Alcademics

On Tuesday I got a preview of the drinks at Jasper's Corner Tap, opening Wednesday in San Francisco. 

The bar is headed up by Kevin Diedrich, most recently of The Burritt Room, but drinks on the menu also come from the other bartenders Brian MacGregor, Kimpton Hotel Group consultant Jacques Bezuidenhout, and Portlad-to-SF transplant Allison Webber. 

The focus is on cocktails that contain beer, to pair with the gastropub theme and the 18 beers on tap. I had a few drinks from the menu. (Full menu is here.) 

Of the ones I tried, my favorites were: 

Shibuya Shake (Beefeater 24 Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon, grapefruit, house orange bitters, egg white, shiso, Squirt.) 

The drink is wonderfully refreshing all the way through. We tried it after all the ice had melted and it was almost just as good as the first sip. 

Soda Jerk (Partida Blanco, campari, lime, passion fruit, vanilla infused agave syrup, egg white, cream soda.)

The passion fruit and cream soda combo is terrific here. A really unique flavor combination.

Empress Bianca (Martini & Rossi Rosato Vermouth, Yellow Chartreuse, lemon, grapefruit bitters.)

I love the low-alcohol libations. This drink has the flavor of a boozier beverage but less of a kick. 

Grand Promenade (Templeton Rye, Laird’s Bonded Applejack, Benedictine, Yellow Chartreuse.)

I mean, seriously. Read the ingredients. It tastes like that. So, good.

End of the Affair (Dry sherry, Hennessey Cognac, Rocky’s Bitters, honey, sparkling wine.)

The menu has a typo and lists cream instead of sparkling wine, which is kind of a big difference. You know I love the sherry drinks, and I love cognac drinks, and add the rest of the stuff and you get my favorite drink of the night. 

Nice work Kevin Diedrich!

Off-topic (meaning, non-drink-related) you kind of have to try the pretzel with the ridiculously good gouda dip. The warm citrus olives are also great. 

And fashion note: All the servers wear hipster plaid shirts so don't do the same or people will start asking you for refills.