
Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileRealm Of The 52 Remedies
San Diego, CA
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
Research completed 2026-08-29 · Based on current public sources
Editor: Micah Rousey
Review methodology and evidence standardsThe editorial take
Realm Of The 52 Remedies presents a cocktail program with genuine ambition, drawing on Asian spirits and ingredients like shochu, baijiu, and bitter melon. The seasonal menu rotates, while the Eternal Remedies list offers year-round originals. A small wine and sake list complements the drinks. Guests praise the inventive cocktails and the speakeasy atmosphere.
- What should I order?
- Start with Opium Den, a smoked, shiitake-infused cocktail with Armagnac and Scotch, served with salted pretzels. The seasonal Kirin Black showcases hojicha-infused shochu and carbonated sake. For a spirit-free option, the Jade Empress is a matcha and baijiu-inspired creation.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking adventurous, Asia-inspired flavor combinations will find much to explore. The intimate speakeasy setting and creative menu appeal to those looking for a distinctive drinking experience beyond standard bar fare.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the moody speakeasy vibe. The seasonal menu changes, so returning across seasons offers new concoctions. Reservations are required, with a two-hour table limit noted.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are priced around $20, with the spirit-free Jade Empress at $15. Wine and sake by the glass range from $15 to $24, with bottles from $42 to $52.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The apothecary theme, inspired by an ancient Chinese medical text, shapes a menu of unusual, well-crafted cocktails. Ingredients like sword bean tea, sorrel, and salted cream cheese foam set it apart from typical cocktail lists.
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
Inventive, Asia-inspired cocktails with seasonal and year-round sections. Limited quantities on some.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of Asian spirits and ingredients like shochu, baijiu, and bitter melon.
- — Seasonal and limited-quantity offerings keep the menu dynamic.
Standout selections
- — Opium Den: smoked salt, shiitake, oloroso sherry, Armagnac, and Isla of Jura 10yr Scotch, garnished with salted pretzels.
- — Kirin Black: hojicha-infused shochu, Kaiyo 5 Wood, PX sherry, carbonated sake, and barley tea air.
- — Jade Empress: Ming River baijiu, green tea shochu, matcha, and salted cream cheese foam.
Pricing: Opium Den $20, Lalisa $20; most cocktails not priced on menu
Wine
Small but curated wine and sake list. Includes two still wines, one sparkling, and two sakes, with premium options.
Menu strengths
- — Curated selection with both still and sparkling options.
Standout selections
- — Cavaletti Grenache (Sonoma Valley) at $16 glass / $48 bottle.
- — Soto Sake Premium Junmai Daiginjo at $24 glass / $42 bottle.
Pricing: Still wines $16 glass / $48 bottle; sparkling $15 glass / $45 bottle; sake $15-$24 glass
Nonalcoholic
Limited but thoughtful non-alcoholic options. One spirit-free cocktail currently, with a dedicated section coming in Summer 2026. Bartenders accommodate custom requests.
Menu strengths
- — Plans to expand non-alcoholic offerings in Summer 2026.
- — Bartenders are willing to create custom non-alcoholic drinks.
Standout selections
- — Jade Empress (Spirit-Free): baijiu-inspired flavors with matcha and salted cream cheese, $15.
Pricing: Spirit-free Jade Empress $15
Spirits
Extensive use of diverse and premium spirits in cocktails. A Spirits Index link suggests a dedicated list, though not retrieved.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails feature a wide range of spirits including shochu, gin, rum, cognac, whisky, baijiu, and soju.
Standout selections
- — Long Quy features Song Cai Spiced Roselle Vietnamese Gin and mesquite-infused Bimini Barrel Reserved Gin.
- — Mountain Turtle uses Hwayo Black Korean Soju and St. George Terrior Gin.
How it sits with the food
The savory, umami-forward snacks align with the cocktails' bold flavors.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
About this review
Research is based on recent public evidence, including official venue materials and beverage menus when available. The review date is the research completion date and does not imply an in-person visit.
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