“I like to see the glass as half full, hopefully of Jack Daniels.” - Darynda Jones, author

Drink for Equal Rights in Egypt
Buy tickets right now for tonight's (April 29) Cocktails for a Cause, hosted by SparkSF at Mr. Smith's. The event will raise money for BuSSy, an innovative theatre company, based in Cairo, Egypt, that brings gender equality issues to the stage. Three special $8 cocktails have been created for the occasion, including The Philanthropist (vodka, ginger beer and lime juice). // $25 ($12 for SparkSF members), 6 to 9 pm,34 Seventh Street.

Dinner + Anchor Beer in Menlo Park
Silicon Valley residents and commuters might want to linger after work this Friday to partake in Anchor Brewing's beer pairing dinner at Left Bank Brasserie in Menlo Park. The four-course prix fixe menu will bring lamb merguez meatballs paired with Anchor Steam; spicy popcorn rock shrimp with Anchor Saison; and bone-in lamb shoulder braised in and paired with Anchor Steam IPA. For dessert, beignets with dark chocolate dipping sauce are accompanied by Anchor Flying Cloud Stout. // $55, 6:30 pm, reservations are required; 650.473.6543. Left Bank Brasserie, Menlo Park, leftbank.com

Take a Sake Class
Quick: What are the four main categories of sake? We don't know either, but we're game to find out this Sunday from 4 to 5 pm at Yuzuki Japanese Eatery's sake class, taught by sake sommelier Yoshihiro Sako. Students will enjoy warm and cold tastings to learn about differences in process and flavor profiles, the relationship between sake and umami, and the differences between wine and sake. By the end of the class, you'll know Koji-Kin like the back of your hand. // $40 per person, advance tickets available online, yuzukisf.com.

It's Derby Day!
The Kentucky Derby may only last two minutes, but the parties tend to last all day. This helps justify the hours spent picking out the perfect hat. Comstock Saloon's Derby party will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. For every $10 donated at the door, guests will receive one betting card to wager first, second, and third place finishers in the race. There will be prizes for "Best Hat" and "Dandiest Fellow," and bartenders will be serving Bulleit Bourbon Mint Juleps, Bulleit Rye Derby Cocktails, and a Dickel White "Deep" Southside cocktail for $6 each. A $25 three-course prix-fixe menu includes the official sandwich of the Kentucky Derby—the open-faced turkey and bacon Hot Brown—and Comstock's addictive bourbon pudding.

Or, screen the race in the expansive outdoor beer garden at Plank in Oakland. Practice your Southern drawl while ordering a bourbon cocktail or a tipple of Dixie Sweet Tea Moonshine. For more Derby Day events, check out our Foodie Agenda here.

Viva Cinco de Mayo!
Looking for a Cinco de Mayo celebration that doesn't depend solely on cerveza? You've got lots of options, all happening on Tuesday, May 5. El Techo will be serving Latin-American-inspired street food, pitchers of margaritas, and more. OneUP Restaurant and Lounge, in the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, will host happy hour from noon to midnight with $3 Coronas, $7 house margaritas, and $7 Selvaray Rum and Mexican cokes. And, FIVE in Berkeley is teaming up with Tres Agaves to host a multi-course tequila pairing menu and "Tequila Talk," starting at 5 pm. Tickets are available online for $55/person. For more Cinco de Mayo events, check out our Foodie Agenda here.

Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.