Cotogna's Aperol Fizz

This recipe from Jason "Buffalo" LoGrasso of Cotogna in San Francisco is a frothier, creamier version of the classic Aperol Spritz.

Beretta's Pamplemousse

We're always a bit wary of elderflower liqueur, but it doesn't take over in this supremely balanced and fresh-tasting gin cocktail, a signature brunch drink at Beretta in San Francisco.

Buena Vista Fizz

You wouldn't think that citrus and coffee would go together, but we absolutely love this cocktail from Tradition in San Francisco, which brings together Jameson and chicory-infused rye whiskey.

Italian Buck (Amaro and Ginger Beer Highball)

This fizzy, spicy, sweet-tart, and bitter drink was created by Jamie Boudreau of Canon in Seattle, and appears in Amaro by Brad Thomas Parsons. It's a little like a bitter, gutsy take on a Dark 'n Stormy, but instead of rum, the drink is made with two bittersweet Italian liqueurs: orangey Montenegro and vegetal Cynar.

Mojalisco

If you like the flavors of a Dark and Stormy, Moscow Mule, or Mojito, you'll love the Mojalisco.

Contessa

[Photo: Jessica Leibowitz] Mojitos and mint juleps are wonderful warm-weather drinks. But sometimes a late-spring or early-summer day requires a drink with a bit of an edge, a spark bright enough to match the waning light of a late sunset....

Fog Cutter

The Bay Area's best food & drink bloggers have recently lauded the Fog Cutter, and with good reason: it's a delicate, fruity blend of several spirits and juices. Be forewarned: it packs a punch.

Pomelo and Basil Cocktail

I like to pair pomelo with herbal flavors, especially basil. The slight sweetness of both the pomelo and basil work really well together, but they're both able to hold their own and bring depth to a cocktail

Partly Cloudy

A riff on a Dark and Stormy; the resemblance comes in the pairing of ginger and rum (and, well, the name). At the Spotted Pig, bar manager Ryan Gannon makes his own falernum: a sweet syrup that uses allspice and ginger and clove and lime zest steeped in over-proof rum "until it gets nice and happy," when it's combined with simple syrup with almond extract; in the drink, it commingles with lime and grapefruit juice along with Mount Gay rum, Aperol, and ginger beer.

Campari Sanguinea

When warm days are chased by chilly evening breezes, I crave autumnal things like nubby sweaters, terra cotta earth tones, and crisp glasses of pomegranate juice with a splash of delightfully bitter Campari. To lighten things up for brunch, a little grapefruit juice does the trick.