The margarita may be the unofficial drink of Texas summers, but there’s something to be said for a perfectly-balanced cocktail made with smooth scotch, rye or bourbon whiskey. Whether you’re hanging out on a downtown-area patio or enjoying a swanky basement-level speakeasy, SA has plenty of spots to cool off with a refreshing, whiskey-based tipple.

In preparation for the Current‘s annual Whiskey Business event — which will feature the more than 50 varieties of the rich, amber-hued booze — we dug up 26 local spots that can pour a mean whiskey cocktail.

Bar Loretta 320 Beauregard St., (210) 757-3607, barloretta.com This new spot offers cocktail mavens a bar menu that highlights a selection of Manhattans, created by bartender Michael J. Neff, founder of The Cottonmouth Club in Houston and The Rum House in New York. Photo via Instagram / barloretta
Ambler 306 W Market St., (210) 229-9222, amblersanantonio.com Ambler, the new eatery inside the iconic Hotel Contessa, serves up classically-inspired cocktails such as the Ambler Old Fashioned — made with Basil Hayden bourbon, amaro, salted honey and bitters — in an inviting space. Photo via Instagram / amblersa
10. RD Speakeasy 8400 N New Braunfels Ave, (210) 824-0116, facebook.com/rdspeakeasy “This place is amazing! The atmosphere is enchanting and romantic, the drinks are so good and made with precision (best sazerac in San Antonio) and the charcuterie board is a perfect snack for the drinks. I will be returning to this spot for sure!” – Dora K. Photo via Instagram / atanotherangle
The Esquire Tavern 155 E Commerce St, (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com This longtime SA boozery may be known for its record-setting 109-foot-long bar, but cocktail purists may find a respite in the River Walk tavern’s whiskey selection. Belly up to the iconic bar for a Texas is the Reason cocktail, featuring bonded corn whiskey, local Texas scrub-smoked whiskey, Italian liqueur, grapefruit and honey. Photo via Instagram / esquiretavernsa
Jazz, TX 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 6, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com The tagline for this swanky Pearl-area venue is, “Fine Jazz – Serious Food,” but is no one going to mention the cocktails? The boozy, Old Fashioned-style ensemble cocktail features bourbon, brown sugar, peach, basil and bitters. Sign us up. Photo via Instagram, jazz_texas
Devils River Distillery 401 E Houston St., (833) 379-1840, devilsriverwhiskey.com/devils-river-distillery-2 Offering five different expressions of Texas whiskey is no small feat, and this distillery celebrates its accomplishment with cocktails such as the Razmanian Devil, featuring Devils River Bourbon, raspberry and lemon. Photo via Instagram / devilsrwhiskey
21. Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern 155 E Commerce St, (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com “This is one of the coolest bar/restaurants I have ever seen. It’s dark and romantic with amazing food and a delicious wine menu. The servers are very relaxed and never rush you to order. It’s wonderful for drinks and small bites after a long day at work.” – Theresa F. Photo via Instagram / downstairsatesquire
Tony’s Siesta 206 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 592-1199, facebook.com/TonysSiesta This revamp of a historic San Antonio watering hole marries the old with the new, offering easy vibes and expertly crafted cocktails. Be sure to mosey out to the back patio with your boozy libations for a cool breeze and food truck fare. Photo via Instagram / tonyssiesta
Cellar Mixology by Toro Kitchen + Bar 1142 E Commerce St, (210) 592-1075, cellarmixology.com Located in St. Paul’s Square, just east of Downtown San Antonio, this speak-easy concept boasts basement walls that date back to the 1920’s. While the space may feature older details, the whiskey cocktails are anything but tired. Photo via Instagram / cellarmixology
Whiskey Cake 15900 La Cantera Pkwy Ste 21200, (210) 236-8095, whiskeycake.com Whiskey is in the name, you guys! And this La Cantera-area spot certainly pays homage to that particular ingredient, offering cocktails such as the Tennessee Stud, with Jack Daniel’s, local honey, lemon and Old Fashioned and orange bitters. Photo via Instagram / whiskeycakesa
Sternewirth 136 E Grayson St., (210) 223-7375 Hotel bars are best for keeping warm while drinking, and the Hotel Emma is no exception. Although Sternewirth aesthetic gives off a colder vibe, the collections of couches and comfy chairs are perfect for drinking at ease. Plus, it’s a prime spot for those with big parties. Just try not to disturb the tourists too much (or do, we don’t care). Photo via Instagram / historicpearl Credit: Instagram / historicpearl
Maverick Whiskey 115 Broadway, (210) 447-7010, maverickwhiskey.com This Downtown distillery offers a selection of SA-made spirits, such as their Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Try it in the Smoking Revolver cocktail, featuring Maverick Coffee Liqueur, bitters, smoked with cinnamon. Photo via Instagram / maverickwhiskey
