Sake Bar and Bar Drinks at Ozumo
Head out to a new San Francisco venue, Ozumo. Get comfortable at the Sake bar and try their local mixology which includes top-shelf Veev-based mixed drinks, alongside a tasty menu of select sake flavors.

Ozumo is located at 161 Steuart Street in San Francisco, California. Don't disappoint your friends by missing out on this local bar, call ahead and make reservations, at (415) 882-1333.

Local Mixology at the Cantina
Warm up to the cozy atmosphere at Cantina. Sip on bar drinks heat up the local bar with your best Salsa and Disco moves. Liven up your taste buds by moving to the flavors of the local mixology, with a Veev-based drink. Order up an exotic "Milk of Millenia. Savor the flavors of ginseng, agave, lemon, mint, ginger and the Acai fruit in Veev, courtesy of this local bar's special concoction.

Cantina is located at 580 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California, (415) 398-0195.

The Forbidden Island
No fruit is forbidden at The Forbidden Island located in the Bay Station Shopping district. Their contributions to local mixology include contemporary cocktails including the Mystery Bowl, Neptune's Garden, and bar drinks made with the Vitamin A-rich and prickly pear-infused spirit, Veev. Bar drinks at this night venue are made with fresh juices and natural ingredients. This local bar serves up Veev, a premium spirit made with the super healthy Acai fruit.

The Forbidden Island is located at 1304 Lincoln Avenue in Alameda, California, (510) 749-0332.

Drink in the local mixology of these San Francisco nightlife venues, while enjoy the healthy benefits of cocktails made with Veev.

Written by Pam Gaulin

A cosmopolitan is a pretty easy and simple drink to make. Combine one shot of Cointreau, one shot of lime juice, three shots of cranberry juice and two shots of vodka and mix in a shaker before pouring in a glass. Now take that same basic cocktail recipe, tweak it a little, and you have something a little different. Simply swap out the basic vodka for VeeV and add a splash of triple sec and lemon or lime juice. The drink will have a sharp citrus kick to it. You can also make it with peach, raspberry, cherry or strawberry juice. Any flavor of juice will work.

The classic cocktail recipe for a traditional martini is another one that everyone should have in their mental file. The classic martini recipe calls for five parts vodka or gin and one part dry vermouth. We suggest using VeeV instead of vodka for a more unique taste. Mix the ingredients carefully in a shaker, pour into a glass and garnish with a lemon peel, olive or onion. Of course not everyone loves this classic martini recipe, which is why there are so many variations on it.

One variation on this cocktail recipe calls for sweet vermouth as opposed to the dry vermouth. This gives the drink a slight kick. You can also pour the VeeV directly into the glass and stir in the vermouth. Supposedly shaking the mixture dulls the taste of the vermouth, but this can be avoided with a gentle stir. Then there are those that pour a small amount of vermouth into a chilled glass, twirl it around and pour out the vermouth before adding the VeeV.

Another martini recipe calls for olive brine instead of vermouth, which is called a dirty martini. The recipe is exactly the same except for the olive brine. Martinis made with VeeV are particularly hot right now, and even the burgeoning bartender can whip up a classic at home. In the mood for something spicy? Omit the vermouth and substitute in a dash of hot sauce. Looking for a drink that's a little sweeter? Use sweet vermouth, VeeV and a splash of watermelon with a lemon peel for garnish.

There's no reason why these cocktail recipes can't be made at home. With a well-stocked liquor cabinet and a shaker, anyone can channel their inner bartender.

Written by Jennifer Eblin

A call drink is a mixed bar drink that specifies the brand of liquor you want in the glass. You might say, for example, that you want a Bacardi and coke rather than letting the bartender choose which type of rum you prefer. You could even get more specific and say you want a Bacardi 151 and coke.

The benefit of ordering call drinks is that you always know the quality of the liquor you'll be drinking. When you leave it up to the bartender, you might receive a drink made from the lowest-quality liquor in the bar, or you might wind up overpaying for an expensive drink you can't afford. Since prices are based on the ingredients in each drink, it pays to be specific.

The ordering of call drinks has become more popular in recent years because there are far more options available at your local bar. Many patrons, for example, have begun requesting Veev in their mixed drinks instead of more common options.

Furthermore, when you order call drinks, you immediately identify yourself as a connoisseur. The bartender and all nearby patrons will assume you know what you're talking about, and suddenly those around you will be asking for recommendations. This elevates your status at the bar and might even score you a date.

When ordering call drinks, you should always give the brand of liquor first, followed by the mixer. In other words, you should say you want a Tanqueray and tonic rather than a tonic and Tanqueray. Alternatively, you can give the bartender the name of the mixer, then name two or three brands of liquor you appreciate.

