So, check it out: There's a new restaurant in central SoMa, directly across Mission Street from the 9th Circuit, and it's called AQ (1085 Mission Street between 6th and 7th). They're taking the frequently heard "seasonal" thing to an extreme, swapping out decoration (lighting, bar top, foliage on several 'trees' in the space), glassware, the whole food menu, and even the servers' uniforms as each season changes. But just this week they launched their cocktail program, from the mind of bar manager Tim Zohn, and we already have a favorite beverage on the tight, ten-drink list.

This is a very fall-winter beverage, with spice, malt and apple notes, and it's made with a house-infused raisin genever that would be simple to do at home. Or you can just head over there to try one yourself.

New Amsterdam #1

1 oz and a half of raisin-infused Bols Genever*
1/4 oz of maple syrup
1/2 oz of apple cider spiked w/ apple cider vinegar
2 dashes of old fashioned bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a coupe glass.

* Steep a cup to a cup and a half raisins in a bottle of Bols genever for at least 24 hours.