Bar du Mon Ami 4901 Broadway St, (210) 740-9229, bardumonami.com This cozy Alamo Heights staple takes pride in its quiet, dimly lit atmosphere, good for chatting with friends while imbibing in the bar’s selection of whiskies. Ask your bartender for booze recommendations, as the options abound. Photo via Instagram / bardumonami
Rock & Rye 17631 La Cantera Pkwy RIM, Suite # 103, (210) 721-7753, rockandryebar.com From the minds behind whiskey haven Bar 1919, Rock & Rye is a brand-new north SA spot that boasts 400 varieties of booze, ranging from cocktail staples such as whiskey, gin and agave spirits to more adventurous options like aquavit, grappa and absinthe. Photo via Instagram / rockandryebar
Bohanan’s Prime Steak and Seafood 219 E Houston St., (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com Steak and seafood may gain top billing at this downtown spot, but believe us when we say the cocktails could please any discerning sipper. Snag a seat at the upstairs bar for a truly customized experience. Photo via Instagram / bohanans
Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling 4834 Whirlwind Dr., (210) 339-2282, drinkrangercreek.com SA’s first “brewstillery” offers up a collection of Alamo City-distilled whiskeys including award-winning bourbon, single malt and rye varieties. Venture out and try the Texas Mule cocktail, a spin on the Moscow Mule using premium white whiskey instead of vodka. Photo via Instagram / rangercreek
1. The Modernist 516 E Grayson St, (210) 446-8699, facebook.com/themodernistsa “Totally cool speakeasy that you’d never know existed. The two owners behind the bar poured food drinks (no menu!) that were also very reasonably priced. It’s a house that has the vibe of drinking in a friend’s living room with no lights on— but that’s pretty f**king cool!!!” – Aaron G. Photo via Instagram / themodernistsa Credit: Instagram / themodernistsa
11. The Hoppy Monk 1010 N Loop 1604 E, (210) 545-3330, thehoppymonk.com/sanantonio “Great beer selection and excellent gourmet food! I’ve never had an egg taste so good on a sandwich before and I learned that aioli is just a fancy word for delicious mayonnaise! This is definitely a place for beer taste on a champagne budget.” – Marc C. Photo via Instagram / thehoppymonk_sa
Rebelle 300 E Travis St, (210) 352-3171, rebellesa.com The whiskey cocktails in this swanky joint lend themselves to a decadent experience, thanks to ingredients such as honeysuckle liqueur and chocolate bitters. Photo via Instagram / rebellesanantonio
Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House Masks Required 16080 San Pedro Ave, (210) 462-1894, lucycoopers.com There’s nothing better than lounging in an adirondack chair while the Texas sun beams down and a breeze passes though — except for maybe the addition of a cold libation in your hand. Fresh air aficionados can get all of that and more at Lucy’s. Photo via Instagram / lucycoopersicehouse Credit: Photo via Instagram / lucycoopersicehouse
Barbaro 2720 McCullough Ave, (210) 320-2777
Bar 1919 1420 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1420, bar1919.com Snag one of the armchairs in this speakeasy, or stay close to the bar to watch these spirits wizards work their magic. Wherever you decide to set up for the night, the low-lights of the bar will have you feeling like you’re drinking at home – just with much, much better drinks. Photo via Instagram / sacurrent
Brazed 909 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 632-1209, brazedsa.com Brazed is a new beer- and whiskey-focused outdoor bar situated inside Augie’s Alamo City BBQ, on Broadway. The new joint offers up a “hybrid” menu of barbecue and pub-style fare, debuting bites such as sliders, nachos, chips and queso on a huge, newly expanded patio space. Photo via Instagram / brazedsa
George’s Keep 17101 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 1200, georgeskeep.com Escape the fast-paced bar scene in downtown and venture out to La Cantera. Unwind during happy hour with The Northwest Side (vodka, cucumber, lime, simple syrups with muddled serrano) or a glass of wine, each at $5.50. Photo via Instagram / csj55
Havana Bar 1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com While everyone raves on and on about Hotel Havana’s Ocho, pay Havana Bar a visit instead. This secluded spot serves up swanky cocktails in a dim candle lit basement – perfect for a secret rendezvous. Photo via Instagram / randi.redmon
The General Public 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Ste. 102, (210) 920-1101, thegenpublic.com They call it “Happy Hourly” at The General Public because they count down from 3 to 6 p.m, by knocking a buck off select house draft beers, wines by the glass, ranch waters and bites. That means $3 at 3pm, $4 at 4pm, and $5 at 5pm. Cheap AND easy to navigate! Photo via Instagram / thegenpublic