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Best Bars With Infused Vodka In The Bay Area

(credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)

Vodka is such a universal and creative tool in the mixed drink world, and the relatively simple process of infusing vodka can take drinks to a completely different level. Whether you are looking at a Screwdriver, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, or the good old-fashioned Vodka Martini, using infused vodka can take your chosen drink from great to outstanding. We take a look at some of the best restaurants and bars throughout the Bay Area that feature some unique and imaginative infused vodkas, from sweet to fruity to spicy, there is something to please everyone's taste.

Madrone Art Bar
500 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 241-0202
www.madroneartbar.com

Fusing art and drinks, you really can't go wrong. Featuring works from up-and-coming throughout the Bay Area, Madrone Art Bar feeds your alcoholic tastes, as well as your eyes. Two of the highlights from the drink menu include the "Lola," a cucumber infused vodka, and a mixed drink, the "Herbie Hancock," with watermelon and lime infused vodka with splash of guava juice.

The Girl & The Fig
110 W. Spain St.
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-3634
www.thegirlandthefig.com

In the North Bay, The Girl & The Fig have received Trip Advisor's "certificate of excellence" five years running, and with just one visit, you can see why.  Although known for their food, The Girl & The Fig also has an extensive list of mixed drinks and cocktails using their own infused vodka. From the obvious fig-infused vodka, used for their martinis, to pear and blueberry, offering a variety of delicious combinations.

Mosiac Restaurant & Lounge
211 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 282-8888
www.mosaicdowntown.com

With their Euro-Asian flare, Mosiac Restaurant & Lounge boasts a creative and unique menu of foods, and spill that over to their drink menu as well. Offering several types of martinis, with infused vodkas ranging from traditional apple and pear to blackberry to pineapple, and even pepper, there is an abundance of choices and combinations of infused vodka drinks and cocktails to keep you coming back for more.

Laszlo
2536 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 401-0801
www.laszlobar.com

In San Francisco's Mission District, Laszlo is a favorite bar and restaurant among locals, and seems to pull people in from the surrounding foreign cinema as a great pre or post-spot to hit. One of the highlights on their infused vodka list is the spicy and flavorful "Body Heat," created with jalapeno-infused vodka. The atmosphere will keep you entranced — they have movies playing on the walls, DJ's spinning nightly and an intimate upstairs area overlooking the bar.

Buckeye Roadhouse
15 Shoreline Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94965
(415) 331-2600
www.buckeyeroadhouse.com

In Marin County, the Buckeye Roadhouse has been a staple in Mill Valley as one of the top restaurants the North Bay has to offer. With everything from bacon wrapped filet mignon and duck confit to smoked chicken wings and baby back ribs, there is something for everyone and every taste. Surprisingly, the Buckeye also offers a creative drink menu, which includes a cool cucumber-infused vodka, the ever fruity strawberry-infused vodka, and if you're looking for that extra kick, a green chili-infused vodka, usually served with their bloody mary.

Andrew Wilson started a music webzine to photograph and write about his favorite artists. He quickly notoriety as both a writer and photographer, and has since been published to a variety of national news sites. Andrew resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and is pursuing a degree in landscape photography.
 

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