#ThirstyThursday just got so real. Break out your shaker and raise your glass because it’s National Cocktail Day.
From classic vodka martinis to fresh + fruity mocktails, our city has just about a cocktail for everyone. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up ten trendy San Jose lounges + bars where you can get your drink on.
🍸 Five Points, 169 W. Santa Clara St.
Our drink of choice: French Valet ($14)
Get a taste of the East Coast at a bar that boasts an entire cocktail collection inspired by six infamous New York gangs. Craving something warm and soothing? Order the French Valet + Baltimore Gun Club — both are served hot with one adding a touch of spiced oat milk.
Pro tip: Don’t miss their happy hour Mon.-Thurs. from 4-6 p.m. for 30% off all cocktails.
🍸 Paper Plane, 72 S. First St.
Our drink of choice: MAD WORLD ($14)
This cocktail bar offers a rare selection of liqueurs from different origins, including premium Japanese Roku Gin + traditional Brazilian Pitu Cachaca. For a smoky preference, one ‘tail to try is the MAD WORLD made with Absinthe Ordinaire and dusted with plum powder.
Pro tip: Don’t mock it ‘til you try it. Their Strawberry Mojito and Pain Killer mocktails are known for their exceptional fruitiness + refreshing punch.
🍸 The Vesper, 394 E Campbell Ave., Campbell
Our drink of choice: Doctor…Doctor… ($14)
Dangerously delicious, this bar boasts a variety of cocktails with rare liqueurs such as the Doctor…Doctor… made with absinthe. Tiki time, anyone? For $40, order a cocktail with a tiki mug, including the Sticks + Stone cocktail with reposado tequila.
Check out their non-alcoholic list of mocktails including the Nimbu Pani with lime, cucumber, salt + pepper and soda water.
🍸 San Pedro Social, 163 W. Santa Clara St.
Our drink of choice: The Dude’s Favorite ($14)
Head over to this social fun house and pair your booze with bowling, arcade games + karaoke. Their classic cocktail menu makes it easy to grab one of your faves or try something new. Dude, where’s my cocktail? Check out two originals including The Dude’s Favorite cocktail made with Kahlua coffee liqueur or the Spicy “El Duderino” Margarita with chili Tajin.
🍸 Sauced BBQ & Spirits, Santana Row - 3055 Olin Ave. #1005
Our drink of choice: Cucumber Watermelon Lemonade ($12.5)
What’s a little southern comfort without whiskey? Mosey on down to this authentic BBQ spot for smoked meat and your choice of Southern Sippers, whiskey cocktails + mules. Or grab a refreshing drink from their Lemonade Stand, which includes a refreshing cool cucumber mix like the Cucumber Watermelon Lemonade.
Pro tip: Get a double shot in your drink for only $4 more, and enjoy $2 off specialty cocktails during happy hour, which rings in early from 3-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
🍸 55 South, 55 S. 1st St.
Our drink of choice: Negroni Milk Punch ($14)
Got milk? 55 South certainly does with the Negroni Milk Punch cocktail that’s so popular, it’s been put on their limited quantities list. Keep your night COVID-free with the COVID-Killer, a coconutty mix made with rum + lots of vitamin C.
🍸 Nomikai, 48 S. 1st St.
Our drink of choice: Beyond the Clouds Punch Bowl ($63)
Sharing is caring. Bring your entire clan of friends if you’re gunning to try one of their three punch bowls, which are only served on Thursdays — thank goodness it’s #ThirstyThursday right? All three come with different flavors, including blue curacao, cardamom bitters + grapefruit and rosemary.
Pro tip: Happy hour goes until 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. with discounted cocktail prices + 20% off the menu.
🍸 The Grill on the Alley, 172 S. Market St.
Our drink of choice: Vodka Martini ($8)
Enjoy your cocktail with nothing but class at this upscale steakhouse that is as timeless + elegant as its drink selection. A martini — shaken, not stirred. Live like 007 with a House Martini cocktail made with vodka or gin, and don’t miss out on their English Bramble cocktail made with creme de mure + lemon.
🍸 Haberdasher, 43 W. San Salvador
Our drink of choice: Pico de Azúcar ($14)
This underground bar with a speakeasy feel boasts a mix of classic cocktails + original concoctions. Come for their Old Fashioned — an oldie but a goodie — and stay for the tangy, sweet + spicy Pico de Azúcar. Made with ancho chile verde + pico syrup, this one will definitely warm you up.
🍸 Branham Lounge, 1116 Branham Ln.
Our drink of choice: Nickel City Irish Coffee ($12)
Chill at this swanky lounge for a fix of five different flavors of their double strength Long Islands, including the Black Panther + Brazilian. Looking for a pick-me-up? Try their frosty Nickel City Irish Coffee to keep you going all night long.
So, who’s got the first round? Check out these hot spots on our map for easy navigation.
