With the advent of “molecular mixology” (a term used to describe the application of science to cocktail-making), all sorts of unique combinations of unlikely ingredients have been added to the traditional cocktail menu. It’s the cocktail drinker’s version of molecular gastronomy, and it can get a little weird. Spirits are infused, obscure alcohols make their debut and the drinks are not always vegetarian. Here in San Antonio, the mixology trend has already come into full swing, and mixology experiments can be seen in a variety of restaurants and bars across the city. For those brave foodie adventurers with a hankering for odd drinks, here is my list of San Antonio’s top ten weirdest cocktails and where they can be found.
10) Diablo Verde (“Green Devil”): Cucumber-infused SKYY vodka, dry vermouth, lime, basil and a pinch of black pepper
Where: Barriba Cantina, 111 W. Crockett St. #214
9) SS Margarita: strawberry- and jalapeno-infused tequila, agave nectar, sweet and sour, orange juice, a splash of Sprite and chili
Where: Knife & Fork Gastropub, 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy
8) Linda Rose: gin, campari, carpano, lime, honey, champagne and lemon disk
Where: Bohanan’s Bar, 221 E. Houston St.
7) Elevated Bloody Mary: vodka infused for two weeks with garlic, shallots, celery, carrots, jalapenos, serrano peppers, habanero peppers, chile arbol and celery salt
Where: Silo Elevated Cuisine & Bar, 1133 Austin Hwy
6) The Palm Punch: Hendrick’s gin, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, fresh-brewed English breakfast tea, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and a dash of Angostura Bitters, served on the rocks
Where: Palm Restaurant, 233 E Houston St.
5) Lemon Creme Martini: Tito’s vodka, Caravella limoncello and St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, mixed with squeezed lemon, cream and frothed egg white
Where: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, 15900 La Cantera Pkwy
4) Dulche de Coco: Leche quemada (a Mexican milk candy), tres leches liquor, Pinnacle chocolate-whipped vodka
Where: COCO Chocolate Lounge & Bistro, 18402 U.S. 281
3) Pork and Fork: a mescal-based cocktail that mixes chocolate and bacon
Where: Soho Wine & Martini Bar, 214 W. Crockett St.
2) TEXECUTIONER: mezcal, d’aristi xtabentun (Mayan honey liqueur), cocchi americano (aperitif Asti Italian wine) and grapefruit
Where: Esquire Tavern, 155 E Commerce St.
1) And the imaginary award for “Weirdest Cocktail in San Antonio” goes to … Salmonesque. This cocktail, created by renowned San Antonian mixologist Olaf Harmel, combines Bombay Sapphire gin, Dolin dry vermouth, a dash of Compari, vanilla bean, lemon zest and salmon essence into a delicious yet thoroughly odd salmon-flavored cocktail. I had some difficulty tracking down where you can get ahold of this cocktail, since it was the winner of a San Antonio mixology competition rather than an official drink at a bar, but Olaf currently bartends at Mon Ami at 4901 Broadway St., next door to Mon Thai. Maybe you can ask him if he’ll serve his specialty award-winning mix.
