramel, mole bitters and more. My research partner for the evening decided on the Peach Basil Smash. The peach gives a wonderful vibrant color and the basil an herbal crispness. This drink went down smooth. 

So does the smash come from how the ingredients are "smashed" together or from what happens if you drink too many of these? You decide.

The Drink - Basil Peach Smash
Whiskey, Peach Purée and Basil

The Place - The Dutch
New York City, Manhattan, South Village
Restaurant, Full Bar
http://thedutchnyc.com/

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Chamomile Old Fashioned, Two Sisters

Two Sisters is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. If this is not the first time you are reading about this place on our site, then you know this is one of my favorite places in Hayes Valley. I enjoy a cup of Chamomile tea with honey for it's soothing effects. With the addition of bourbon, its even more comforting. Nothing skips a beat at Two Sisters. I love how the lemon garnish, makes the drink even more inviting.

The Drink - Chamomile Old Fashion, $10
Chamomile infused bourbon, honey, bitters

The Place - Two Sisters
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Bar with food
http://www.2sistersbarandbooks.com/

Other Two Sisters drinks
Two Sisters
Iggy Pop
Spring's Arrow
Dark Knight

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Singha Slushie, Pok Pok

 

Pok Pok is a Southeastern Asian street food restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY. The beer slushie caught our eyes wondering what that would mean...beer(in this case Singha) semi-frozen in a bottle. It "explodes" when opened. Perfect way to relieve the heat from a spicy Thai meal on a hot summer night.

The Drink - Singha Slushie
Singha Beer frozen in the bottle

The Place - Pok Pok
New York City, Brooklyn
Southeast Asian street food
http://www.pokpokny.com

Other Pok Pok drinks
Rhubarb Blush
NY Thai

*Written in collaboration with Elaine Chin, Drinks in the City NY correspondent

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Two Sisters, Two Sisters

Two Sisters has quickly become one of my favorite places to hang for an afternoon in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. I can't believe it took me so long to give their signature drink a try. Sit back, relax, read a book or chat with friends and sip the night away.

The Drink - Two Sisters, $12
Templeton Rye, Cynar, Punt e Mes, bitters

The Place - Two Sisters
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Bar with snacks
http://www.2sistersbarandbooks.com/http://www.2sistersbarandbooks.com/

Other Two Sisters drinks
Iggy Pop
Spring's Arrow
Dark Knight

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Ny Thai, Pok Pok

Pok Pok NY is a Southeast Asian street food restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY. I just love the names and the ingredients used in the cocktails. The Ny Thai (pronounced like a Mai Tai), is a bold spiced drink. With each sip, I imagined being on the beach somewhere in Southeast Asia. 

The Drink - Ny Thai, $10
Pineapple Drinking Vinegar, Spiced Rum, and Angostura Bitters

The Place - Pok Pok NY
New York City, Brooklyn
Southeast Asia street food
http://www.pokpokny.com/home/
*Written in collaboration with Elaine Chin, Drinks in the City NY correspondent.

Other Pok Pok NY drinks
Rhubarb Blush

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Blessed Monk, Amber Dhara

Amber Dhara is a bi-level Indian restaurant located in the Mission District in San Francisco. Monks are known to be wise, right?. And this Blessed Monk is no different. This herbal aryuvedic citrus drinks is wise to include coconut water to combat the impending dehydration. Did it work? You try!

With aryuvedic (Indian traditional medicine) cocktails such as this Blessed Monk, a Cocky Sultan and a Belly Dancer, Amber Dhara has all the makings for a fun night.

The Drink - Blessed Monk, $11
Hanger 1 Buddha's Hand Citron Vodka, Fair Goji liqueur, lemon basil, lemongrass, Malabar peppercorn, coconut water

The Place - Amber Dhara
San Francisco, Mission District, Valencia
Indian restaurant
http://www.amber-india.com/Indian-Restaurant-Valencia-San-Francisco/

Other Amber Dhara drinks
Cocky Sultan
Belly Dancer

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Rhubarb Blush, Pok Pok

 

Pok Pok NY is located in the Columbia Street Waterfront neighborhood of Brooklyn (one of New York City's boroughs). I just love the color of this drink from the citrusy aperol and the rhubarb bitters. Beware, too many of these and you may find doing something to make you blush.

They also have No Proof drinks (non-alcoholic). For a next visit, of interest are the drinking vinegars (tamarind, pomegranate, honey, raspberry, pineapple and apple) which are used in many of the cocktails.

The Drink - Rhubarb Blush, $10

Aperol, gin, fresh lime and rhubarb bitters served on the rocks

The Place - Pok Pok Brooklyn

New York City, Brooklyn
Southeast Asian street food
http://www.pokpokny.com/

Written in collaboration with Elaine Chin, Drinks in the City NY correspondent.

Other Pok Pok drinks
NY Thai


 

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Rich Coffee, Rich Table

Rich Table is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. Since I prefer to drink my dessert, the Rich Coffee was the perfect choice.  The ingredients of Sightglass coffee, Fernet, pistachio cream and gold make the Rich Coffee a decadent way to end an extraordinary meal.

The Drink - Rich Coffee, $10
Sightglass Coffee, Fernet, Pistachio Cream, gold

The Place
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Dinner Wednesday to Monday nights, full bar
http://richtablesf.com/

Other Rich Table drinks
Big Night
Let's Go
Whack a Mole
Rich Coffee
Silk Road
Round Heel
Big Night: Act II
Hopalong

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Whack A Mole, Rich Table

Rich Table is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. For some reason, Whack A Mole was always my favorite carnival game. So it made sense that I had to order the Rich Table's version. The cayenne pops out at you as you drink. Somehow the increasing heat from the cayenne and the soothing pineapple make you grab the glass and flip your wrist faster to have the next sip. It's just as addicting as the carnival game.

The Drink - Whack A Mole, $10
Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Pineapple and Cayenne

The Place - Rich Table 
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Dinner Wednesday to Monday nights, full bar
http://richtablesf.com/

Other Rich Table drinks
Big Night
Let's Go
Rich Coffee
Silk Road
Round Heel
Big Night: Act II
Hopalong

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Ready Fire Aim, Employees Only

Employees Only is in the West Village of New York City. I continued my quest on trying several of the Tales of the Cocktail 2012 nominees. As I mentioned in the Lazy Lover entry, the cocktails here have great names and have the quality to live up to the names. For me you can never go wrong with mezcal, pineapple syrup and Hellfire Bitters. I just loved the visual touch of the sprinkle of pink peppercorns.

Seems to be out of order, typically it's ready, aim, fire. Was it the case of naming the drink after one too many of these or perhaps some other inspiration? Whatever the case, beware of one to many of these.

The Drink - Ready Fire Aim, $16
Ilegal Mezcal Joven, fresh lime juice, house-made honey-pineapple sytup with dashes of Bittermans Hellfire Bitters

Recipe as found in: http://thirstyinla.com/2012/08/09/tales-of-the-cocktail-2012-employees-only-at-one-eyed-jacks/
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Tequila Don Julio Blanco
• 1/2 ounce Honey Pineapple Syrup
• 1/3 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/3 ounce Fresh Pineapple Juice
• Pink Peppercorn for Garnish

Preparation:

• Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, honey pineapple syrup, fresh lime juice and fresh pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
• Pour contents into a rocks glass.
• Garnish with pink peppercorn.

The Place - Employees Only
New York City, West Village
Dinner nightly (late night 3:30am)
http://employeesonlynyc.com/ 

Other Employees Only drinks
Lazy Lover

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