Well look at that, we’re already thinking of the weekend for you. On Friday July 24th, there is a rum tasting event at the CLIFT HOTEL called Parasol: An Exotic Rum Journey. Some quality rums—like Brugal, Denizen, Don Q. Flor de Caña, Mount Gay, Plantation, Papa’s Pilar, and more—will be available to sample (and you can learn about them too). Local bartenders will be doing some classic cocktail demonstrations and offering drink samples; be sure to check out the moves of Puerto Rican Flair Bartender Champion Luis Ortiz. There will even be some calypso sounds from the steel drums and two rum-influenced appetizers available for purchase, plus cocktail specials on the à la carte happy hour menu. Discounted tickets on Living Social are $29. 6pm-9pm. Pssst, follow tablehopper on Twitter and watch for a chance to win a pair of tickets on Wednesday. 495 Geary St. at Taylor, 415-775-4700.
On Saturday July 25th, head on over to BAY GRAPE in Oakland for their all-day cider tasting. The preliminary round of tasting will run 1pm-5pm, when they will be pouring three special ciders for $15. Then the Cider Die party and walk-around tasting will run 6pm-9pm, with six cider makers pouring their ciders for $20 (you can pay at the door). And you can shop, too: more than 20 ciders will be on the shelves, from the dry to the fruity. 376 Grand Ave. at Ellita, Oakland, 510-686-3615.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! BURRITT ROOM + TAVERN is hosting an Aperitif Cocktail Competition on Sunday July 26th, with some great local bartenders. Burritt Room bar manager Josh Trabulsi is welcoming Mo Hodges of Benjamin Cooper, Kinson Lau of Alchemist, Carlo Splendorini of Pabu, Eric Giardina of Devil’s Acre, and Summer Jane Bell of Suerte Tequila for a friendly face-off with Carpano vermouths.
Burritt Tavern chef Luke Knox and guest chef James Wong will offer a selection of bites and housemade pizzas for you to nosh on while tasting the cocktail flights prepared by the guest bartenders, because you are going to vote on your favorite of the evening. 5pm-8pm. $35 per person, purchase here. 417 Stockton St. at Sutter, 415-400-0561.
