Bar
Unclaimed profileWhite Squirrel Bar
Saint Paul, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
White Squirrel Bar pushes a cocktail list that spans barrel-aged gin with cava to a rum, Thai tea, and falernum number. Local craft beer rotates on tap, house wines cover the basics, and non-alcoholic options include switchel and kombucha. The program is broad, but without prices or producer details, the bar reads as competent rather than revelatory.
- What should I order?
- The reposado and mezcal cocktail with ginger syrup is a well-spirited choice. For something brighter, the rye and lillet with jalapeno and blueberry sour offers a complex sweet-heat balance. The barrel-aged gin with aperol and cava is a sophisticated option.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers seeking a varied, exploratory menu will find plenty to sample. Fans of local craft beer and those wanting non-alcoholic options like kombucha or switchel are also covered. The bar's live music and friendly atmosphere, as mentioned by guests, broaden its appeal.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when live music is scheduled are likely to draw a lively crowd. The bar's rotating taps and seasonal switchel flavors suggest repeat visits to check what's new.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list is notably inventive, mixing unexpected ingredients like tajin, Thai tea, and blueberry sour. The use of local honey and support for local breweries ties the program to its region. A rotating non-alcoholic menu adds further distinction.
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
A creative list of seven signature cocktails uses a broad range of spirits and unusual ingredients like tajin, Thai tea, and blueberry sour. The inclusion of barrel-aged gin and cava shows ambition, though execution cannot be verified.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of spirits and flavor profiles across the menu.
- — Inventive combinations, such as rye with lillet and jalapeno.
- — Use of local honey and fresh citrus suggests quality ingredients.
Standout selections
- — Reposado and mezcal with lemon and ginger syrup.
- — Rye, lillet, jalapeno, tajin, and blueberry sour.
- — Barrel-aged gin, aperol, punch, and cava.
Pricing: No prices listed.
Wine
The wine list is basic: house red and white, sangria, cabernet, pinot gris, rose, and cava split. No producers or regions are specified, so the selection appears serviceable rather than curated.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a cava split, suitable for solo drinkers.
Pricing: No prices listed.
Beer
Local craft beers on tap and in bottles, with rotating taps and selection. The focus on local breweries is a plus, but the lack of specific names or styles limits assessment.
Menu strengths
- — Supports local breweries.; Rotating taps keep the selection fresh.
Pricing: No prices listed.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options include NA beer, cold coffee, and rotating switchel and kombucha. This provides a thoughtful range beyond the usual soda, though specifics are lacking.
Menu strengths
- — Includes NA beer, appealing to those avoiding alcohol.
Standout selections
- — Kombucha (rotating flavors).; Switchel (rotating flavors).
Pricing: No prices listed.
Spirits
The cocktail menu employs a wide range of spirits, from vodka and rye to reposado, mezcal, gin, rum, and tequila. This diversity indicates a well-stocked bar, but no standalone spirits selection is documented.
Menu strengths
- — Broad spirit coverage across cocktail recipes.; Includes both aged and unaged agave spirits.
Standout selections
- — Reposado and mezcal in the ginger cocktail.
- — Barrel-aged gin in the punch cocktail.
Pricing: No standalone spirits list or pricing.
How it sits with the food
No food menu is mentioned, but the cocktail ingredients—mint, ginger, jalapeno, and citrus—suggest compatibility with light, fresh fare or spicy snacks. The sangria and rose could pair with casual bar bites if available.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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