Step into the elegant world of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco and tour the city via the hotel’s inventive cocktail program that pays homage to San Francisco’s distinct neighborhoods. The essences of Chinatown, North Beach, The Castro, and other regions are captured via creative cocktails concocted by the hotel’s food and beverage team who found inspiration in the verve and vibe of each locale. The Ritz-Carlton’s skilled bartenders experimented and crafted until they achieved what they consider soulful, eye-catching, and tasty expressions of each. A beautifully illustrated bar menu leads guests through the distinct and celebrated districts and their perfect-match libations.
With its city skyline views and amiable bartenders and staff, The Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is the perfect spot in which to embark on your San Francisco tipple tour. Like any good visitor or tourist, have your camera ready for the Instagram-worthy libations and settle in a for an unforgettable excursion. Start with the Nob Hill “Welcome Home” and toast to the hotel’s tony home base. This showstopping cocktail (Volcán Reposado, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, Freshly Pressed Pineapple Juice, and Grilled Pineapple Turbinado) is served within a golden pineapple vessel. Then, move on to:
The Golden Gate Karl
San Francisco’s nearly ever present and ethereal fog has a name, and it’s Karl. One of Karl’s favorite haunts is the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, over which he regularly wafts. This light and refreshing cocktail features Belvedere Vodka, hibiscus, elderflower liqueur, Aquafaba, and a coup de grâce mystique bubble that awaits a finger poke in order to release its foggy stream of white vapor. Heads will turn.
Japantown Fuga
Inspired by the tranquility and elegance of San Francisco’s Japantown, this cocktail highlights unique, harmonious, and layered flavors, just like the neighborhood itself. This one is made with Woodinville Bourbon, Yuzu, St. Germain, grapefruit, mint and ceremonial matcha green tea.
The Presidio Harvest Spritz
Inspired by the scenic beauty and historic significance of the Presidio, a former military based turned national park, this cocktail offers a refreshing blend of seasonal flavors: Sauvignon Blanc, unfiltered apple cider, house bourbon, a touch of maple syrup, harvest fruits, and soda water.
The Chinatown “Lucky 8”
The bustling, colorful streets of Chinatown come alive in this cocktail that features a blend of traditional Asian ingredients with a seasonal twist for a drink that brings good fortune and warm flavors. (Tanqueray Gin, Ming River Sichuan Baiju, fresh-pressed citrus, and persimmon five-spice syrup.)
North Beach Eleganza Perfetta
North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy, is renowned for its lively atmosphere, world-class dining, and rich Italian-American heritage. This bold and exceedingly elegant cocktail embraces the region’s European influence and vibrant café culture and is made with Woodinville Port Cast Bourbon, Michter’s Rye, Foro Amaro, mole and Aztec chocolate bitters and Dashfire cardamom. Smoked tableside, it is served with a Ritz-Carlton branded ice cube, and topped with gluster dusted Luxardo cherries.
The Castro La Reina
Colorful, and full of life, the Castro is a celebration of San Francisco history and community, and this zesty cocktail reflects the district’s spirit of inclusivity, freedom, and joy. As lively as the neighborhood itself, this cocktail is made with Dos Hombres Mezcal, orange cinnamon syrup, and lime.
Last but not least, order a martini that is made from The Lounge’s Imperial Shaker, a vintage artifact gifted to the hotel by Tanqueray. Let your bartender surprise you with one of the bar’s many Tanqueray inspired martinis, and watch him/her hand-crank your cocktail to shaken perfection.
Whether you’re a local, or visiting for the first time, these cocktails offer a fun and unique way to celebrate the city’s vibrant culture, history, and innovation. And for the full Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco effect, the hotel welcomes you to book a stay and spend the night. Cheers!
Photos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, unless otherwise noted