This week's drinking assignments have been posted. Ready, set, drink!
A New Cocktail Every Week at Presidio Social Club
Rather than resting on their laurels and relying on tried and true cocktails, Presidio Social Clubis mixing things up on a weekly basis. Besides having an ever-changing cocktail of the week, they're experimenting with the Manhattan Project. Each week, they develop a new type of Manhattan to test on the masses. This week's is a Dry Manhattan made with J Pepper rye, Dolin dry vermouth and Bar Keep Swedish herbal bitters. Of course, there are a few standard drinks on the menu, though even those have been known to change with the season. Recently added spring standards include the Italian Greyhound (Skyy vodka and fresh grapefruit with a splash of Campari), the Firecracker (vodka, ginger, bird's eye chilis, Szechwan pepper and lime) and the Last Word (gin, Chartreuse, maraschino and lime juice). Presidio Social Club is open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 563 Ruger Street, in Presidio National Park
Meet the Distiller at Honor Kitchen & Cocktails
Representatives from Distillery 209 will be holding court at Honor Kitchen & Cocktails on Wednesday, April 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., showcasing the gin they produce in San Francisco. You'll be treated to $5 cocktails and complimentary appetizers, and invited to participate in an "identify-the-botanical" competition. Since opening in January of 2012, Honor has become a popular addition to the East Bay nightlife scene for both locals and commuters, thanks to a relaxed atmosphere, a late-night kitchen, and friendly service. Patrons can even add their own personal touch to the space on the Honor Wall, which you'll just have to experience in person. Honor opens at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The kitchen closes at 11:00 p.m. weeknights and at midnight on Friday and Saturday. 1411 Powell Street, Emeryville
Drink to RN74's 5th Anniversary
If French wines make you wish for a bigger budget, RN74 has the perfect anniversary gift for you. To celebrate RN74's fifth year in business, Head Sommelier Chad Zeigler will be featuring unprecedented wine finds at approachable prices through Friday, April 25. For $60 a bottle, you can try the 2008 Mongeard-Mugneret Bourgogne Hautes Cote de Nuits Blanc. For $80, you can enjoy the 2011 Hubert Lamy Saint Aubin 'Derriere Chez Eduoard' 1er Cru, described as having "deep, concentrated, brisk purple colour. Impressive density, tannins in the right place, smooth red fruit and an excellent finish." Each day this week, Zeigler is showcasing a limited supply of five different Burgundy wines, offering exceptional values at various price points. Executive Chef Adam Sobel is joining the celebration, offering a daily food and wine pairing that complements the featured wine-by-the-glass selected by Zeigler. Think duck wings à l’orange and Vietnamese-style steak tartare spiked with fish sauce and served with lobster crackers. 301 Mission Street
Dance, Drink, and Mingle at Le Colonial
Stepping into Le Colonial feels stepping back in time to the 1920s in French Vietnam. This Friday, Aykut Events invites you to drink and dance in Le Colonial time machine from 9:00 p.m. to 2:0 a.m. Purchase $15 tickets online and put on a flirty cocktail dress for an exclusive 4-hour DJ set of international house beats, top 40, and club anthems by resident DJs Aykut and Dr. T. Start the night off right with a $12 specialty cocktail from the bar, such as the Hanoi Honey (Wild Turkey Honey and lemon juice with a honey rim), the Rio de Lychee (Pyrat XO Reserve, Soho lychee liqueur, lychee puree and pineapple juice) or the Spice of Saigon (Ciroc, Canton Ginger Liqueur, blood orange and a splash of lemongrass sour). VIP tables are available; make prior reservations by email. 721 Sutter Street
Sip Wine and Play Bocce Ball at The Hidden Vine
If the delightful spring weather makes you want to go play outside, seek out The Hidden Vine. In addition to a voluminous cellar housing mostly California and Italian wines, this cozy wine bar in the Financial District boasts outdoor bocce ball every Monday through Saturday, on a wind-proof court. Make reservations ahead of time for an hour-long slot on the bocce court for your party of up to 12. Arrive early to sink into a leather couch inside the candle-lit, brick-walled lounge, where you can choose from 40 wines by the glass or 180 by the bottle. You'll also find a creative food menu featuring sliders, flatbreads, cheese and charcuterie. For those who want to bring a bigger bocce crew or commandeer the court for more than an hour, The Hidden Vine is happy to accommodate private parties. 408 Merchant Street
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
