SF's 16 Most Inventive And Out-Of-The-Box Cocktails To Try

By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | March 15, 2023 | Food & Drink People Lifestyle Parties Wine and Spirits City Life Culture Features Drink Trends Local Community List - Restaurants

Looking for a cocktail that’s truly different and goes daringly beyond the regular orders? San Francisco is a hub for creativity and artistic imagination, and that definitely extends into the city’s cutting-edge mixology scene.

From the addition of trout roe, to blackened corn, English peas, Thai chili, MSG, and more, here are a few of the most inventive, and perhaps even unusual, concoctions with unconventional ingredients and mindblowing combinations that are sure to delight, surprise, and impress along with their dazzling atmospheres.

ABV

3174 16th St / Website

Atmosphere: A Mission District favorite that has been awarded one of North America's 50 Best Bars for their endless menu all featuring ingenious ways to jazz up each base spirit.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Tarragon Fix," with tarragon, absinthe, and pineapple
"Gin & Celery," with lemon, celery bitters, salt
"Mumbai Mule," with ginger, mint, saffron vodka

Perfect For: A relaxed hangout complete with cheery service and afternoon snacks either out on their sunny parklet, or within their snug tucked-away saloon.

AFICI

680 Folsom St / (415) 537-1111 / Website

Atmosphere: A high-end restaurant near the SFMOMA that pays utmost reverence to their fresh ingredients and delicate quality meats, all within a chic lounge that also provides a liquor cellar.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Clarity," with trout roe, shiso, gin
"California Dreaming," with avocado orgeat, huckleberry jam, coconut
"Split Personality," with English pea, cucumber, aloe

Perfect For: Those wanting to truly connect and become amazingly edified with where their meat and seafood is sourced and just how versatile their usages can be, even into their rich desserts.

The Alembic

1725 Haight St / Website

Atmosphere: A Haight Ashbury wooden speakeasy-like hangout that's classy, relaxed, and intimately-lit with games and elegant decor for tucked-away leisure.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Brown Butter Old Fashioned," with brown butter-washed bourbon, roasted sugar
"b-side," with medjool dates, fennel, rye
"Night Market," with cucumber-lemongrass shrub, thai chili

Perfect For: An impressive stop to refuel and hydrate when in Haight Ashbury, especially with friends to play their available games.

Bergerac

316 11th St / (415) 255-9440 / Website

Atmosphere: A sleek auditory wonderland that presents cozy lounge sofas, warm intimate lighting, and delectable bites to keep you nourished while partying in this chill cove.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Silky Creamy Smooth," with ginger, vanilla, yogurt
"Tumbling Dice," with saffron-infused vodka, Benedictine, honey
"Rocks Off," with green chartreuse, absinthe, tarragon

Perfect For: A night out for both dancing and dinner in a ritzy, yet lowkey, hidden gem lounge on the glamorous Folsom Street.

Cavana

100 Channel St 17th Floor / (415) 757-1470 / Website

Atmosphere: A stylish new rooftop destination magnificently overlooking the scenic Mission Bay neighborhood that boasts elevated authentic Latin-inspired comfort food.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Elote Pasilla," with mexican corn whiskey, blackened corn, pasilla chile
"Kiwi Hoja," with mezcal, kiwi, Bolivian brandy; milk clarified
"Palo Mandarina," with Mexico City gin, palo santo, goldenberry

Perfect For: A lavish night out atop a lush tropical oasis that gorgeously transports you to Latin America, complete with talented live dj sets and thoughtful outdoor heaters!

Curio

775 Valencia St / (415) 551-7306 / Website

Atmosphere: A Victorian-chic watering hole neighboring The Chapel beloved for their live music, cozy couches, and fun holiday specials.

Cocktail Highlights:

“Chupacabra,” with mezcal, passion fruit, habanero
"Banshee," with rum, coconut, turmeric, fresh nutmeg
"Jackelope," with pink peppercorns, honeydew, aloe

Perfect For: A sunny brunch or casual afternoon stop when along Mission's bustling Valencia Street.

Elixir

3200 16th St / Website

Atmosphere: A Mission District landmark cornerstone acclaimed for its whiskey selections, riveting trivia nights, and surviving 1800s saloon history.

Cocktail Highlights:

“Sacre Verte,” with fennel pollen-infused Velvet Falernum, cilantro oil, acid blend
“Sanguine Complexion,” with cactus pear, pomegranate, egg white, pomegranate dust
"Pamplemousse Au Poivre," with Sichuan pepper cordial, mezcal, grapefruit bitters

Perfect For: A convivial and inviting weekday trivia night with kind service and friendly locals.

Empress by Boon

838 Grant Ave / (415) 757-0728 / Website

Atmosphere: An intimately elegant and chic top-floor escape in Chinatown with tremendously exclusive views and captivating art.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Nanjing Cocktail," with duck fat-washed rye, Sichuan bitters
"The Upside Down," with sesame-washed Suntory Toki, garlic, pepper, bay syrup
"Tennessee Top Hat," with Sichuan peppercorn-infused bourbon, dry vermouth

Perfect For: A sumptuous and culturally-authentic Chinese dinner with equally elevated panoramic views under a regal traditional pagoda.