It is important to note that call drinks are usually more expensive than well drinks. When you order rum and coke, for example, the bartender is going to serve you Coca-Cola with the well brand of rum, which is usually much lower quality than any of their call brands. Therefore, you shouldn't order call drinks unless you can afford them on your tab.

Written by Steve Thompson

Red bull, the college student's staple drink, mixes reasonably well with vodka; and who could imagine a cosmopolitan, vodka martini, assorted bar drinks such as the screwdriver, cocktail recipes, Jell-O vodka shots and other vodka drinks without, well, vodka?

Apparently the folks from VeeV are not buying into the old-world hype of easy vodka mixes, and they have come out in defense of those discerning bar and club patrons thus far condemned to the same old, distilled liquid made from fermented rye, wheat, beet molasses or potatoes. Instead, VeeV offers something so new and unique that it could not help but take the sophisticated centers of the hip and trendy by storm.

Already patrons in Los Angeles, New York and Boston are asking for VeeV by name, and why not? Consider the following: vodka is made from fermented potatoes; VeeV is made from the açaí berry, a fruit considered to be a super food contender! Heart healthy, loaded with antioxidants and from the famed Brazilian rainforest, the açaí berry beats fermented potatoes hands down.

The profits of different types of vodka go into the pockets of big business, but VeeV donates $1 per bottle sold to protect the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and to ensure that the açaí berries are not over harvested. Ecologically sound, environmentally responsible and healthy to boot, once again VeeV sends the various types and brands of vodka packing.

Last but not least, the buzz on the healthy qualities of the açaí berry aside -- and never minding the fact that VeeV contains organic ingredients -- consider that it is a bona fide replacement ingredient in easy and complex vodka drinks. Replace the vodka in your favorite cocktail recipes, martinis, cosmopolitans or screwdrivers and live a little!

With the arrival of an ecologically sound drink containing one of the world's super foods, the end of vodka draws near.

Written by Sylvia Cochran

However, if you aren't willing to try a little variety in your drinking habits, you'll be missing out on some great opportunities, not to mention great taste. VeeV is one of the most popular drinks right now, both as a shooter and as a prime ingredient in favorite cocktails.

First, the hangover potential with VeeV is minimal compared to other liquor choices. When you decide to spend a night throwing back drinks with your friends, you won't have to worry about whether or not you've stocked up on aspirin and orange juice. Furthermore, VeeV is considered a "green" drink, which means that its production is intended to promote environmental causes.

VeeV is made with a particularly interesting fruit, called açaí, which is native to Brazil and chocked full of helpful antioxidants. Rather than letting the negative effects of alcohol build in your system, the açaí fruit helps to sluice those toxins out of your body.

The makers of VeeV have also pledged to donate $1 from the sale of every bottle to the Sustainable Açaí Project, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to farming and preserving the rain forest. This obviously strikes a chord with those who are concerned about the environment and wish to contribute to its preservation.

Unfortunately, it might be difficult to find VeeV in your local bar, as the distribution has thus far been very exclusive. However, if you continue to request it as a replacement for some of the more traditional liquor, you might find a nice surprise in your friendly, neighborhood bar.

This might also be a great time to start experimenting with VeeV recipes. You won't want to be behind the times once VeeV becomes a national, alcoholic-drink staple, and you might as well have fun with it. To learn more about VeeV, visit the official website.

Written by Steve Thompson

Best Bars in San Francisco No. 1: The Knockout

The Knockout is located at 3223 Mission St. in the Bernal Heights neighborhood. They are known for having live DJs throughout the entire week. The Knockout offers a full bar to their patrons with Happy Hour from 5 to 8 p.m. ($1 off every drink). One of the fun aspects of The Knockout is their photo booth. There is nothing like taking a picture of yourself and your friends while you are intoxicated so you'll all have something to laugh at later. You can also play pool or video games while sipping your drink. The Knockout is usually more packed on the weekends, but you'll find many people going for their Thursday Bingo night. For every drink you order on Thursday nights, you get a new bingo card and have the chance to win prizes. Some of the prizes may be cheesy but it's still a lot of fun. The Knockout is open Monday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Best Bars in San Francisco No. 2: Lucky 13

Lucky 13 is a great dive bar to go to, especially if you like to think of yourself as a beer connoisseur. They have a wide selection of beers on tap (as well as a full bar). Drinks are affordable with beers starting at $4. There is a patio you can go out on to smoke so you won't have to leave the scene for a smoke break. Lucky 13 has on scene entertainment such as a jukebox, games, a photo booth, pool table and a television. If you get a case of the munchies, they have free popcorn available to bar patrons. Happy Hour runs every day from 4 to 8 p.m. Lucky 13 is located at 2140 Market St. in the Castro neighborhood.

