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	4.0 stars $9.00	Laughing Buddha @ Cantina "Not for the faint of heart, the Laughing Buddha cocktail is a lovely concoction made with muddled ginger and fresh chilis. The citrus-infused vodka used as a spirituous base for the drink is much-needed here, and it does the heavy lifting of keeping the raw spice and heat of the other ingredients at bay. That said, this libation still packs a serious (albeit non-alcoholic) kick. Don't be fooled by the inclusion of ginger beer--this thing is for thoughtful sipping, and you will be handsomely rewarded for doing so." Was this review helpful to you?
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	3.5 stars $10.00	French Apple Sour @ Cesar "As someone who has only tried Calvados (French apple brandy) neat and in cocktails containing significant amounts of orange juice, I was naturally intrigued by Cesar's lemon-heavy offering. Though the citrusy punch of lemon is undeniably present in this potable, the earthy autumnal notes of apple stubbornly remain present--and make no mistake, that is a good thing. As strange as it might sound, I feel that the strong showing of lemon flavors in this drink is well warranted: after all, it rounds the extremely rough edges of Calvados' robust apple-ness, and allows the imbiber to taste them without hitting the floor in the process. While this might not be the most accessible cocktail on Cesar's menu, it is one that rewards repeated sipping: not only does it introduce one to the world of Calvados in a playful way, it demonstrates the transformative effect careful mixology can have on otherwise overpowering spirits. Very recommended." Was this review helpful to you?
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	2.0 stars $8.00	Whiskey Sour @ Daily Grill "Merely adequate, the Whiskey Sour I received at Daily Grill is no more or less than anything I have had at chain restaurants throughout this country--which is a shame, because Daily Grill is, as far as I know, a local entity with aspirations toward culinary excellence. Mass-market sour mix forcibly injected into any bourbon is a shame, and this was no exception. If you head toward Daily Grill, do so with the food in mind, and forget about the cocktails. Why? Because the grub is good, and the drinks are utterly forgettable. That is, if your memory is kind enough to let you forget." Was this review helpful to you?
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	4.0 stars $11.00	The Last Word @ Bourbon & Branch "B&B came through once more on this drink, which is a part of the "cocktail stable" that I use to gauge the worthiness of various bars throughout the Bay. The B&B version of this classic cocktail did not disappoint whatsoever. Though slightly drier than the Last Word available at Clock Bar (see that review), I felt that the flavor profile of this B&B potable was completely on-balance. Chartreuse in all of its glory was showcased to the admirable accompaniment of Maraschino Liqueur and Gin. Moreover, the drink I received was augmented by a wonderfully FUNCTIONAL garnish: namely, a fat slice of lime peel whose oils continued to massage my nose and taste buds well after the bulk of the drink was consumed. This, folks, is B&B at its best." Was this review helpful to you?
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	1.5 stars $11.00	White Lady @ Bourbon & Branch "At one level, this cocktail deserves high marks for its craftsmanship. At another level, however, it is merely mediocre. Indeed, the White Lady is a splendor to behold. Its foam is immaculate, and the fat slice of lemon zest that sits upon its creamy waves serves as an iridescent counterpoint to the alabaster expanse of the rest of the drink. However, the beauty of this cocktail is limited to its look. I found the taste of B&B's White Lady to be extremely bland. To be honest, the only flavor I feel I confidently tasted was lemon juice. However, this was a citrus sensation in the dark, one that played alone without inviting gin or anything else to contribute to its efforts. Breathtaking and simultaneously shallow, the White Lady is more conversation piece than drink." Was this review helpful to you?
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	4.0 stars $11.00	The Last Word @ Clock Bar "I must admit, I was intimidated by the description of this drink. Still new to cocktails, I dreaded anything that made use of notoriously "herbal" liqueurs like Chartreuse. However, the skillfullness of my excellent mixologist, Marco, persuaded me to take him seriously when he recommended this drink. All I can recommend is that you try it. The gin and Maraschino liqueur in this drink admirably contain the herbal effervescence of the Chartreuse and allow its flavors to expand without becoming overpowering. Indeed, the liqueur and the gin add enough compensating sweetness and bite to allow the best elements of the Chartreuse to rise to palate unmolested. The result is an elegant cocktail of verdant hue whose flavors are wonderful to experience. Highly recommended." Was this review helpful to you?
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	4.0 stars $12.00	Devil's Advocate @ Bourbon & Branch "The drink that redeemed the much-hyped B&B name for me. Though my friends described the taste as that of a "Starburst," I'd say it is a refreshingly fruity drink whose bright notes of citrus contain and enhance the Absinthe inherent in the cocktail. Indeed, the herbal power of this cocktail makes sure that the fruit juices it contains do not run rampant. As a result, perfect balance is achieved: Absinthe against fruit, fruit against absinthe! Yes, it looks like a stereotypical "girly drink," but the meticulous balance of flavors in the Devil's Advocate makes it a must-try for any cocktail aficionado. Highly recommended." Was this review helpful to you?
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	4.0 stars $10.00	Aviation @ Clock Bar "An admirable Aviation. My mixologist, Marco, was refreshingly honest about his mixed feelings concerning published recipes of this cocktail. He uses a slightly drier version of Dale Degroff's recipe, and pours a splash of creme de Violette in at the end. The result is a cocktail that grows increasingly floral and subtly sweet with every passing sip. Perhaps more importantly, Marco makes his Aviations with a reasonable amount of lemon juice, which thankfully prevented Yours Truly from puckering in disgust as he sipped his drink. A definite recommend." Was this review helpful to you?
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	1.0 stars $11.00	Aviation @ Bourbon & Branch "This was a "bare" Aviation--that is, one that lacked Creme de Violette! Imagine my surprise upon receiving this "Aviation," untinctured as it was by any hint of that NECESSARY purple liqueur! Ironically, I myself purchased a bottle of Creme de Violette from B&B's official liquor store, Cask, not a week before I received my fatally incomplete drink. Gin, lemon, and Maraschino do not an Aviation make! I think it is scandalous that an establishment that aspires to set cocktail trends in SF has such a shoddy version of this classic libation on menu..." Was this review helpful to you?
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