1. CUESA's Election Hangover: Whether you're celebrating Obama's second term or mourning Romney's loss, a few drinks are probably in order, which is why CUESA is wrapping up election season with their final cocktail party of the year. Bartenders from Rye, Churchill, Azucar Lounge, Tradition, Rickhouse, The New Easy, Jasper's, Dobbs Ferry, Bocazote, and Acme Bar and Co. will whip up cocktail samples featuring the best of fall produce, while Karlsson's Gold vodka will provide two full-size drinks. They'll have bites from Dobbs Ferry and the Clift Hotel as well. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here. (Wednesday, November 7, 5:30-8 pm, at Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, 1 Ferry Building, Embarcadero.)

2. Alternative-But-Perfect Thanksgiving Wine Pairings: With the election over, your thoughts might also be turning to your plans for Thanksgiving, and the best wine to serve alongside the holiday meal. Tonight, Maverick is here to help, with an affordable wine tasting ($35) that examines unusual wines that pair well with stuffing, pie, and other Turkey Day favorites. Bites like sweet-potato souffle, cranberry chutney, and brussels sprouts with bacon will be available to nosh alongside the tasting. To make a reservation, visit their website or call (415) 863-3061. (Wednesday, November 7, 6 pm, at Maverick, 3316 17th St., Mission.) 

3. Herb Caen Martini Competition: North Beach's Bottle Cap is located in the former Washbag space that was Herb Caen's haunt for many years, and they're paying tribute to the SF scribe with a contest centered around his favorite drink, the martini. Bartenders from Txoko, 15 Romolo, and Campanula will join Bottle Cap in crafting drinks that celebrate Caen's old-school style, and attendees are encouraged to dress the part in hats and trench coats. Tickets are only $5, and all proceeds benefit Project Open Hand; the bar will also offer happy-hour food and drink specials until 7 pm. (Tuesday, November 13, 6-7:30 pm, at Bottle Cap, 1707 Powell St., North Beach.) 

4. East Coast vs. West Coast Beers: Master cicerone Rich Higgins and beer expert Heather Castro are offering another edition of their From Ales to Fromage series tomorrow night, focusing on the key differences between East Coast and West Coast brews-- paired with plenty of cheese, of course. The beer lineup is strong, featuring such gems as Brooklyn Brewing's East India Pale Ale (not normally available in the state of California) and High Water Brewing's Super Apollo Hop Riot IPA (brewed specifically for this event), as well as selections from Russian River, The Bruery, Victory, Moonlight, Allagash, and Shipyard. Tickets are $60. (Thursday, November 8, 6-8 pm, at Public House, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SOMA.) 

5. Eyes Wide Open Party: With marriage-equality initiatives passing in two states and likely to pass in a third, it can be easy to forget that many gay youth are still bullied and ostracized for being who they are. The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and a suicide hotline for LGBT youth, but Hurricane Sandy threw them for a loop, knocking out their NYC center's power and phone services and forcing San Francisco volunteers to work 24/7 to man the lines. Show them some support by attending their benefit this weekend, which features an open bar with vodka cocktails, wine, and champagne; live music, DJs, and drag performances; and a photo booth. VIP attendees get a private bar and a bourbon and scotch tasting as well. Tickets are $50 general admission and $100 for VIPs. (Saturday, November 10, 9 pm, at the W Hotel Grand Ballroom, 181 3rd St., SOMA.)