Best Bars in San Francisco No. 3: EZ5

The EZ5 bar is located at 684 Commercial St. in the Financial District area. They have a full bar, Happy Hour drink specials and a DJ. If you're looking for something fun to try, EZ5 Jell-O shots are only a buck. The EZ5 also offers complimentary snacks.

Best Bars in San Francisco No. 4: Wish

Wish is a small intimate bar in the Soma neighborhood located at 1539 Folsom St. Happy Hour is from 5 to 8 p.m. with certain drinks and draft beers only $3. Free popcorn is available for hungry patrons. There is a live DJ, though there isn't really room to dance. If you like a busy scene, go on the weekends when it is packed.

Best Bars in San Francisco No. 5: Tunnel Top

Tunnel Top is a moderately priced bar located at 601 Bush St. in the Union Square neighborhood. Tunnel Top has a DJ and an upstairs dance floor for those who want to get their groove on. The décor is cozy with an alcohol bottle chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Tunnel Top is acash-only bar so make sure you have plenty on hand.

Written by Shannon Wilson

At the end of a busy day in "America's Finest City," which is of course San Diego, evenings spent at the right local bar can be consummate. There are a couple of popular local bars where you can enjoy drinks but a favorite stands out with Epazote's Z Ocean Bar in Del Mar.

Here happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. seven days a week. This is a great bar for appetizers and excellent bar drinks. For $5, patrons can select from among five bar drinks including well drinks, a cabernet, a chardonnay, a margarita shaker, several different martinis and five choices of appetizers designated from the bar's menu.

Expect a crowd age 21 and up as Epazote's overlooks the beach where volleyball and other sports go on for hours. The crowd is energetic and the beachfront scenery is amazing. Epazote's takes happy hour to a different level on Tuesday when patrons enjoy happy hour and bar drinks until last call. This is one of the best deals in the area, possibly the country, as it is situated on some of the richest real estate in America. Epazote's Z Ocean Bar in Del Mar is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar. Stop by and you are sure to be impressed.

Written by J. Rica Middlebrooks

The Balcony Bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. and serves finger foods as well as beer, wine, liquor and a good assortment of mixed drinks. In addition to traditional cocktails the Balcony Bar offers a number of martini-style drinks. These include both a refreshing apple martini that avoids the cliched and not very good sour apple mix, a pomegranate martini that looks like a cosmopolitan but is considerably more bitter and a blueberry martini made with lillet. Their traditional mojitos are also quite good, although the sangria leaves a lot to be desired. Cocktails run about $10.

The Balcony Bar is a decidedly romantic spot with low lighting and live classical music. What makes it a great choice is that it's as casual or as fancy as you'd like, with patrons showing up in everything from jeans to elegant dresses before a night on the town. It definitely makes a great first stop of the night.

Other bar options at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are the Rooftop Bar and Cafe, which is only open weather permitting. In addition to fruity martinis and finger food, the Rooftop Bar also offers a selection of frozen drinks and is a more appropriate venue for a group of friends than the Balcony Bar, which isn't good for groups both due to space limitations and atmosphere.

Finally, the Petrie Court Cafe and Wine Bar offers a full menu in addition to elegant snack foods and desserts and boasts an extensive wine list both by the glass and the bottle. While mixed drinks are available here, they are not featured, so don't expect anything unique. The bar is open until 10:30 p.m., but the last seating for dinner is at 8:30.

For information on all the drinking and dining options at the museum, visit their Web site.

Written by Racheline Maltese

While coffeehouses and clubs will never go out of style, Chicago's local scene undoubtedly revolves around bars. Chicagoans take pride in neighborhood bars, and often drop names of favorite bars as a means of giving clues about their personalities. Whether you prefer a rock-and-roll bar, a hipster dive or an upscale lounge, Chicago has a bar for everyone.

One thing that bar-hopping, eco-conscious Chicagoans can agree on is VeeV. VeeV is a trendy new alcoholic drink on Chicago's local scene, catching on for both its taste and commitment to sustainable practices.

VeeV is made from the açaí fruit, a Brazilian berry that grows on palm trees and is also used in energy drinks. Açaí has gained popularity in recent years (thanks, Oprah!) as a superfood, and some people believe açaí contains healing and weight-loss properties. Mixologists use VeeV much like vodka, although it has a sweeter taste from the açaí and other fruit ingredients.

