Writer's block is a fancy term made up by whiners so they can have an excuse to drink alcohol. - Steve Martin

Martinis & Oysters at Bon Marché's New Happy Hour

Plymouth Gin and Bon Marché are teaming up to host a happy hour special that lets guests choose from one of three martinis paired with two local oysters for $10. Options include “Un” (Plymouth Gibson with house pickled onions), “Deux” (classic martini with orange bitters) and “Trois” (Plymouth 50/50 martini). Bon Marché's new Happy Hour occurs daily from 4 to 6pm and also features three wines for $7/glass, two draught beers for $5 each, and three $9 cocktails. // 1355 Market, bonmarche-sf.com

Hangover Cure at La Mar

Looking to cure a hangover? Forget hair of the dog. What you need is a shot of tiger's milk, aka "Leche de Tigre." Made with the leftover lime juice marinade from ceviche, you'll find it at La Mar Cebicheria, but not on the menu. Ask for it by name, and the bartender will make one special, just for you. Rumor has it that leche de tigre acts as an aphrodisiac, so if the cocktail doesn't cure your hangover, perhaps the post-drink sex will. // Pier 1½ on The Embarcadero, lamarsf.com

Master Mezcal with an Expert

If you like learning about liquor as much as you like drinking it, pay a visit to bartender David Gallardo at Lolo. The man is a walking library of all things mezcal. He can tell you where and how it is made, which species of agave are used, and why some of them are in danger of over-harvesting. You'll find David behind the bar most Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and we suggest choosing a slow time so you can pick Gallardo's brain. // 974 Valencia St., lolosf.com

Get Cozy with Cognac at Gaspar Brasserie

Now that you've mastered mezcal, it's time to "Unlock the Mysteries of Cognac" at Gaspar Brasserie. For $75 per person, HINE Cognac's Global Brand Ambassador, Per Even Allaire, will lead you on a Cognac journey on Monday, January 11th at 7pm. The evening begins with a Cognac cocktail and passed appetizers in Gaspar's Cognac Room, followed by a four-course dinner paired with Cognac in the Champagne Bar and Dining Room. Tickets are available online, with a $20 discount for Table8 members. // 185 Sutter  St., gasparbrasserie.com

Join the Mug Club at Elixir

If your bar bill is one of the most significant items in your monthly budget, consider joining the Mug Club at Elixir. A six-month membership costs $85, and it entitles you to one free drink every day, free drinks on your birthday, extended happy hours on Mugger Monday, and members-only events, among other benefits. Plus, you get your own mug, which you can decorate to your liking. When your 6-month membership expires, you can take your mug home. The Mug Club is limited to 75 members, and  some restrictions apply. // 3200 16th St., elixirsf.com

Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.