San Antonio’s Boozy Bucket List: 10 Unforgettable Cocktails
San Antonio is a city characterized by culture, history, and, let’s not forget, great cocktails. As with the drinks, there are several bars and restaurants for the locals and tourists to enjoy in this city. Below are the 10 Cocktails you must try in San Antonio, whether you are a fan of historic bars or modern, sophisticated speakeasies.
The Alamo Fizz (Bar 1919)
Overview
Bar 1919 is a small gem in San Antonio, Texas that operates as a speakeasy from the prohibition era. It is situated in the Blue Star Arts Complex and boasts an extensive list of spirits, but it has made craft cocktails a primary focus.
Facilities
Bar 1919 has a more romantic setting, with low lighting ideal for dating or spending time alone. The staff, especially the bartenders, are well-informed and warm, willing to tell the story behind the drinks. The inside setting is 70s-inspired, with wooden furniture and brown leathery sofas to complement the theme.
My Review
Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail that has been given a new spin with the addition of Alamo Fizz. This drink is light yet quite filling because it contains gin, lemon, lime, orange flower water, egg whites, and cream. It is highly recommended for gin lovers and anyone who enjoys a good cocktail.
Paper Tiger (Sternewirth at Hotel Emman
Overview
The Sternewirth bar is situated in the Hotel Emma and is a perfect combination of the building’s history and contemporary design. The bar is called Sternewirth Privilege in honor of the old brewery tradition of letting workers drink at work and offers a wide choice of drinks.
Facilities
Sternewirth is a large venue with high ceilings and offers many seating opportunities. It can be described as elegant but relaxed, with soft armchairs and a long shared table. The range of spirits is vast, and the bartenders are proficient in making simple and complex cocktails.
My Review
Of all the places, the Paper Tiger stands out at Sternewirth. Made with tequila, mezcal, ginger, lime, and a serrano pepper shrub, it perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and citrusy flavors. It’s an adventurous choice that pays off, especially for those who enjoy a little heat in their drink.
Guava Gloria (The Esquire Tavern)
Overview
The Esquire Tavern, founded in 1933, is the oldest bar on the River Walk. It has a warm, retro look, a large wooden countertop, and many reminiscences of the old days. The bar is quite popular for its cocktail drinks menu, which offers a vast array of options.
Facilities
Esquire Tavern has a casual atmosphere with low lighting and relaxed patrons. The seating is very comfortable, there are places at the bar, and the booths are also available for seating. The outdoor patio overlooks the River Walk and is perfect for a leisurely evening outside the restaurant.
My Review
The Guava Gloria is truly a tropical fruit. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day and contains rum, guava nectar, lime, and mint. The taste is harmonized; the guava’s sweetness balances the lime’s sourness. It is a nice and energizing option that takes you to the islands every time you sip.
The French 75 (Paramour at The Phipps)
Overview
Paramour is a glamorous rooftop lounge and bar at The Phipps. It provides wonderful views of the skyline of San Antonio and has a classy atmosphere. The classy joint is famous for its cocktails and décor.
Facilities
Paramour has an impressive rooftop terrace with lots of seating inside and outside. The bar has a contemporary look and is full of energy, making it ideal for meeting and mingling. The employees are courteous and professional, which makes the experience excellent.
My Review
The French 75 at Paramour is a timeless cocktail that will add sparkle to any celebration. It is prepared with gin, champagne, lemon, and sugar and is a classy drink that evokes celebration and excitement. The champagne gives the drink a celebratory flair, and the gin and lemon offer a tart, fresh ending.
Tommy’s Margarita (Hot Joy)
Overview
Hot Joy is an upbeat bar and restaurant in Southtown that offers food with intense flavors and a fantastic atmosphere. Its menu is a fusion of Asian and Texan flare.
Facilities
Hot Joy encompasses a very loud and unique atmosphere with bright murals and colorful decorations. It does not have a very professional feel to it, which is perhaps why it is perfect for a night out. It is quite equipped with spirits, and the mixologists are gifted at preparing unique mixed drinks.
My Review
Tommy’s Margarita is a no-frills classic that lets the quality of the ingredients shine. It’s a straightforward yet delicious cocktail made with tequila, lime, and agave nectar. The lime is perfectly tart and complements the smooth, rich tequila flavor exceptionally well. If you are a margarita fan, then it is one that cannot be missed on the menu.
