One of the River Walk’s most distinguished hotel properties is raising a toast to its newest amenity: a one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge serving a selection of tequilas and mezcals that can’t be found anywhere else in the Alamo City.

Billed as the only tequila bar in San Antonio, Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar has just opened at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk and features an impressive curated menu highlighting the best of the agave spirit alongside an extensive offering of mezcals.

Naranja’s menu includes blanco, reposado, añejo, and cristalino tequilas, with the bar also showcasing some of Mexico’s most iconic tequila and mezcal brands, including Lalo, Clase Azul, Casamigos, Tears of Llorona, Maestro Dobel, Tres Generaciones, Del Maguey Vida, Dos Amigos, and Cases Dragones.

In addition to tequila and mezcal served straight up and in flights for sipping, Naranja’s menu also includes an array of signature tequila and mezcal cocktails, and a tapas menu of small plates that complement the tequila and mezcal offerings and provide a bit of a break for the palate.

Whether visitors and locals opt for a sipper or a crafted cocktail, Naranja aims to become not just a welcoming bar, but also a unique knowledge-focused cantina that offers diners the opportunity to learn a ton about different tequilas and mezcals.

“At Valencia Hotel Group, we focus on how each of our hotels fits within its location and culture,” says Roy Kretschmer, executive vice president of operations for Valencia Hotel Group. “At Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, we have always embraced the culture and history of San Antonio. Naranja offers the perfect setting for an authentic tequila and mezcal bar in the heart of San Antonio, and it’s where we pay homage and respect to the art of tequila making.”

Juan Flores, general manager of the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, notes that both tequila and mezcal have become increasingly popular in the U.S., with diners craving more knowledge about what they’re sipping.

“In many ways, tequila is the new ‘it’ distilled spirit in the U.S.,” he says. “It’s gaining a following similar to what scotch has enjoyed over the past couple of decades.”

As any tequila lover knows, sipping some fancy firewater can eventually lead to a desire to get into a groove. And Naranja is happy to encourage the good times, hosting Latin jazz trio Fuego, led by Jean-Philippe Rominger, for live performances each Thursday through Saturday from 7-10 pm.

“Our extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, combined with the ambiance of our Latin jazz trio, Fuego, make Naranja a perfect stop along the famed San Antonio River Walk,” Flores says. “We will continue to expand our tequila and mezcal offerings going forward and plan to add events, such as tequila dinners and tastings.”

The hotel and bar are located at 150 E. Houston St. in downtown San Antonio. Naranja is open Thursday through Saturday 5 pm-midnight, and bar patrons can take advantage of complimentary valet parking at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.