San Francisco Cocktail Recipe

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San Francisco Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The San Francisco cocktail is a refreshing, fruity concoction that's perfect for those who enjoy a sweet, sparkling drink. It's a relatively modern cocktail, gaining popularity in the 21st century. It's a hit among those who prefer their cocktails on the sweeter side, with a touch of fizz. The addition of the shimmer dust gives it a unique, glittering appearance that's sure to impress at parties.

How San Francisco Tastes?

The San Francisco cocktail is sweet, fruity, and slightly fizzy. The vanilla vodka adds a creamy, smooth undertone, while the Kinky Liqueur brings a burst of tropical fruit flavors. The Sprite or 7 UP adds a refreshing fizz, and the shimmer dust gives it a magical, glittering appearance.

Interesting facts about San Francisco

  • The San Francisco cocktail is named after the city of San Francisco, known for its vibrant nightlife and cocktail culture.
  • The shimmer dust used in this cocktail is also used in cake decorating, giving the drink a unique, glittering appearance.
  • The Kinky Liqueur used in this cocktail is a fusion of super premium vodka distilled 5 times with succulent mango, blood orange liqueur, and passion fruit.

Ingredients

A few good options for San Francisco are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Kinky Liqueur

Kinky Liqueur is a vibrant pink liqueur with flavors of mango, blood orange, and passion fruit. It brings a fruity punch to our San Francisco cocktail, adding both color and an exotic twist. Without it, you'd lose a layer of fruity complexity - imagine a skyline without the Golden Gate, not quite the same, right?

Emma Rose

Vanilla Vodka

The smooth, sweet essence of vanilla vodka complements the fruitiness of Kinky Liqueur. It's like the cable cars to our hills - one without the other just doesn't feel complete. If omitted, the cocktail would lose its creamy depth.

Alex Green

Sprite or 7 UP

A fizzy companion like Sprite or 7 UP adds effervescence and a citrus hint, lightening up the drink like a foggy day meeting the San Francisco sun. Swap it out for ginger ale if you're craving more zing, but that would definitely take it in a spicier direction.

Mary Mitkina

Cherries or Mint for garnish

A garnish adds the final touch - like a jazz tune to a bustling street. Cherries add a touch of sweetness, while mint brings freshness. Both create an appealing look and aroma - it's like dressing to impress.

Emma Rose

Silver Shimmer Dust for cakes

This gives our cocktail the signature 'Frisco flair - it's the sparkle of the city in a glass. Skipping the shimmer is like missing out on the city lights at night; sure, you'd still enjoy it, but with less pizzazz.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make San Francisco Drink

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in 1 oz of Kinky Liqueur.
  3. Add 1 oz of vanilla vodka.
  4. Top up with 4 oz of Sprite or 7 UP.
  5. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of silver shimmer dust.
  6. Stir gently to mix.
  7. Garnish with a cherry or a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to stir gently after adding the shimmer dust to ensure it's evenly distributed.
  • For a more intense flavor, you can muddle some fresh fruit in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
  • Chill your glass beforehand for a cooler, more refreshing cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

Savory: Crispy Calamari, light dishes with a subtle flavor profile to complement the cocktail's sweet tones.

Sweet: Fruit Tarts, as the sweetness will harmonize with the fruity flavors of the Kinky Liqueur and vanilla vodka.

Cheese: Goat Cheese Crostini, the tanginess of the cheese will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweeter elements of the cocktail.

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What you could change in San Francisco

  • Kinky Liqueur can be substituted with any other fruity liqueur.
  • Vanilla vodka can be replaced with regular vodka and a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Sprite or 7 UP can be replaced with any other clear, fizzy drink.
  • The silver shimmer dust can be omitted if not available.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Green Fog

Replace Kinky Liqueur with Midori for a melon twist, turning our San Francisco into a 'Green Fog'. This version is like crossing the Golden Gate on a misty morning - a mix of mystery and freshness. Replace 1 oz of Kinky Liqueur with 1 oz of Midori.

Golden Gate Sunset

Add a splash of cranberry juice and you've got a sunset in a glass. It's as breathtaking as watching the day end from the Marin Headlands, with hues that mirror the iconic bridge. Add 1 oz of cranberry juice to the original recipe.

Bay Breeze

Incorporate coconut cream for a tropical take on our city's breeze. Imagine the feel of island winds while gazing out at Alcatraz - it's a small escape from the urban rush. Mix in 0.5 oz of coconut cream before adding the soda.

In case you forgot basics how to make San Francisco

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on San Francisco

What is the origin of the name 'San Francisco' for this cocktail?

The San Francisco cocktail was named after the city in which it was created, San Francisco, in California.

Can the San Francisco cocktail be served at any time of the year?

Yes, the San Francisco cocktail can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, its light, fruity, and refreshing profile makes it especially popular in the warmer months.

Can I add alcohol to the San Francisco cocktail if I want?

Yes, while the traditional San Francisco cocktail is a non-alcoholic recipe, you can certainly add alcohol if you wish. Just be cautious not to overpower the fruity flavors of the drink. A white rum or vodka could be a suitable choice.

Are there any variations of the San Francisco cocktail?

Yes, many bartenders like to put their own spin on the San Francisco cocktail. Some variations might include adding a splash of coconut cream for a tropical twist, or a splash of pomegranate juice to enhance the tartness.

How can I make the San Francisco cocktail vegan?

The San Francisco cocktail is naturally vegan as it contains fruit juices and soda. Just be sure to check the label of your grenadine and soda to make sure they don't contain any animal-derived ingredients.

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