Ernest

1890 Bryant St Suite 100 / (415) 829-2961 / Website

Atmosphere: A luxuriously sleek and airy dining experience beloved for their precise uplifting of fresh seasonality.

Cocktail Highlights:

"MSG Martini," with gin, Umeshu, MSG
"Makrut Lime Fizz," with Cachaça, sour cream, egg white

Perfect For: A sophisticated dinner, especially with their prix-fixe and mountainous can't-miss desserts!

For the Record

2120 Greenwich St / (415) 855-4607 / Website

Atmosphere: A groovy disco hideaway in the Marina with glitzy disco balls and a warm, cozy atmosphere.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Breakfast in America," with whiskey, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, blueberry maple cordial
"I Got The..." with thyme liqueur, eucalypus bitters, yuzu

Perfect For: An upbeat night out with friends with throwback muisc and a trendy interior, bonus points if you dress like the 70's as well!

The Interval

Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Blvd / Website

Not only is it also among the most extraordinary settings as a bar, library, cafe, and vintage clock museum, their libations equally match the atmosphere's otherworldly breadth. Here the marks the spot, balancing cognac, spiced pear liqueur and creme de cacao, and served with sparkling wine on the side. Sip it while viewing the floor-to-ceiling library and prototypes of a 10,000 Year Clock.

Atmosphere: An eclectic steampunk library near Fort Mason that's also a cafe and vintage clock museum.

Cocktail Highlights:

"I’ve Grown To Love Life Too Much," with cognac, spiced pear liqueur and creme de cacao, and served with sparkling wine
"Ottoman Crash 16," with brown butter Pernod, coffee, pistachio, honey whip
"Looks Like Rain," with cinnamon mezcal, maraschino, Creme de Violette

Perfect For: An otherworldly experience with magical Instagrammable decor that is sure to impress a date or friends when near the seaside.

Moongate Lounge

28 Waverly Pl / (415) 857-9688 / Website

Atmosphere: An ambient and neon "lunar-inspired listening lounge" hidden above Chinatown.

Cocktail Highlights:

"White Dew," with cardamaro, fig leaf, coconut rice
"Autumn Equinox," with scotch, honeynut squash, pumpkin seed, autumn spice

Perfect For: A chill night with sultry music in an elegant and mellow futuristic space.

Pacific Cocktail Haven

550 Sutter St / Website

Atmosphere: A playful tropical-themed bar in Union Square with impressively expansive cocktail options for each base spirit.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Miso Old Fashioned," with Miso-butter, Bacardi 8yr rum, bitters
"Back in Black," with cynar, salted black sesame, licor 43
"Kung Fu Pandan," with Kikori Japanese Whisky, rice shochu, salted pandan, candy cap dust

Perfect For: A revitalizing oasis that is tucked-away when shopping in this retail wonderland.

Sea Star

2289 3rd St / (415) 552-5330 / Website

Atmosphere: A casual dive near the Dogpatch waterfront with an eclectic nautical theme.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Bad Yamma Jamma," with Rum, sweet potato, persimmon
"Peanut Envy," with lemongrass, peanut, chili, and a snack!
"Marshin' My Mellow," with cranberry, pomegranate, marshmallow root

Perfect For: A no-frills happy hour to watch games at or have a relaxing stop when venturing in this rustic maritime neighborhood.

Tenderheart

970 Market St / (415) 523-9797 / Website

Atmosphere: An upscale and modern restaurant that dazzles the Tenderloin neighborhood with their elevated Asian comfort food.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Negroni Coast," with Thai Basil Citadelle Gin, Coconut Campari, Sweet Vermouth
"The Post Martini," with white truffle, butter, dill
"Take Oaxaca On The Wild Side," with mezcal, black pepper, cilantro

Perfect For: A ritzy dinner within an intimate and sleek interior with an enthralling open kitchen layout.

Trick Dog

3010 20th St / (415) 471-2999 / Website

Atmosphere: An award-winning classic wooden saloon renowned and incredibly sought-after in the Mission for their ever-changing cocktail menu with unconventional flavor complexities.

Cocktail Highlights:

"Zodiac," with Cynar, black sesame, palo santo
"Joy of Cocktails," with fermented bronx grapes⁠, young pine cones⁠, konbu tea⁠

Perfect For: A lively night out with friends to sample a wide selection of each of their handcrafted concoctions.

Here's to going outside the ordinary and making these your next usual order! Which ingredient were you surprised to find utilized in a drink?

Photography by: Courtesy of Katya_Havok/Getty Images

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SF's 16 Most Inventive And Out-Of-The-Box Cocktails To Try

ABV

AFICI

The Alembic

Bergerac

Cavana

Curio

Elixir

Empress by Boon

Ernest

For the Record

The Interval

Moongate Lounge

Pacific Cocktail Haven

Sea Star

Tenderheart

Trick Dog