1Watson

Great place. Dark, cool and quiet and excellent drinks. Not easy to find, as it's a speakeasy, but…read morejust go down the stairs.

This is my go-to spot for an after-dinner nightcap or a relaxed place to meet for drinks and…read moreconversation. The service has consistently been exceptional, and I particularly appreciate their impressive bourbon and whiskey selection. Over the years, I've visited for everything from informal business discussions to evenings spent with close friends. The intimate lighting, softly glowing candlelight, and thoughtfully curated ambiance create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Combined with a moderate noise level that allows for comfortable conversation, it's an ideal setting for both meaningful catch-ups and professional engagements.

Two other distilleries using heirloom corn for the bourbon mash bill

Bar 1919

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Whiskey Sour

Tokyo Cowboy

4.3(727 reviews)

Back in San Antonio and first stop, Tokyo Cowboy and dinner was served!…read moreAfter settling into our Airbnb, Tokyo Cowboy came up highly recommend. I'm glad they had room for us but, it's still safe to make reservations. We did not know they are a tapas style restaurant, but that didn't deter us. And we were pleasantly surprised at the size of their "tapas". What we ordered was enough for two people to share. Dumplings - 9/10 Gulf Shrimp & Noodles - 10/10 Blistered Green Beans - 10/10 Ramen - 9/10 Service was great. It's a casual atmosphere, but perfect for an intimate date night.

4.5/5 Ambiance 4.5/5 Food…read more4.5/5 Service Blythe was so nice and helpful. She provided guidance on a few places to try while in San Antonio. We're ridiculously small eaters and what we ate was fantastic! I had the Japanese Mule: gin, Yuzo, ginger beer and lime. Not to sweet a bit herbaceous, lovely. We shared the entree portion of the Karaggee. I should have taken a photo before we gobbled it up. Perfect, light crispy non oily fry with Serrano peppers, pickled onions and cucumbers. Recommend without reservation

Individual bathroom

Mac & Cheese

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Senpai Sour

The Modernist

4.6(235 reviews)

1.7 mi•Government Hill

The Modernist -- A True Speakeasy Experience in San Antonio…read more If you're in downtown San Antonio, take a break from the River Walk and check out The Modernist. This is a true speakeasy-style lounge that's easy to overlook from the outside--it looks like a regular, unassuming place. But once you step inside, the atmosphere completely changes. The interior is cozy, intimate, and has that hidden-gem feeling you want from a speakeasy. The staff members are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I had the pleasure of having Adan behind the bar, and this guy knows how to make a good drink! As always, I started with my go-to Old Fashioned. I have to say, it was easily one of my top two Old Fashioneds I've ever had. Then I told Adan to surprise me, and he came up with some kind of peanut butter chocolate martini. Let me just say... it was a true pleasure. Rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious. What I really liked about The Modernist is that it feels like a place the locals actually frequent rather than just another tourist spot. I genuinely had a great time here. If you're visiting San Antonio and find yourself downtown, give The Modernist a try. Step away from the River Walk for a little while--you might just discover your new favorite spot.

My wife and I went to The Modernist after seeing it on social media. There wasn't a drink menu, and…read morewe were told the idea is that you tell the bartender what you like and they make something for you. Her first drink was a lavender-style cocktail and was fine. For her second drink, she told the bartender to surprise her. He gave her a look and asked more than once if she was sure she wanted him to surprise her. Instead of making her an actual cocktail, he poured her what seemed to be a straight, extremely bitter liqueur. The whole interaction felt sarcastic and like he was intentionally messing with her rather than trying to make her something she would enjoy. What bothered me most was the attitude behind it. We weren't being rude, demanding, or causing problems. We were there to have a good time and experience the whole "tell us what you like and we'll make you something" concept. I did call the number listed for the business afterward trying to speak to someone about it. The person who answered said I had the wrong number and didn't know what I was talking about. I got angry during that call and said some things I shouldn't have, and I can admit that. But that doesn't change how disappointing the experience at the bar was. We expected a creative and welcoming experience and instead left feeling like my wife had been mocked. I hope management sees this and addresses it, because the concept of the place is great, but the way we were treated completely ruined it for us

Weller 12 by way of Jason G! Thank you my friend!

