Looking for a cocktail that’s a little different and goes beyond the typically familiar Old Fashioned and Gin & Tonic? San Francisco is a hub for creativity and artistic imagination, and that definitely extends into the city’s cutting-edge mixology scene. With no shortage of uniquely inventive bars here, these are a few of the most daringly creative, and perhaps even unusual, concoctions sure to delight, surprise, and impress others when you try them at your next excursion.
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775 Valencia St / Website
Starting off with a venue devoted to all things bizarre and unconventional, Curio is an oddities and mythological creatures-themed bar in the Mission right next to The Chapel. Described as “mortuary-chic,” this Victorian-style piano bar offers drinks like the “Leprechaun,” “Mermaid,” and “The Sphinx.” The must-try drink here, however, is the smoky and spicy “Chupacabra,” made with tequila, mezcal, passion fruit, habanero, grapefruit bitters, cinnamon, and more. Enjoy it outside on their elegant sofas while listening to live music.
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662 Mission St / Website
As another themed bar revolving around fiction, Novella differs as a posh, literary themed must-visit in SOMA near the SFMOMA. Shelves of classic American novels line the walls, upon which their handcrafted cocktails’ names and taste personalities draw inspiration from. Aside from the whiskey-prominent “Jay Gatsby,” other names highly recommended on our reading list are the “Atticus Finch” flavored with savory balsamic, “Josephine March” with sweet and zingy yellow bell pepper, and the “Emma Gould” with silky egg whites and blackberry jam, pictured above. Who would you like to meet?
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1725 Haight St / Website
Moving to the Haight, this tucked away speakeasy's handcrafted "elixers" shine amid its intimately dim and snug atmosphere. While their "Night Market" with Thai chili, and "Golden Child" with bee pollen are extraordinary creations to try, their "Brown Butter Old Fashioned" is outstanding. The addition of the toasted brown butter adds a silky, caramel-like umami complexity that balances the bourbon, making it a creative twist on a familiar staple.
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2700 Jones St, inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel / Website
ABACA highlights their Filipino roots and elevates their native flavors and ingredients in both their modernized dishes and drinks. Located inside the Fisherman's Wharf upscale hotel, the "Ube-Colada" is a must try to appreciate a staple sweet crop in their cuisine. This vibrantly purple refreshment definitely is out of the ordinary with rum, pineapple, and ube-coconut cream. The color is derived from the Ube, which is a creamy purple sweet potato with earthy and vanilla notes.
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550 Sutter St / Website
The Pacific Cocktail Haven is a new addition to the tropical-themed bars, located in Union Square. With a large assortment of cocktails that uplifts endemic ingredients to unexpected levels, the most creative and "bizarre" selection here is the “Eggplant Wizard.” This is a complex but successful union of buttermilk, pine nuts, scotch, apple brandy, orange blossom water, and more. The star ingredient is the charred eggplant, adding a subtle smoky flavor.
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3464 19th St / Website
This glamour boho and speakeasy-style venue's atmosphere matches their elegant drink assortment. Vermouth is their most diverse selection here, with the specialty choice being the "Breakfast Negroni" created with Cocoa Puff-infused vermouth and chocolate salt bitters for a fun upgrade of a posh classic.
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3174 16th St / Website
This bar in the Mission's name fits perfectly with their multitude of liquor offerings. Geniously divided by type, all their base spirits are paired with fresh, but surprising ingredients. The pick here is the "Tarragon Fix," with tarragon, tequila, absinthe, and pineapple for a botanical refresher with an anise kick from the absinthe.
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28 Waverly Pl / Website
The Moongate Lounge describes itself as a "lunar-inspired listening lounge," complete with swanky decor and mood lighting. Try their out-of-the-box "Frost Descent," with bourbon, green walnut, and sesame foam, for an exceptional taste of traditional Asian flavors in Chinatown.
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Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Boulevard, 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 "I’ve Grown To Love Life Too Much" 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.
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620 Jones St / Website
620 Jones is a tucked away elevated rooftop bar and restaurant in the Financial District that even does drag shows on the weekends. In their vast cocktail menu, their "Almond Joy" sparks the most curiousity with vodka, stumptown cold brew infused with coconut and almond, chocolate coconut foam, and more for an inventive redition of the childhood candy.
Here's to going outside the ordinary and making these your next usual order!
Photography by: M.S. Meeuwesen/Unsplash
