Santa Clara County might be known for its tech scene, but on National Cocktail Day (March 24), it’s all about mixology. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a mocktail enthusiast, this day is your chance to sip something extraordinary. Let’s dive into the local hotspots serving up liquid artistry that will make your taste buds dance.
Haberdasher: Where Classics Meet Creativity
Located in downtown San Jose, Haberdasher is a speakeasy-style bar that turns cocktails into an experience. Their menu is packed with classics and inventive twists, perfect for National Cocktail Day. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their signature Old Fashioned—it’s as smooth as Sinatra’s voice—or the Paper Plane, a modern classic that balances bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. Haberdasher’s dimly lit atmosphere adds a touch of mystery to every sip.
📍 Address: 43 W San Salvador St, San Jose, CA 95113
💻 Menu: Check out their regular menu online for more inspiration.
Paper Plane: Flights of Flavor
Paper Plane in downtown San Jose is where mixology meets innovation. Their cocktail menu reads like poetry—each drink crafted with precision and flair. For National Cocktail Day, the Fantastic Mr. Fox is a must-try. This smoky concoction blends mezcal with spiced apple and lime for a drink that’s equal parts bold and refreshing. If you prefer something bubbly, the Skytree Highball offers floral and fruity notes that are perfect for spring.
📍 Address: 72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
💻 Menu Highlights: Explore their creative lineup online.
Mortar & Pestle Bar: Spice Meets Spirit
Inside Curry Up Now at 3250 Zanker Road #30 in San Jose, Mortar & Pestle Bar is a fusion of Indian flavors and craft cocktails. Their drinks are as vibrant as their food menu. On National Cocktail Day, try the Spice of Life, which combines aquavit, lime, cucumber soda, and Tajin for a herbal yet sour kick. For mocktail lovers, the Jupiter Jazz blends passion fruit and lemon for a tropical escape—minus the alcohol.
📍 Address: 3250 Zanker Rd #30, San Jose, CA 95134
💻 Mocktails & Cocktails: Check out their Mortar & Pestle Bar for more details.
55 South: A Downtown Staple
If you’re strolling through downtown San Jose on March 24, make your way to 55 South at 55 S 1st Street. Known for its laid-back vibe and expertly crafted cocktails, this spot is ideal for both seasoned drinkers and newcomers to the mixology scene. Their bartenders are known to whip up custom creations based on your preferences—just tell them what you’re in the mood for and let them work their magic.
📍 Address: 55 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Five Points: Gangster-Inspired Libations
Five Points Cocktail Bar takes its name from New York’s infamous Five Points neighborhood but brings its own West Coast swagger to downtown San Jose. Their menu features drinks inspired by historical gangs—perfect for those who like their cocktails with a side of storytelling. On National Cocktail Day, go for the Daybreaker, a smoky mezcal creation with blackberry jam and mint that feels like an outlaw in a glass. Or try the Dead Rabbit, a tropical gin cocktail with pineapple and lemon that’s as refreshing as it is intriguing.
📍 Address: 169 W Santa Clara St, Suite #100, San Jose, CA 95113
💻 Menu Favorites: Seasonal specialties like Ol’ Green Eyes or Bowery Boy are worth exploring.
Mocktails That Steal the Show
Not everyone wants alcohol in their glass—and that’s perfectly fine! Santa Clara County has plenty of zero-proof options that deliver all the flavor without the buzz:
- Sworn Oath at Paper Plane: A blend of ginger, elderflower tonic, and soda with Clean Co.’s tequila alternative.
- Coco L’Orange at Mortar & Pestle Bar: Coconut cream meets orange zest for a creamy delight.
- Jupiter Jazz at Mortar & Pestle Bar: Passion fruit and lemon combine for tropical perfection.
Sip Responsibly
As much fun as National Cocktail Day is, don’t forget to drink responsibly. Whether you’re indulging in handcrafted spirits or sipping on mocktails all night long, keep safety in mind—ride shares are your best friend when exploring Santa Clara County’s vibrant bar scene.
So grab your crew (or enjoy solo), pick your favorite spot from this list, and toast to mixology magic this National Cocktail Day!
Sources: google.com, yelp.com
Header Image Source: Louis Hansel on Unsplash