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The bar

Pastiche

4.8(67 reviews)

1.1 mi•Eastside

I heard this was a good spot for black people so I came to check it out. Inside was packed, but…read moreit's so small it packs out pretty easily. The bar was damn near impossible to get to. There's no real 'line' and people just move into whatever space available to get to the front. Then they order, get their drinks, and just stand there blocking the rest of the people. After getting passed up twice I gave up and sat outside. Nice patio area. But they need to spray and prep for mosquitos. It wasn't a good experience. A gentleman came out and took my order- which was top notch and unexpected- but they didn't take cash. I used the atm card- and got a double leguas- and it came to$32!!!! How sway!?!?!? The ambiance was very nice- just not enough room inside. There was a dj in the living room- but their music doesn't play on the patio. It's a boombox out there playing a different playlist.

Pastiche is a WHOLE VIBE. We were in SA for a conference. Our waitress at Magpie recommended them…read more They were just a little walk down the street. Approaching, we didn't know what to expect. But once we got in and saw the layout AND heard the music, we were stuck. The eclectic old school decor from the front to the backyard set up...ALL AMAZING! We enjoyed our cocktails and time there. Don't even think about it...JUST GO!

Where to order drinks!

Outdoor area

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Story Horse

The Study

4.6(23 reviews)

0.5 mi•Downtown

The Study never fails to disappoint!…read more They have a great bourbon selection, and most are very reasonably priced! Bartenders are very knowledgeable and offer great suggestions! They don't do parties of larger than four, so it is always quaint, cozy and intimate. Great atmosphere!

Our initial visit to this establishment presented some unique circumstances. On that occasion, the…read morevenue was exceptionally busy, and the sole bartender on duty informed us he was covering for an absent colleague. Despite the staff shortage, we placed a significant order for at least ten drinks. My husband had made a reservation for 6:00 PM. However, at approximately 7:30 PM, after we had already placed our drink order, a staff member informed my husband that our table reservation was only valid for two hours. Concerned about the impending two-hour limit and the delay in receiving our drinks, which had still not arrived by 7:45 PM, we inquired with our bartender about potentially canceling our order. He reassured us, stating that other tables were available should additional patrons arrive. Our subsequent visit, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, was solely with my husband. We arrived punctually, approximately five minutes before our 7:30 PM reservation. A female bartender directed us to a small, two-person table, despite the presence of two larger, seemingly more comfortable, unoccupied tables nearby. While initially assuming these larger tables might be reserved for a bigger party, the selection felt somewhat restrictive given the availability. Our seating unfortunately placed us adjacent to another patron who was using an additional chair to prop up her footwear, which contributed to an unpleasant atmosphere. The bartender then approached our table and asked if it was our first time, to which we replied it was not. She then asked if we knew what we wanted to order. We requested a brief moment to review the menu. However, we then waited for approximately fifteen minutes for her to return. Eventually, my husband had to actively call her over to place our order. Our initial drinks arrived after another ten to fifteen minutes. Subsequently, my husband attempted to catch the bartender's attention to order another round and request water. However, she was engaged in a lengthy conversation, estimated at ten minutes, with the neighboring patron and proceeded to walk past our table without acknowledging us. This extended period of being overlooked led to considerable frustration for my husband, who then felt compelled to approach the main bar directly to place our order and obtain water from a different bartender. It was only after this that the initial female bartender finally approached our table, asking if we needed anything. Considering the relatively small size of the establishment and the fact that there were only three occupied tables at the time, the level of inattentive and delayed service was particularly disappointing and, frankly, perplexing.

