Sojourn isn't the only new spot offering its unique take on the humble martini. The expected martini components of gin, vermouth and bitters are all there, but embellished with the silky, earthy notes from oolong tea, umami bitters and lemon oil. Sojourn offers a variety of similarly altered classics, ranging from a Demerara rum-heavy Mai Tai to the Staycation Martini - a nod to the bar's moniker, which means an escape or temporary getaway. Right now, Triple Sec is at a higher price point, so it's really hard to offer an affordable, approachable margarita when is more expensive than tequila."Ĭortez's solution? Infuse agave syrup with orange peels to add an earthy balance to the lime juice. Even something as simple as a margarita, we're changing up. "It's really easy and refreshing, with mezcal and tequila, but people have never heard of it. "One of our most popular sellers is most people have never heard of: the Charo's Kick," he said. He's trying to create an environment that encourages customer curiosity and a desire to learn. Cortez's bar boasts an airier, more approachable atmosphere than its predecessor, and that's by design. Sojourn occupies the just-off-Houston Street space that formerly housed moody craft-tipple enclave Juniper Tar. "Every menu, we're also training the staff about the nuances of classic cocktails. It's the same structure of the classic, it just has a different nose and eyes," said Derik Cortez, managing partner of new downtown cocktail spot Sojourn, 244. "We're trying to do different variations of classics on every menu, and I like to see it as almost a Mr. ![]() The popularity of classic cocktails ebbs and flows, but recent additions to the Alamo City's bar and nightlife scene are dedicating entire sections of their menus to those venerable tipples - and often adding a puro SA twist. And the bar is far from the only one in San Antonio putting new spins on old favorites - from old-school drinks enjoying current revivals to those all but forgotten. Popularized in Ian Fleming's 1953 Bond novel Casino Royale, the Vesper is just one classic cocktail the staff at Ludivine executes spectacularly. It was the most delicious Vesper I'd ever tasted - and I've had them in Nashville, Seattle, Boston and New York City. I was overjoyed at the version the bartender had shaken up. Then, over bottled beers, openly discussed how dumb it was to order a cocktail made famous by Daniel Craig's turn playing sophisticated secret agent James Bond.Ĭlearly, the pair weren't up to speed on the boozy, slightly sweet and bitter charms of the classic cocktail, but I didn't let that ruin my experience. The two men occupying seats to my right shuddered. ![]() ![]() Shortly after Southown spot Bar Ludivine opened last fall, I wandered in after hitting some nearby vintage shops and was surprised to see a Vesper martini on the cocktail menu. San Antonio bartender Joey Rico shakes up a Raspa cocktail at downtown’s Sojourn.
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