2010 SF Cocktail Week

Cocktails

San Francisco's Boothby Center Makes a Raucous Debut

One of the highlights of this year's SF Cocktail Week was the inauguration of the Boothby Center for the Beverage Arts, a new community center concept of sorts for local and visiting bartenders.

One of the highlights of this year's SF Cocktail Week was the inauguration of the Boothby Center for the Beverage Arts, a new community center concept of sorts for local and visiting bartenders.

Named after William "Cocktail Bill" Boothby, a turn-of-the-century SF barman, author, philanthropist, and leader, the hub will serve as home base for the Barbary Coast Conservancy of the American Cocktail, the nonprofit that's behind San Francisco's weeklong drink event. The conservancy's founders — Elixir's H. Joseph Ehrmann, Cantina's Duggan McDonnell, and Comstock Saloon's Jeff Hollinger — explained that the civic center, which was still in the hard hat phase, will include event space, a cocktail lab, and meeting rooms.

For a glimpse of the star-studded event, check out the gallery below.

What do you think of the concept? Should other cities follow suit?

Cocktails

Sips and Eats From Cocktail Week's Farmers Market Night

Four times a year, San Francisco's best bartenders gather at the Ferry Building for a fabulous event put on by CUESA.
Pictures From SF Cocktail Week's Farmers Market Night

Four times a year, San Francisco's best bartenders gather at the Ferry Building for a fabulous event put on by CUESA. Last Wednesday's Farmers Market Cocktail Night was a part of SF Cocktail Week and featured early Fall ingredients. Since this party is too good to miss, I was on hand at the sold-out shindig. Here's a look at the food and drink.

Poll

Would You Rather Take a Shot of Tequila or Whiskey?

Since it's cocktail week here in San Francisco, I have spirits on the brain.

Since it's cocktail week here in San Francisco, I have spirits on the brain. When I was in my early 20s, I always took shots of tequila; however, now if someone offers me a shot, I ask for whiskey. Which do you prefer?

recipes

Happy Hour: Papa Ghirardelli

San Francisco Cocktail Week is in full effect, and if you don't live in the city by the Bay, don't worry: I've got the official cocktail recipe for you!

San Francisco Cocktail Week is in full effect, and if you don't live in the city by the Bay, don't worry: I've got the official cocktail recipe for you! Named for the Italian founder of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Domingo Ghirardelli, this vibrant concoction is a potent mixture of several liquors including pisco, vermouth, Campari, and Benedictine. When selecting a pisco, I recommend Encanto, a new brand that was created by one of San Francisco's top bartenders, Duggan McDonnell. It's an incredibly smooth pisco that's easy to sip on its own or in this wonderful drink. The seltzer water balances out the complex cocktail while providing a lovely effervescence. It's a refreshing libation that would pair perfectly with salty appetizers. Interested in the recipe? Read more.