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The Rose

4.7(43 reviews)

0.3 mi•Downtown

I really wanted to like this bar. It looked cozy and inviting from the outside. We were greeted by…read morea nice lady that talked too long, took our drink order and then everyone forgot about us. They were not busy and perhaps we should have said something but it took them 30 minutes and 2 different people to finally get our 2 drinks. The drinks were not good and considering we had plan to be somewhere when we finally got our drinks we paid the bill gulped down our not good drinks and left. This bar looks like it can be good but get better employees. If people sit at the bar they want to talk if they sit away from bar let them be. Serve the drinks and go away. The lady that kept talking to us was acting as if she ... Maybe this place will get better.

Yes, yes, yes. My after spot when we go to the Tobin Center. An easy walk. LOVE the professionalism…read moreand personality of the bartenders. They gave great recommendations. LOVED the flat breads and my espresso martini. Adult grilled cheese with kettle chips were perfect. Vibe is oh so nice for couples, groups, or solo like me.

Bar area...we were amazed that they offered three kinds of Blanton's!

Friday night at 7:30 pm. Was live by 8:30 pm on Saturday.

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Double Standard

4.0(218 reviews)

Great location, nice atmosphere, nice and cool inside and lots of choices. Kind and friendly staff…read moreand great service!

Headed back this month ...grabbed a hamburger with cheese, grilled onions and a tasty sauce. It…read morecame with a side of fries. The service is at the bar only ...order.. get a number and sit. It works. It is a small space with some long shareable tables, outside tables and bar stools.

Burger & French fries.

Negroni Week Cocktail

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East Coast Oysters.

The Esquire Tavern

4.1(3.6k reviews)

My husband and I enjoyed our couple hours we spent at the bar thanks to Daniel, our bartender who…read morewas extremely knowledgeable and entertaining! We will be back!

Update to first review below, rating updated from a 3 to a 5 star (drinks & bartender would get 10+…read morestars if we could rate that high): Saturday night: Went back for after dinner drinks at the Downstairs (a "speakeasy" throwback, look up the history of the place to see why). Drinks were AMAZING! Bartender Rob made the best Negroni I've ever had. I asked him to use whatever gin he thought best--result was an artistic smooooooth full-bodied drink. Told him when I was done I'd lick the glass if it wasn't considered so uncouth for a 'mature' lady like myself to do so Hubby's Buffalo Trace bourbon old fashioned was also outstanding. Rob was the bartender last night who did such a great job, and his work was even better tonight. We highly recommend The EsquireTavern for excellent cocktails. We love the long wood bar and high copper ceiling upstairs, but love the intimate speakeasy atmosphere downstairs even more. We'll definitely be back every time we're in San Antonio! First review, Friday night: Drinks were great (Manhattan and Bourbon Old Fashioned). REAL drinks, no complaints at all about those. And the bartenders were very friendly and helpful. Those aspects of the Esquire get 5+ stars from us. But the appetizers were not good, close to inedible. It was about 8:30pm or so, so maybe they were getting ready to close out the kitchen but the chalupitas with chicken tasted like rubber, and no flavor at all. The seafood platter had something in it that was breading with shell inside, but no meat of any kind. We couldn't figure out what it was supposed to be. The shrimp was good and the fish was good but those other things... We'll always love the drinks, the long wooden bar, and the ambiance at the Esquire Tavern, but we'll eat somewhere else and come here for before or after dinner drinks. (See update above to this review for when we returned the next night for after dinner drinks.)

The Esquire Tavern - Rum for the Hills

dominican republic rum, piña amaro, gentian amaro,
pamplemousse, pineapple, lime, demerara
SERVED ON CRUSHED ICE

Rum for the Hills dominican republic rum, piña amaro, gentian amaro, pamplemousse, pineapple, lime, demerara SERVED ON CRUSHED ICE

Chili Salt Fries

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Chicken Fried Steak

Lo Cura

4.6(30 reviews)

Fun location under N. St. Marys bridge on the Riverwalk. Clever cocktails and N/A beverages and…read morefood was freshly prepared. Service was swift and friendly. Adobe BBQ tacos were generous portions. Spicy Margarita actually had a kick to it. Nachos with Queso was also a generous portion. For a place in the 'zona tourista' it is with a stop.

