Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileRealm Of The 52 Remedies
San Diego, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The 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.
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