San Francisco is one happening place full of a variety of destinations spanning from beaches to restaurants to wineries and much, much more. But, we’re here today to focus our sights in on three exceptional eateries with notable food and drink menus featuring many cocktails utilizing the every versatile No. 209 Gin. Not only do the customers love the final product, but the bartenders quite enjoy No. 209.

Novela

 This book-themed bar finds amusement from incorporating classic literary references in intriguing ways from their chromatically classified book collection to the names of house favorite cocktails. They also craft cocktails with character using unconventional ingredients such as fluffy egg foam and freshly sourced local produce. Sip and nibble on some delicious treats.

Bartender Suzanne Miller can attest to Novela’s scholarly appearance, but also notes they have a little creative fun when it comes to their drinks. She speaks highly of their soda collection: “We are making a lot of ice cream soda’s this summer. Think alcoholic versions of mid-century style classic soda-jerk sodas. Homemade syrups and fruits to compliment the botanicals in the gin, paired with vanilla ice cream and club soda to cut the sweetness.”  Check out her favorite cocktail at the moment:

Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Soda

1.5 oz. Cherry Infused No. 209 Gin
.5 Simple Syrup
4-5 oz. Club Soda
2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
Fresh Cherry Garnish

Method: Add Gin and simple syrup to mason jar or glass, mix. Add one scoop of ice cream, and 2-3 oz of soda. Add second scoop of ice cream, and top with remainder of soda. Top with whipped cream and fresh cherry to garnish.

Facebook // Twitter
662 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 896-6500

Whitechapel

This gin based bar and restaurant boasts the largest gin selection in all of North America. Their cocktail menu is a true homage to gin that takes into account its history and traditions while also experimenting with different techniques. Whitechapel is the brainchild of Alex Smith and Martin Cate. Together they’ve whipped up a delightful menu full of delicious cuisine and both traditional and new age cocktails. One gin in particular stood out to the duo: “In every way No 209 is a cocktail gin, with it’s bright citrus and hearty amount of sweet juniper, it stands up to a stirred spirituous martini but also makes friends with softer bubbly drinks. Don’t be fooled there is a lot going on in No 209, the back bone spices of cassia and cardamom make a bartenders choices of cocktails for guests wider, while the warmth of coriander bring a bit of a spice element that can take on bolder flavors. New and veteran gin drinkers alike have come to respect and call for No 209 by name and it’s no wonder it has become one of our best selling gins at Whitechapel.” Take a look at their top two No. 209 cocktails:

SouthSide

1.5oz no 209
6-10 mint leaves
.75 oz lemon juice
.5 oz simple syrup (1:1)
top with soda water

Method: Shake all ingredients except the soda water. Strain into a Collins glass. Top with ice and soda water. Garnish with lemon slice and mint

The Claridge Cocktail 

1.5oz no 209
1 oz dolin dry vermouth
.5oz apricot liquor
.25 oz triple sec
2 dashes orange bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients and pour into chilled coupe. Garnish with an orange twist.

Facebook // Twitter
600 Polk St.
San Francisco, CA
info@whitechapelsf.com

Horsefeather

 Known as the neighborhood casual cocktail meeting place, Horsefeather has impressed many guests with their adeptly designed atmosphere influenced loosely by the American arts and crafts period, an extensive and well-executed cocktail list, and a scrumptious menu full of new American food with small plate offerings inspired by all cuisines and cultures. Horsefeather bartender Nora Furst—soon to open her own Portuguese restaurant in Noe Valley—finds one spirit to be a staple in any gin calling drinks: “To me, No. 209 is the quintessential San Francisco gin, and it always plays nice with a plethora of local ingredients.” One recipe in particular developed by Furst for a CUESA event is both refreshing and dynamic while featuring 100% local and seasonal Bay Area produce.

Zelda’s Junket
2 oz 209 gin (classic)
3/4 oz Eureka lemon juice
3/4 oz Ananas melon juice
1/2 oz Israeli cucumber puree
1/4 oz amontillado Sherry
1 pinch kosher salt

Method: Shake, strain over ice in Collins Glass. Garnish mint bouquet.

Facebook // Twitter
528 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
Telephone: (415) 522-0800