This week's drinking assignments have been posted. Ready, set, drink!

Embrace the Fog for National Absinthe Day

In honor of National Absinthe Day, on Wednesday, March 5, Elixir is serving the Golden Gate Fog for $11. The cocktail honors the fog that shrouds the Golden Gate Bridge most mornings in San Francisco, and you'll want to watch the bartender make it. Owner H. Joseph Ehrmann describes the process: "In a mixing glass, lightly muddle some mint leaves. Top with two ounces of peach puree and .5 oz. Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb. Stir well and set aside. In a small mixing cup mix one ounce of Kubler Absinthe with 2 ounces of ice water. Fill a large bucket glass with fresh ice and strain the peach mixture over the ice. Then pour the absinthe mixture over the back of a bar spoon and float over the peach mixture, creating the 'fog over the Golden Gate.' Garnish with the mint sprig and swizzle stick, and serve." We feel a bit foggy just thinking about it. 3200 16th St.

Enjoy Esta Noche Before It Closes

You may have heard the rumor that Esta Noche is closing. Sadly, the rumor is true. But there's happy news, as well. There's still time to pay your respects - and laugh your ass off - before the new owners close it down for renovations and transform it into… well, they haven't decided yet. All you have to do is make your way to the Mission some time in the next few months for Esta Noche's free weekly comedy night. Every Thursday, straight and gay comedians tell jokes on a stage that was built for drag queens. This week's host is Casey Ley, who has been featured on NPR and has performed at SFSketchfest, Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland, and the Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and there's a one drink minimum. Arrive early to get a good seat. 3079 16th St.

Party With Your Pooch at the Old Mint

Attention dog lovers: here's a drinking event that welcomes your four-legged friend. FlipSide hosts DogGone History at the Old Mint this Friday, March 7, from 6 pm to 10 pm. San Franciscans have always loved their dogs, and you're invited to bring yours to find out - together - how canines fit into the City's history. Fair Vodka will provide the libations; food choices include BBQ by BOMBZIES and hot dogs for humans and pups by Let's Be Frank. You'll also be treated to presentations by Emperor Norton and Presidio Pet Cemetery, as well as demonstrations by SFPD K9s and the SFFD Urban Search/Rescue K9 unit. All proceeds benefit the Old Mint Museum Project and San Francisco Museum and Historical Society. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, or $10 for Society members. 88 5th Street. 

Celebrate International Women's Day at A16
Saturday, March 8th marks more than 100 years of International Women's Day, which highlights the fight for women's rights and commemorates the women who were killed in the New York Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911. Widely celebrated in Italy as "Festa della Donna," it is often symbolized by the exchange of yellow mimosa flowers. This Saturday, A16 will celebrate Festa della Donna by decorating the restaurant with mimosa flowers, offering a special a la carte menu, and hosting three female winemakers for the evening. The festive meal, prepared by an all-star kitchen team from Zuni in collaboration with A16's Executive Chef Christopher Thompson, will honor the late Judy Rogers, who brought Zuni Cafe to international prominence. Shelley Lindgren, co-owner and wine director of A16, will present a selection of California and Italian wines crafted from Italian grapes by Megan Glaab of Ryme Cellars, Chrystal Clifton of Palmina Wines, and Angela Biagiotti of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. The three winemakers will be on hand to meet diners and discuss their craft. Proceeds from the Festa della Donna menu will benefit La Cocina, an incubator kitchen in the Mission supporting low-income women. Dinner service begins at 5 pm.Make reservations online or call 415-771-2216. 2355 Chestnut St.

Discover a New Wine for $5 at Alta CA

Alta CA wants you to meet new wines, and they're hosting a new happy hour to make it easy. Every weekday from 4 pm to 6 pm, they're pouring $5 glasses of red and white wine from the cellars of the Daniel Patterson Group, a restaurant group that includes Alta CA and Coi in San Francisco, and Haven and Plum Bar in Oakland. The choices will change weekly, depending on the stock, but General Manager Ben Hetzel promises, "There will always be something special at a great value. I am looking at this as a way to introduce our guests to fun, interesting, and well-made wines." This week's selections are Pax Mahle's 2009 Lucques Blanc and 2011 Petit Rouge from Danilo Thomain. 1420 Market St.

Submit drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.