Destroyer of Bad Vibes: A Bold Favorite That Lives Up to Its Name

Some cocktails whisper. This one speaks in bold type.

Voted as #12 of the 50 Most Iconic Cocktails in San Francisco, 2023

Destroyer of Bad Vibes is a zero-proof showstopper that’s become a fan favorite at Ocean Beach Cafe—and for good reason. Originally created by the talented team at The Pathfinder, this complex, citrusy, and slightly spiced cocktail delivers on both flavor and feeling.

Foamy, fragrant, and beautifully balanced, it’s the kind of drink that turns heads—and turns moods around.

Check out this August 15th, 2025 SF Chronicle article with this cocktail as the main event!

 Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz Melati – A sophisticated, spice-forward non-alcoholic aperitif

• 1 oz The Pathfinder – A fermented, hemp-based spirit with amaro energy

• 0.75 oz lime juice – Bright and bracing

• 0.25 oz cinnamon syrup – Warm and aromatic

• 0.5 oz aqua faba – Creates a smooth, creamy foam

• All The Bitter New Orleans Bitters – Used as both a flavor accent and a striking foam garnish

  
  

Build: Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into a coupe or specialty “Destroyer” glass. Finish with drops of New Orleans bitters drawn into the foam—think latte art, but moodier.

What It Tastes Like

The Destroyer lands somewhere between a smoky sour and a spiced citrus spritz. Lime brightens, cinnamon warms, and the combination of Melati and Pathfinder brings layers of botanicals, earth, and bitter spice. The foam rounds everything out with creamy texture and an artistic touch.

This is not your average zero-proof cocktail—it’s a conversation starter, a statement piece, and a bar team favorite for anyone craving complexity without compromise.

 Why It’s on the Menu

While not created by Ocean Beach Cafe, Destroyer of Bad Vibes has earned its place through pure guest demand. It’s become a go-to order among regulars, and the kind of drink that first-timers remember.