Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: SF's Best Absinthe Cocktails
By Kirstin Jackson, Contributor
After years of absence from the cocktail scene, absinthe is making a huge comeback. No longer touted as a craze inducing hallucinogenic, this formerly banned botanical spirit has slowly made its way from the contraband suitcases of European tourists to the top shelves of San Francisco mixologists. Until the anise-flavored darling is being poured at your corner bar, here are some of our favorite spots serving this gem.
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NOPA
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA
Push the wormwood boundaries at Nopa, where in their drink “Death at Dusk,” they make the bold move of introducing bubbly to absinthe. -
Orson
508 Fourth St, San Francisco, CA
Mixologist Jaqueline Patterson’s “Touch of Evil” cocktail with rhubarb syrup is a mark of culinary artistry that pairs well with Chef Elizabeth Falkner's dramatic cooking. -
The Alembic
1725 Haight St, San Francisco, CA
Although no stranger to San Francisco, the Sazerac was truly put on the map at the Alembic with six-year rye whiskey and a touch of artistry. Keep an eye out for new absinthe introductions on bar list. -
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
398 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA
Staying true to their roots, Absinthe serves a dizzying variety of the green liquor in rare flights and alternating cocktails that are highly recommended with house frittes. -
Bacar
448 Brannan St., San Francisco, CA
At Bacar, Plymouth gin, strawberries and absinthe meld deliciously in a delectable cocktail appropriately named “Voluptuous.” -
Redwood Room
495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Here, mixologists will cater to your absinthe needs; clue them in style, and they’ll mix a drink to order. -
ELIXIR
3200 16th St., San Francisco, CA
Recent absinthe cocktails on the monthly rotating menu include a spin on the “Lawhill Cocktail” called “The Hollinger Manhattan Project,” and a charmingly named drink called “the Monkey Gland,” featuring treats such as pomegranate and organic simple syrup.
