Embarcadero

Embark on a cocktail journey with the Embarcadero. 

The Embarcadero is a waterfront neighborhood in San Francisco, known for its farmers’ markets and food and named after the Spanish phrase, “the place to embark.” The Embarcadero cocktail is known for its powerful flavors and named, well, after the San Fran neighborhood. 

Developed by Claire Sprouse at the New York City-based bar Hunky Dory, this cocktail is a daring riff on the classic Boulevardier. (If you want to get really specific, the Boulevardier is a riff on the Negroni, which is a riff on an Americano. But let’s just start at the Boulevardier, shall we?) Bitter, dry, and spicy, the Boulevardier hails from 1920s Paris, but its perfect flavor balance has helped keep it popular for over a century. To build a classic Boulevardier, you’ll need a 1-1-1 ratio of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but what’s a riff without a little experimentation? 

For her variation, Claire Sprouse opted for rye whiskey over bourbon for a spicer flavor profile, but almost kept completely to the sweet vermouth and amaro directions. Her one exception is the specific use of brands, specifically the Lo-Fi brand. Lo-Fi Aperitifs is a beverage company out of San Francisco that just so happens to be co-owned by Sprouse herself. The brand does produce their own sweet vermouth and Gentian Amaro, both of which are the specific ingredients requested in the official Embarcadero recipe. 

Now it’s true that for best results, the official Lo-Fi ingredients should be sourced and used. However. Sometimes you just don’t have that kind of time, money, or patience. If that’s the case, then we recommend using your normal brand of sweet vermouth and then experimenting with amaros. Campari, for example, is a type of amaro if you want the traditional flavor, but Amaro Montenegro or Amaro Nonino could produce some interesting combos. 

Essentially, for your Embarcadero, pick the ingredients that appeal to you (or happen to already be on your bar cart) and embark on your own little cocktail journey.