San Antonio Sunrise (The Menger Bar)
Overview
For lovers of history, there is no better place than the famous Menger Bar, situated in the Menger Hotel. This bar serves alcoholic beverages and was established in 1887 and served by Theodore Roosevelt.
Facilities
The Menger Bar has a classic, old-style design with dark wood walls and wooden furniture from a certain period. The environment is informal yet comfortable, and there are a number of different chairs and couches available. The bar section is adequately stocked with several bottles of spirits and comprises a list of traditional cocktails.
My Review
The San Antonio Sunrise is a tequila-based cocktail perfect for starting your evening. Made with tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and a lime wedge, it’s vibrant and refreshing. The sweet and tart flavors are delightful, making it a great choice for a summer evening.
Sternewirth at Hotel Emma
Overview
Sternewirth at Hotel Emma is an established bar that seeks to embrace the new generation. It is situated in the Pearl Brewery building, giving it a historic and antique environment. It boasts of well-crafted cocktails and an exquisite setting.
Facilities
Sternewirth is a large area with high wooden ceilings and comfortable armchairs and sofas. Its interior design combines industrial and retro elements, and guests can sit on comfortable armchairs and a large round table. This bar is fully stocked, and the mixologists are proficient at preparing both standard and more exotic drinks.
My Review
The Paper Tiger is Sternewirth’s most recommended dish. It is highly recommended for its spicy taste. It contains tequila, mezcal, ginger, lime, and a serrano pepper shrub, which give it a perfect combination of smokiness, spiciness, and citrus.
The Brooklynite
Overview
The Brooklynite is a popular cocktail bar in San Antonio that attracts many young people. Situated downtown, it offers live music and is laid-back. The bar provides a wide choice of drinks, both house specialties and traditional ones.
Facilities
The Brooklynite has a contemporary interior design and a casual and friendly atmosphere. There is ample seating at the bar and a more secluded outdoor patio area. The staff is engaging and always willing to suggest a beverage to try or a joke to tell.
My Review
Another strength of The Brooklynite was the availability and variety of cocktails on the list. Whether you want a traditional drink or an exotic one, you will be able to have it. The restaurant has an informal and entertaining setting, so it’s quite suitable for social outings with friends.
Boiler House Texas Kitchen & Whiskey Bar
Overview
Boiler House Texas Kitchen & Whiskey Bar is one of the main landmarks in the Pearl Brewery compound. It offers an extensive list of whiskeys and excellent cocktails, as well as a variety of home-cooked Texas food.
Facilities
The Boiler House has a wild industrial style, and there are many different kinds of chairs and benches. The environment is relaxed and friendly, suitable for casual dining. Behind the bar, there is a wide selection of spirits available, and the mixologists ensure that they make both traditional and modern cocktails.
My Review
The dinner menu at Boiler House is quite voluminous; however, it offers a great number of cocktails. The waiters are professional, familiar with various cocktails, and always willing to suggest one. The atmosphere is jovial and vibrant for a night out, making it ideal for a great night with friends.
Two Bros. Winery & Tasting Room
Overview
Two Bros. Winery & Tasting Room is a casual eatery focused on wines produced in Texas. Situated in the downtown area of San Antonio, it provides a comfortable setting for sampling a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Facilities
The tasting room has ample seating and a comfortable and warm setting. The ambiance is laid-back and friendly, which makes it suitable for an informal night out. The staff is professional and approachable, always willing to suggest a wine or share an anecdote.
My Review
Two Bros. Winery & Tasting Room offers a wide range of cocktails, so there will definitely be something to everyone’s taste. Here, you can get a traditional cocktail or use your imagination and get something more exotic. The overall ambiance is casual and friendly, so it is an ideal place to go for a laid-back night out.
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Final Words
San Antonio presents numerous and varied cocktail bars and places where each guest can find something to his liking. You are sure to be spoilt for choice, whether you want to get some of the most popular cocktails or try something more exotic. Here are the top 10 cocktails you should not leave San Antonio without tasting, traditional and modern bars and speakeasies included.