So friendly, great location! If you are not familiar with the Riverwalk, you're allowed to walk…read morewith alcohol. This was a great pick up spot. But also a great place for a break from the sun. It's located under a bridge. We got walking tacos and a drink. Everything was great. Is it worth the drive?...yes

Cold beer!

Frito pie

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Hugman's Oasis

4.3(393 reviews)

Great place ! Brought my friend here from out of town and she loved it ! Drinks were wonderful and…read moreservice from Joan the bartender was even better 10/10

For a very solid, real tiki bar experience, this is the destination in the Alamo City. (That place…read moreeast of here is an **extremely** loud dance club with some tropical decorations--NOT a tiki bar.) Inside and out, Hugman's Oasis (named to honor the godfather of the Riverwalk) is a true tiki bar. Signage, furniture, lighting, music, interior finishes, fantastic decor, and (of course) drinks are well-done. If they had stayed open later, we would have tried all of the drinks, so there's another visit to come soon. Our bartender knew requested off-menu classics, which was impressive. We will not hesitate to seek refuge from the downtown streets in this oasis again any time.

Things to do in San Antonio

Santa cup and drink

Bar Friend

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A fantastic drink I cannot remember the name of!

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Joseph M.

0

25

22

1 year ago

I had a disappointing experience at Watson Bar that I feel compelled to share. During my visit, I was accused of slurring my words after only one drink, which I hadn't even finished. This was particularly surprising as I was simply trying to show appreciation to a group of 12 teachers from Atlanta attending a conference in our city. To add insult to injury, I was served what was supposedly a double shot of vodka in a drink that tasted nothing more than club soda. It felt like a blatant attempt to overcharge me, and I found it incredibly disrespectful, especially as a platinum member staying at the hotel. I pride myself on not overindulging, and my gesture to buy drinks for the teachers should not have been misconstrued as drunkenness. The view from the bar is lovely, but the drinks and food do not match the quality one would expect for the price. It's disheartening to feel mistrusted and insulted in what should be a celebratory atmosphere. I left feeling embarrassed and frustrated, and I cannot recommend this establishment if you're looking for honest service and quality drinks. Overall, my experience left me questioning the integrity of their drink offerings and the treatment of loyal customers. read more

Rebecca J.

Elite 26

18

169

606

3 years ago

This marks our second visit to this bar. The initial occasion was during the Chili Queen forum, where the bar generously treated the group to a delicious bowl of Frito pie. I must say it was the most satisfying and mouthwatering chili I've ever tasted. On our second visit, we decided to go there independently, drawn by the delightful weather and the desire to savor the city view from their rooftop bar. The view was absolutely breathtaking. What's more, they've now added their fantastic Frito pie to the regular menu, so you can only imagine what I ordered! read more

Juliett D.

101

96

182

3 years ago

I experienced this restaurant for my birthday dinner. The best time to go is during the week, as it tends to be less busy compared to the weekend. It offers a great view, excellent drinks, and service. It can be a bit windy, so ladies, be prepared to hold onto your dresses. read more

Ashley Lawson

1

25

14

8 months ago

Me and my boyfriend came here for drinks on a sunday. Drinks were AMAZING & the views were spectacular. The bartender was super nice i love when staff calls me "babe" "hun", maybe because that's what i call my customers. Overall love. read more

Jimmy M.

0

1

0

1 year ago

The restaurant and bar are in a beautiful location to see the city at night. The Southern Sol cocktail was delicious!

Varinder S.

146

17

4

3 years ago

Bartender were not happy bc servers make more money than the bartenders. So the service sucked.

1Watson - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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First time here rooftop bar & bites a wonderful place beautiful ambience, beautiful photos can be…read moretaken out on the rooftop deck at sunset, service was very warm, sat at bar David was phenomenal!!! Our food was delicious phenomenal!!!! Such a nice spot!

