Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Botanist
Bakersfield, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Botanist positions itself as a cocktail bar with a botanical bent, offering a seasonal menu that runs from an Earl Grey Martini to a Moshi Moshi with sake and yuzu. The spirits list goes deep, including Pappy 15 Yr and Yamazaki 12 Yr. Wine, beer, and zero-proof options round out a program that customers say rivals larger cities.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Earl Grey Martini, a $14 cocktail built on Earl Grey-infused gin, Earl Grey simple syrup, egg whites, and citrus. For a bourbon-forward choice, the Botanist Fashion uses Buffalo Trace with cinnamon brown sugar and Angostura bitters. Those seeking rare pours can order Pappy 15 Yr at $175.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate botanical and seasonal ingredients will find a menu with creative combinations. Spirit collectors will value the range from everyday pours like Grey Goose to high-end bottles like Macallan 18. The dedicated mocktail menu also makes it a spot for non-drinkers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Main cocktail menu prices range from $14 to $24, with brunch cocktails at $10-$12. Wine by the glass runs $12-$16, bottles $44-$60. Beer is $5-$7.5. Spirits pours start at $9 and climb to $175 for Pappy 15 Yr.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Botanist blends a botanical-themed cocktail program with an extensive spirits list that includes rare pours like Pappy 15 Yr and Macallan 18. A dedicated Free Spirits mocktail menu offers zero-proof versions of its cocktails, and the wine list covers multiple regions by glass and bottle.
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
The cocktail menu is seasonal and botanical, with signature drinks like Earl Grey Martini, Botanist Fashion, and Moshi Moshi. Brunch and dessert offerings extend the range, and customers describe the house cocktails as delicious and comparable to those in larger cities.
Menu strengths
- — Seasonal and botanical-themed menu with creative ingredients.; Multiple signature cocktails with clear flavor profiles, from Earl Grey Martini to Moshi Moshi.
- — Brunch and dessert cocktail menus add variety, including a Coffee Old Fashioned and Night Cap Espresso Martini.
Standout selections
- — Earl Grey Martini: Earl Grey infused gin, Earl Grey simple syrup, egg whites, citrus.
- — Botanist Fashion: Buffalo Trace bourbon, cinnamon brown sugar, Angostura bitters, orange peel, Luxardo cherry.
- — Moshi Moshi: Sake, gin, yuzu, citrus, cucumber, grape, ume syrup, egg whites.
Pricing: $14-$24 main; $10-$12 brunch; $14 dessert
Wine
The wine list spans rosé, bubbles, white, and red, with selections from Paso Robles, Napa, Oregon, and Italy. Wines are offered by the glass and bottle, including a G.H. Mumm Champagne by the bottle only.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of wine styles including sparkling, white, and red.
- — Regional diversity with picks from Paso Robles, Napa, Willamette Valley, and Italy.
- — Available by glass and bottle, with reasonable price points.
Standout selections
- — Rosé, The Fableist (Paso Robles) – Glass $12, Bottle $44.
- — Pinot Noir, Susan's Vineyard (Umpqua Valley) – Glass $16, Bottle $60.
- — Cabernet Sauvignon, Oberon (Napa Valley) – Glass $16, Bottle $60.
Pricing: Glasses $12-$16; bottles $44-$60
Beer
Beer selection includes bottled and draft options, with a mix of familiar labels like 805 and Stella Artois, plus local KRBC drafts. A non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0 is also available.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local draft options from KRBC.; Range of bottled beers from Pabst Blue Ribbon to Fat Tire.
Standout selections
- — Isabella Blond (KRBC) – Draft $7.; 805 (Firestone Walker) – $6.
Pricing: Bottles $5-$6; drafts $7-$7.5
Nonalcoholic
The Free Spirits mocktail menu offers four zero-proof drinks at $10.5 each, including Blackberry Basil Spritz, Pineapple Mint Fizz, Lady Grey Mocktini, and Cranberry Kiss. These mirror the creativity of the cocktail program.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero-proof mocktail menu.; Mocktails are priced consistently at $10.5.
- — Includes botanical and fruit-forward options like Lady Grey Mocktini.
Standout selections
- — Lady Grey Mocktini: Earl Grey infused simple syrup, citrus, egg white, soda water.
- — Cranberry Kiss: Cranberry syrup, lemon juice, soda water, cranberry foam.
Pricing: $10.5 each
Spirits
The spirits list is extensive, covering American whiskey, world whiskey, scotch, tequila, mezcal, cognac, gin, and vodka. Prices range from $9 for Espolon Blanco to $175 for Pappy 15 Yr, with rare selections like Yamazaki 12 and Macallan 18.
Menu strengths
- — Very extensive selection across multiple spirit categories.; Includes rare and high-end offerings like Pappy and Macallan.
- — Offers pours at a wide price range, from accessible to premium.
Standout selections
- — Pappy 15 Yr (American whiskey) – $175.; Yamazaki 12 Yr (Japanese whiskey) – $46.
Pricing: Pours $9-$175
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