1) All Hands on Deck Interactive Mixology Tour
Befuddled by muddling? Not sure whether to shake or stir? The inventor of the iconic Cable Car cocktail at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, Tony Abou-Ganim, is in town and on hand to help you navigate the murky waters of mixology. Join the “All Hands on Deck” event this Wednesday at 6pm at The Boothby Center (1161 Mission Street, Suite 120). Shellback Rum hosts this six-city series of interactive mixology, guided by Abou-Ganim, aka “The Modern Mixologist.” You’ll be primed with your own set of bar tools, glassware and ingredients, which you’ll use to learn the proper techniques for muddling, shaking and serving modern updates to classic rum cocktails. The event is free to attend, but due to limited space tickets are required.
2) Fifth Floor Bar’s New Happy Hour
Union Square’s newest Happy Hour may be the best reason yet to brave Spring’s influx of tourists. Head over to Hotel Palomar any weekday from 5-7pm to sample $8 signature and classic cocktails at the Fifth Floor bar (12 Fourth Street). Classics include the Pimm’s Cup and the Negroni. Signature drinks include The Pink Elephant, made with Broker’s Gin, Small Hands Pineapple Gum, Rosato Vermouth, Orange Bitters and Smoked Absinthe, and The Pooka, a combination of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Poli Honey Grappa, Cinnamon, and Lemon Vanilla Bitters. Small bites are available starting at 5:30pm, including $1 Oysters, $3 Spiced Nuts, $4 Warm Olives and $4 French Fries. Fifth Floor’s brand new Happy Hour menu also includes $8 glasses of wine and $5 pints of Anchor Steam.
3) SF Vintners Market Spring Wine in the City
Two days may not be enough to taste the wares of 200 wineries, but SF Vintners Market is offering you a chance to try. This Saturday and Sunday at Fort Mason, top local wineries and boutique producers from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Russian River Valley will be sharing samples alongside other regional and international winemakers.This Farmer’s Market style event allows you to try and buy wines on the spot, so there’s no danger of falling in love with one you’ll never see again. Single day ticket prices range from $80 to $120, with varying levels of access to the Main Room, the Reserve Room, and Saturday’s “Cult Lounge.” A two-day, $200 VIP pass gives you full access to everything.
4) Tax Relief at Presidio Social Club
The IRS won’t give you a break this tax season, but the Presidio Social Club will. Tucked away in the expansive Presidio National Park at 563 Ruger Street, this former 1903 military barracks is now a playful, cozy place to eat, drink and be social. From now until April 15, Presidio Social Club will be offering “Cocktails for Tax Relief” at the bar and on the back deck. $15 will get you two House Cocktails, which you can pair with Steak and Frites for another $15. Standard drinks include the Old Cuban, made with El Dorando 5 year rum, lime juice, and champagne, and the Badminton Cup, with Burnett’s gin, cucumber, mint, and lime juice.
5) French Film, Wine & Conversation
How much culture can you buy for $5? Find out on Tuesday nights at Classe de Cinéma, hosted by Alliance Francaise de San Francisco (1345 Bush Street). Arrive at 6:45pm with a $5 donation to cover the movie, free wine and popcorn, and a discussion afterwards. April’s French cinema classes feature female filmmakers. This week’s movie is Tomboy, in which a ten year-old girl moves to a new area, introduces herself as a boy, then has to live up to her new identity. Don’t speak French? Don’t worry. All films are screened with English subtitles.