I've eaten at TMD several times for girl brunches and dinners and always have a great time. I also…read morestayed at the Thompson recently with my family and we ate breakfast/brunch here for the weekend. The food offered during lunch/dinner is pretty good, but I do wish there were more expansive options. It is odd that there is not one tv at their bar (in case a hubby wants to watch a sports game lol) but I get it's not the vibe. Their brunch is ok but the price is not worth it. It's over $30 if you want the meat and things like cereal , bagels , and juice. Half the price if you only want the basic cereal yogurt and bagels. I would not recommend the brunch to anyone unless they are strictly going for the view. The view and vibe are stunning. The daytime vibe is much different than the nighttime so I highlyyyy recommend going for dinner and drinks. Make a reservation because it gets crowded. The coffee bar that's there early in the morning , which is probably more for the hotel guests because it's not open for long, was kind of a let down! I had the kindest barista that was easy to talk to. However half of their menu wasn't available because there was no matcha and apparently there hadn't been in weeks which is so unfortunate. They have tons of potential and have the right staff, so hopefully they fix that soon!

Amelia Social Lounge

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This is a beautiful bar located in the Creamery district near the Pearl. The ambiance of the bar is…read moreclassy with a piano off to the left side when you walk in to the lounge. There is roof top seating. The roof top is where we hung out on a Saturday night. It's does get busy after 8pm so come early if you want a seat at the roof top. There is a dress code; dress to impress. Don't come in with sneakers and a cap. I did take off one star due to not having all the drinks on their advertised menu.

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The Study

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The Study never fails to disappoint!…read more They have a great bourbon selection, and most are very reasonably priced! Bartenders are very knowledgeable and offer great suggestions! They don't do parties of larger than four, so it is always quaint, cozy and intimate. Great atmosphere!

Our initial visit to this establishment presented some unique circumstances. On that occasion, the…read morevenue was exceptionally busy, and the sole bartender on duty informed us he was covering for an absent colleague. Despite the staff shortage, we placed a significant order for at least ten drinks. My husband had made a reservation for 6:00 PM. However, at approximately 7:30 PM, after we had already placed our drink order, a staff member informed my husband that our table reservation was only valid for two hours. Concerned about the impending two-hour limit and the delay in receiving our drinks, which had still not arrived by 7:45 PM, we inquired with our bartender about potentially canceling our order. He reassured us, stating that other tables were available should additional patrons arrive. Our subsequent visit, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, was solely with my husband. We arrived punctually, approximately five minutes before our 7:30 PM reservation. A female bartender directed us to a small, two-person table, despite the presence of two larger, seemingly more comfortable, unoccupied tables nearby. While initially assuming these larger tables might be reserved for a bigger party, the selection felt somewhat restrictive given the availability. Our seating unfortunately placed us adjacent to another patron who was using an additional chair to prop up her footwear, which contributed to an unpleasant atmosphere. The bartender then approached our table and asked if it was our first time, to which we replied it was not. She then asked if we knew what we wanted to order. We requested a brief moment to review the menu. However, we then waited for approximately fifteen minutes for her to return. Eventually, my husband had to actively call her over to place our order. Our initial drinks arrived after another ten to fifteen minutes. Subsequently, my husband attempted to catch the bartender's attention to order another round and request water. However, she was engaged in a lengthy conversation, estimated at ten minutes, with the neighboring patron and proceeded to walk past our table without acknowledging us. This extended period of being overlooked led to considerable frustration for my husband, who then felt compelled to approach the main bar directly to place our order and obtain water from a different bartender. It was only after this that the initial female bartender finally approached our table, asking if we needed anything. Considering the relatively small size of the establishment and the fact that there were only three occupied tables at the time, the level of inattentive and delayed service was particularly disappointing and, frankly, perplexing.

The Esquire Tavern

4.1

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My husband and I enjoyed our couple hours we spent at the bar thanks to Daniel, our bartender who…read morewas extremely knowledgeable and entertaining! We will be back!

