The insider’s cocktail guide to San Francisco

By Rachael Rowe 

Famous for its Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, steep streets and Alcatraz, there’s no escaping that most visitors leave their heart in San Francisco – and there’s another reason to love it: the food and drink scene there. 

There’s no doubting that the City by the Bay has one of the world’s best food scenes. From high-end restaurants to bars and street vendors, there’s plenty to work up an appetite about. But it’s also the American city where several famous cocktails were created. With several legendary bars and classic venues with a view, there’s never been a better place to sip a cocktail…

The Tequila Sunrise 

A 1970’s drink, the Tequila Sunrise was initially created in Phoenix, Arizona but was relatively unknown until The Rolling Stones came to town. Keith Richards was handed a Tequila Sunrise at the Trident in Sausalito, and continued to request the cocktail on tour, making it popular the world over. Can’t Get No Satisfaction elsewhere? Head to the Trident, for a delicious Tequila Sunrise approved by a Stone. 

The Pisco Punch

The famous Pisco Punch also has connections to the Gold Rush and the mining communities. It was created in a saloon bar in 1853 in what is now the financial district. The Bank Exchange Saloon is where Mark Twain met a firefighter named Tom Sawyer, who became the inspiration for his classic novel. Did they drink a Pisco Punch? Well as Mark Twain famously said: “It’s better to keep your mouth shut,” so we don’t know for sure but as it was made in the same exact bar, we’re guessing he did. If you are looking for a bar to sip your Pisco Punch, head over to the Comstock Saloon where the American World Heavyweight Champion from 1919- 1926, boxer Jack Dempsey, once worked as a bouncer.