Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileAlchemy - Choose Thy Poison
San Diego, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Alchemy - Choose Thy Poison operates as a wine bar in name, but its beverage program is a cocktail laboratory. The menu runs to inventive drinks built on house-made syrups like aguachile verde and kombu-celery, with fat-washed mezcal and chocolate-infused bourbon. Zero-proof versions of four cocktails broaden the appeal. Prices sit at $16–$18, and guests praise the creativity. Wine and beer lists remain unverified, so the cocktail program carries the review.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Verde for its aguachile verde syrup and smoked salt rim, or the Bonesmoke if you want bone marrow fat-washed mezcal in a Negroni framework. The Abuelita's Old Fashioned delivers chocolate depth, and the Bloodstone shot offers a hibiscus-rosemary kick.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking unusual ingredients and thematic presentation will find much to like. The zero-proof versions also make it a fit for those abstaining from alcohol but still wanting complex flavors. The intimate, hidden-gem atmosphere, as described by guests, suits small groups.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are the natural time for a cocktail-focused visit, especially if you want the full menu. The venue's intimate setting suggests reservations are wise, as guests recommend them.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are priced between $16 and $18, with the Abuelita's Old Fashioned at the top end. Expect to spend roughly $16–$18 per drink, excluding any food or additional beverages.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program's use of savory and unconventional syrups—aguachile verde, kombu-celery—and fat-washing with bone marrow sets it apart. Thematic names like Wolfsbane and Bonesmoke reinforce a distinct identity. The availability of zero-proof versions for four cocktails is a notable commitment to inclusivity.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail list with house-made syrups and infusions, including aguachile verde, kombu-celery, and bone marrow fat-washed mezcal. Thematic names and complex flavor descriptions are backed by positive guest feedback on quality and creativity.
Menu strengths
- — Inventive recipes using house-made syrups like aguachile verde and kombu-celery.
- — Fat-washing with bone marrow adds a distinctive savory depth.
Standout selections
- — Verde: tequila, aguachile verde syrup, ginger, avocado, lime, soda, smoked salt rim.
- — Bonesmoke: mezcal Negroni fat-washed with bone marrow and charred guava.
- — Abuelita's Old Fashioned: bourbon with café de olla and chocolate Abuelita syrup.
- — Bloodstone: hibiscus-basil syrup, lemon, rosemary, with gin or mezcal.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $16 to $18.
Nonalcoholic
Four cocktails offer zero-proof versions: Verde, Love Potion, Bloodstone, and Ancestral Flame. These mirror the creativity of the alcoholic menu, providing a thoughtful non-alcoholic option, though no dedicated non-alcoholic menu exists.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple zero-proof options are integrated into the cocktail menu.
- — Zero-proof versions maintain the inventive flavor profiles of their alcoholic counterparts.
Standout selections
- — Verde (Zero Proof): non-alcoholic version with aguachile verde syrup and smoked salt rim.
- — Ancestral Flame (Zero Proof): mezcal-inspired with cacao-spiced syrup and mole.
Pricing: No pricing available for zero-proof versions.
Spirits
The cocktail menu showcases a diverse range of spirits: tequila, gin, vodka, mezcal, bourbon, and whiskey. However, there is no dedicated spirits list or tasting menu, so the program is limited to cocktail ingredients.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit selection used across the cocktail menu.
- — Includes less common choices like mezcal and bone marrow fat-washed variants.
Standout selections
- — Mezcal appears in Bonesmoke and Ancestral Flame, showcasing agave variety.
- — Bourbon is featured in the Abuelita's Old Fashioned.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
The food menu exists, but specific pairings are not documented. The savory, umami-heavy cocktail ingredients (kombu, bone marrow, mole) suggest they could complement rich or spicy dishes, but without evidence, this remains speculative.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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