Update to first review below, rating updated from a 3 to a 5 star (drinks & bartender would get 10+…read morestars if we could rate that high): Saturday night: Went back for after dinner drinks at the Downstairs (a "speakeasy" throwback, look up the history of the place to see why). Drinks were AMAZING! Bartender Rob made the best Negroni I've ever had. I asked him to use whatever gin he thought best--result was an artistic smooooooth full-bodied drink. Told him when I was done I'd lick the glass if it wasn't considered so uncouth for a 'mature' lady like myself to do so Hubby's Buffalo Trace bourbon old fashioned was also outstanding. Rob was the bartender last night who did such a great job, and his work was even better tonight. We highly recommend The EsquireTavern for excellent cocktails. We love the long wood bar and high copper ceiling upstairs, but love the intimate speakeasy atmosphere downstairs even more. We'll definitely be back every time we're in San Antonio! First review, Friday night: Drinks were great (Manhattan and Bourbon Old Fashioned). REAL drinks, no complaints at all about those. And the bartenders were very friendly and helpful. Those aspects of the Esquire get 5+ stars from us. But the appetizers were not good, close to inedible. It was about 8:30pm or so, so maybe they were getting ready to close out the kitchen but the chalupitas with chicken tasted like rubber, and no flavor at all. The seafood platter had something in it that was breading with shell inside, but no meat of any kind. We couldn't figure out what it was supposed to be. The shrimp was good and the fish was good but those other things... We'll always love the drinks, the long wooden bar, and the ambiance at the Esquire Tavern, but we'll eat somewhere else and come here for before or after dinner drinks. (See update above to this review for when we returned the next night for after dinner drinks.)

Postino The Rim

4.7

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We came in to redeem some rewards as I'm part of the wine cult but I've been having some technical…read moredifficulties. Josiah was so supportive and sweet through me explaining the situation and he immediately helped with the problem and made sure I got my wine. The food is always delicious and the soup of the moment was divine. Will be back as I do every month ;)

Had such an incredible experience at Postino The Rim for my wife's birthday. From the second we…read morewalked in, Raul and Feross went above and beyond to make the night feel special. The service was genuine, attentive, and welcoming the entire evening. They made us feel celebrated without it ever feeling forced, and you can tell they truly care about creating a great experience for their guests. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were already amazing, but Raul and Feross really took the night to another level. My wife left feeling so loved and appreciated, and that means everything to me. Huge thank you to both of them for making her birthday one we'll genuinely remember for a long time. Can't wait to come back.

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Downtown residents for 15 years. One of our favs. Used to be the TICKET, now The Rose. What a…read moretransformation! Next level! Arguably some of the best mixologists in town. The bits/food - OMG! Price point, your downtown SATX on Houston Street a block from the Alamo - prices are on point. PS solid budget friendly happy hour! Problem solved! Live music, and other events.

I love this place! The bartenders were extremely professional and quick to recommend and serve…read moredrinks. There's a nice long bar and plenty of tables. When we were there a band started playing around 8 and we really enjoyed it. If you order an appetizer, I highly recommend the whipped feta.....omg it was amazing! The place didn't feel too touristy and the bathrooms were clean.

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This is a great Speak Easy felling bar. The place opens at…read more6pm. And they have a HH. This place has cool vibes with cool art on the walls. The service here is amazing. The bartender was welcoming and makes great drinks. He also is a magician as some of the drinks he makes light up!! Before you leave make sure you take a trip down the trippy hallway to the restrooms. Go enjoy and thank me later.

A really well-made drink! Thanks Yelp hive for the recommendation. Walking down the stairs you…read moremay find it dark, but still good ambiance. A lot of great artwork (in my opinion). I had the Mona Lisa. Loved the tortilla salt rim - it gave it a savory note that went well with the Mezcal and the spice, and as the ice cubes melted, I definitely got more spice. A winner in my book.

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