Over in Oakland an exciting new cocktail option is opening tonight, in time for 11/11/11: Plum Bar (2214 Broadway), from the minds of chef Daniel Patterson and bar star Scott Beattie (Artisanal Cocktails). The place is right next door to Plum, the casual restaurant Patterson opened over a year ago. The drinks are all of extra-high caliber, and you can expect to see a foam gun get whipped out here and there. But Patterson's empire continues to expand, and at Plum they're actually serving a few drinks created by Beattie for Haven, the restaurant they're opening in December in Jack London Square.

Below, one of those drinks, from a menu that is going to take gin as its focus — though there will be other stuff available too. And over at Grub Street you can check out a slideshow of Plum Bar, which has its own drink and snack menus.

Live Basil Gimlet

1 1/2 oz Blade gin
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz Tres Agaves agave nectar
5 large basil leaves or 10 small ones

In an empty mixing glass, muddle the basil leaves then add the liquid ingredients. Add enough ice to fill the glass completely, seal with the metal part of the shaker, shake hard for about seven seconds, and double strain onto a small martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.