Ingredients
- 1 oz Sloe Gin
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes of Orange bitters
- 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Cherry - for garnish
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Strainer
- Cocktail Glass
Instructions
- Prep Service Glass: Chill your cocktail glass with some ice cubes.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes of Orange bitters and 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Dry Vermouth: Measure and pour ½ oz Dry Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Add ½ oz Sweet Vermouth to the mix.
- Add Sloe Gin: Pour 1 oz Sloe Gin into the mixing glass.
- Prep Mixing Glass: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently until well mixed.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Place a cherry into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Sloe Gin: If you don't have Sloe Gin, you can use regular gin and add a splash of berry liqueur for a similar flavor profile. I've also tried using plum wine instead of Sloe Gin, which adds a unique twist.
- Dry Vermouth: In a pinch, you can use white wine with a small splash of dry sherry to mimic the dryness of vermouth.
- Sweet Vermouth: If you're out of sweet vermouth, opt for port wine or try using red wine with simple syrup to balance the flavors.
- Bitters: If you don't have angostura and orange bitters feel free to experiment with any other kind of bitters you have available.
Making a Pitcher of San Francisco Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of sloe gin, 4 oz of dry vermouth, and 4 oz of sweet vermouth, along with 16 dashes of orange and 8 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the sloe gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish each with a cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Sloe Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these are available and do a reasonable job mimicking gin's botanicals. Add some berry syrup for the sloe flavor.
- Vermouth Substitute: Use non-alcoholic white grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for dry vermouth and pomegranate juice with a bit of honey for sweet vermouth.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The standard recipe is vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. However, some brands may use animal-derived ingredients in their production process. Ensure that your products are vegan-certified.What is a San Francisco Cocktail?
A San Francisco Cocktail is a drink made of sloe gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s easy to make because the ingredients are stirred together and garnished with a cherry. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors, making it stand out among other classic cocktails.

What is a San Francisco Cocktail made of – The ingredients
For making a San Francisco Cocktail, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Sloe Gin: Adds a fruity, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of tartness.
- Dry Vermouth: Contributes a dry, herbal note to balance the sweetness.
- Sweet Vermouth: Provides a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Orange Bitters: Enhances the drink with a citrusy bitterness.
- Angostura Bitters: Adds depth and complexity with its aromatic spices.
- Cherry (for garnish): Offers a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.







