While our neighbors in every direction are enjoying cloud-free days and temperatures nearing the triple digits, we San Franciscans know that we’re about to trudge through the dewy fog of August.
But even if you’re donning a winter coat and a wool beanie at happy hour, that doesn’t mean you can’t at least pretend it’s summer. And a beach-worthy frozen cocktail will help you do just that. So let’s make the best of Fogust—snuggle up next to that heat lamp; close your eyes; and raise your glass to these eight establishments with some damn-good frosty beverages.
1. Frozen Margarita at Glena’s
You can’t talk about frozen cocktails without paying proper homage to the mighty margarita. Few do it better than the Glena’s, the casual Dogpatch spot from Michael and Stephanie Gaines. Earlier this year the restaurant unveiled a fancy new drink menu with 11 new cocktails, in addition to a mezcal flight and rotating punch. But whom are we kidding? We still recommend going with the classic frozen margarita. Unlike many of its saccharine neighbors, Glena’s version is only slightly sweet and perfectly boozy. You can, of course, choose traditional tequila for your drink, but we say go for the mezcal to spice it up. And, of course, pair it with a taco or two.
glenassf.com, 632 20th Street, San Francisco
2. Sangre de Toro at West of Pecos
Could mixing frozen sangria and a margarita possibly be as good as it sounds? Thanks to this Valencia Street spot, we know that that question is merely rhetorical. On a nice day, sit at one of the tables in the window; eat some chips and guacamole; and indulge in one or two of these. Because soaking up that Mission sun is even better half-drunk.
westofpecos,com, 550 Valencia Street, San Francisco
3. Frozen Piña Colada at Hawker Fare
Even if you think you hate piña coladas—you may think they taste like a boozy form of drinkable sunscreen—you should try the version at lively Asian-street-food eatery Hawker Fare and be prepared for your preconceived notions to be disbanded. The blend of white rum, pineapple juice and coconut is well-balanced and not at all overpowering. Plus they serve it with a slice of pineapple, a flower and an umbrella. Enough said.
hawkerfare.com, 680 Valencia Street
4. Frozen Irish Coffee at ACE’s Bar
Sure, Buena Vista Cafe has the inarguable lockdown on the traditional hot version of this drink, but this frozen iteration should not be overlooked. ACE’s, a dive bar in lower Nob Hill, is open 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m. every day of the year, so you can get it at just about any time of day or night. Drinking your breakfast has never tasted so good.
acesbarsf.com, 998 Sutter Street
5. The Slushy at the Palm House
This Union Street restaurant has a rather addictive rum- and pisco-based frozen beverage called the “Slushy.” During happy hour (3:00–6:30 p.m. every day of the week), it will set you back a mere $6 as opposed the usual $10 price tag. You can stick with the traditional base or add prickly pear, passion fruit or strawberry ($1 each), or the highly recommended float of Kraken Black Spiced Rum ($4). Apparently, the Marina has more to offer than Fireball shots and frat boys.
palmhousesf.com, 2032 Union Street
6. Grape Drank from Brewcade
If vintage arcade games aren’t enough to get you to patronize this Market Street stop, this drink will surely do the trick. The recipe for the Grape Drank—yes, that’s the actual name—is simple: sparking grapefruit wine, dry Riesling and Brachetto. Nothing more. The result is mildly sweet and slightly effervescent. While you can add watermelon, peach or green-apple syrup to the mix, we strongly suggest sticking with the “OG” (just the three types of frozen wine) for a more balanced cocktail.
brewcade.com, 2200 Market Street
7. Mai Tai from Li Po Cocktail Lounge
More than one person has attributed the reason why they can’t remember their evening in Chinatown to this particular drink. This (potentially) lethal blended combination of dark and light rums, Bacardi 151, Chinese liquor and pineapple juice will indeed leave you wondering just how you ended up at Yuet Lee at 2:00 a.m. Just be sure to hit the ATM before you visit Peter, the seasoned and salty bar owner. Li Po is cash only, and trust me, you’ll be drinking more than one.
lipolounge.com, 916 Grant Street
8. Frosé at Bar San Pancho
Shockingly, frosé is not as easy to find in SF as one might think (or hope). Thankfully, those looking to Insta the shit out of this pink drink need look no further than Bar San Pancho in the Mission. Proudly billed as “7–Eleven meets fresh fruit and booze,” this delightful drink lives up to the description. The mix of vodka, rosé, fresh strawberries and lemon juice tastes like a strawberry daiquiri with wine mixed in, so it’s basically heaven. If for some unknown reason frosé is not your thing, they have an ever-rotating frozen drink for you to choose.
Bar San Pancho, 3198 16th Street
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