As a member of the green organization Business for Social Responsibility, VeeV is an ethical choice as well as a way to take part in what's current in Chicago's local scene. VeeV donates a dollar from every bottle sold to help sustain the Brazilian rainforest, uses sustainable packaging and is a carbon neutral company. VeeV sales representatives even drive hybrid cars.

Recently released in Chicago, VeeV is available at more than 40 local bars and restaurants. If you prefer a dark, upscale lounge setting, find VeeV at Wicker Park's new Violet Hour. The Violet Hour is known for its velvet-draped, speakeasy style, master mixology and lack of signage. Find them at 1520 N. Damen Ave. behind the decrepit wooden door.

For dinner to go with your drinks, try VeeV at De la Costa at 465 East Illinois St. on Chicago's North Side for Latin food, or Avec at 615 West Randolph St. in the West Loop for Mediterranean-inspired dishes served at communal tables.

You don't have to spend a lot of money or get dressed in your finest to partake of VeeV, though. If you prefer a night on the couch to a night on the town, a bottle retails for about $35 in Chicago.

Sources:
"VeeV, Drink Your Acai" by Deidre Woollard. http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/10/veev-drink-your-acai/
http://www.veevlife.com/
"VeeV, the World's First Acai Spirit, Announces Carbon Neutral Certification," Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS121674+11-Feb-2008+PRN20080211

Written by Esther November

I was a bartender many years ago at a place in Cambridge, Mass., called The Swiss Alps, though it's no longer there. This was a bit before the frozen drink came into vogue. Certainly there were some favorites back then that are still as popular as ever. Let's take a look.

Cosmopolitans are very popular, especially after the attention they received in the television show "Sex and the City." There are many ways to make a cosmo, but traditionally they are made with vodka and cointreau with a fruit juice. Bartenders often make them with cranberry, lemon or lime juice. For a unique fruity twist, skip the vodka and instead use Veev, which is made from açaí, an antioxidant-rich berry from Brazil.

In August 2007, the United States Senate declared that September be recognized as National Bourbon Heritage Month. While this may not have much impact on the average consumer, it is an honor for the craftsmen in the bourbon industry, as it highlights the important role that bourbon has played in this country's history. The old fashioned is a classic bourbon whiskey drink that I used to serve frequently. As the name suggests, it is quite historical; it has been served since the 1800s. The old fashioned has a lot of tastes mixed together and several variations of it have developed over the years. I made it simply. Some bartenders just add sugar to the alcohol but the sugar should be melted in water first. We were a busy bar so I used syrup, which was a pre-made mix of sugar and water. I added bitters to the bourbon whiskey, a little water and either a cherry or an orange slice depending on what the kitchen had for me.

The last two drinks are my personal favorites. The sombrero and either white or black Russians are often ordered without people knowing the names. The alcohol can be coffee brandy, which is distilled from coffee beans, or coffee liqueurs. Using coffee liqueurs, which in my experience is the more common way to have a sombrero, is perfect for an after-dinner drink because of their sweetness. They are also wonderful alone. I prefer the coffee liqueur Kahlua. If you order a sombrero you'll get the least expensive coffee liqueur. Pay the extra amount for Kahlua. Another tip is how to drink this. You may ask for Kahlua and cream, which is delicious. For an even more delicious taste ask that it be shaken and you'll have some foam on top. If you put coffee brandy or liqueur together with vodka you'll get a black Russian, though I suggest replacing the vodka with Veev for a truly unique beverage. If you add cream to this you'll get a white Russian.

If you've been to a resort or on a cruise you know that frozen drinks are a hit. I mentioned these two venues because frozen drinks and warm weather go together very well. The piña colada, which means pineapple (piña) and strained (colada) in Spanish, is made by mixing pineapple juice with coconut cream and rum, then blending it all with ice to make it a frozen beverage.

If you want something frozen with whipped cream on the top but perhaps not with the telltale color of the original piña colada (other flavors have come to be) you might want to go with a frozen daiquiri, which combines rum, triple sec, lime juice, sugar and ice. You can find flavored daiquiris just like you can with the piña colada.

Another favorite is the frozen margarita. You'll get a very different taste with the tequila and orange flavored liqueur that are the hallmarks of this drink. If you have the willpower and want a frozen drink that doesn't look too adorned, skip the whip cream!

Finally a very special drink to serve for special occasions, such as with dessert for Thanksgiving or your other holiday meal, is Godiva Chocolate Liqueur. It's a wonderful gift to bring because the bottle is so beautiful and it is hard not to love. It comes in white chocolate (my favorite) or dark chocolate.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi%C3%B1a_colada
http://migration.kentucky.gov/newsroom/travel/bourbonheritage.htm

Written by jobythebay