Aperitifs are a light alcoholic beverage served before a meal, similar to an appetizer, that tend to be dry or bittersweet. Popular aperitifs include dry champagne and Aperol Spritz. Aperitif distillers in the Bay Area are going above and beyond in crafting high-quality drinks with local ingredients. You can enjoy them at local bars in San Francisco where they’re used in unique creations. Join us on Treasure Island (link) every Saturday from September 13 to November 11 for cocktails, food trucks, and kite flying. We’ll be at Cityside Park from 11am to 4pm.
Local Distillers Making Aperitifs
Lo-Fi Aperitifs
This Napa-based distiller focuses on vermouths and amaro (an Italian herbal liqueur). They have two types of popular vermouths — the dry vermouth has elderflower, chamomile, and citrus peels. The sweet variety has warm spics and hints of orange.
St. George Spirits
An Alameda-based distiller operating out of a former naval hangar. They make everything from gin to brandy to whiskey. The Bruto Americano is a bright red aperitivo that is made with locally grown herbs and citrus peels. It’s perfect in a Negroni.
Spirit Works
A distillery in Sonoma that focuses on keeping a close eye on their production from grain to glass. They make limited edition vermouths and other aperitif liqueurs using locally foraged ingredients.
Gold Bar
This whiskey distillery makes a red bourbon that’s perfect for aperitifs. It’s matured in charred American Oak to develop a sweet, smoky flavor profile.
Where to enjoy local aperitifs in San Francisco
ABV
The drinks here lean towards the fruity, summer side. They’re infused with pineapple, olives, coconut, pickled onions, and lime. The top aperitif-based drink here is the Señora Sol spinked with blanc vermouth and summer gin.
Trick Dog
The drink menu here changes regularly to keep things fresh. If the Mommenpop Meyer Lemonpop aperitif is on the menu, it’s a must order item. No trip to Trick Dog is complete without a hot dog or two.
Wildhawk
The star drink here is the Spring Queen made with aperitivo, blanco tequila, pink vermouth, citrus, and soda. Their drinks feature citrus vodka, Jamaican rum, hibiscus tea, honey, and cherries.
The Cordial
This no-frills spritz bar is all about creative drinks. While you could go for a typical aperol spritz here, we recommend something more interesting like the bitter spritz or cardamom spritz. You should also try their Americano Aperitivo made with bay laurel, blanco vermouth, and soda.
Rye on the Road
This mobile cocktail service is responsible for the great cocktails you find at our Off the Grid events. You’ll find everything from negronis to espresso martinis.
Campari Spritz Recipe
If you prefer to enjoy your aperitifs at home, here’s a recipe to get you started. An Aperol spritz is made with a 3:2:1 ratio of Prosecco, Campari, and soda water. Start by filling a glass less than halfway with ice. Then, add the Prosecco followed by the Campari and soda water. Stir gently to combine. This ratio works for any spritz variation.
