Where to drink now
Where to drink in San Antonio right now: 8 cool spots for frozen cocktails
Your sandals are out, your shades are permanently affixed to your head, and you’ve all but given up jeans. The last thing you want to do on a sweltering San Antonio day is drink an Old Fashioned. It’s time to chill out. Sure, you can always rely on frozen margaritas, but this month we are expanding our horizons. From fancy cocktail bars to River Walk tourist traps, these bars offer the coolest frozen drinks in town.
Los Barrios
This downtown San Antonio eatery is now four decades old, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new tricks. Case in point? Their very on-trend Frosé All Day cocktail, a frozen blend that uses Dark Horse Wine’s rosé and lemon for a tarter, dryer version of the drink. If you like things on the sweeter side, request a sugared rim. Personally, we like it better with a little chamoy.
The Brooklynite
There’s precious little time to enjoy the original location of this bar before they pack up and move near the Pearl, so you’ll still want to order as many frozen strawberry rhubarb daiquiris as you can. Instead of a simple syrup, the lounge uses the classic flavor combo in a thicker gomme syrup for a silkier texture. It’s a little more sophisticated than your average frozen chugger — ideal for your more sophisticated taste.
Chacho’s
This chain of quick service Tex-Mex restaurants is a favorite for cheap and tasty meals, but we all know everyone goes there for the drinks. The margaritas are as good and potent as you might expect, but Chacho’s has another ace in the hole — the frozen Jack and Coke. Topped with cherries and served in a big O glass, the adult slushie is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Remember the days when you spent hours giggling at Spencer’s and the mall food court was the best place in the world to hang out? Relive those glory days at the JW Marriot’s River Bluff Water Experience where you can get any frozen drink with a floater of your choice of Dippin’ Dots flavors. The possibilities are endless: mudslides with cookies and cream, strawberry daiquiris with Rainbow Ice, or your own custom creation that is way too cool for school.
The Pigpen
After a long day wandering through the botanical garden, zoo, and DoSeum, you deserve a treat. With a cheery patio, a food menu that appeals to the most finicky eaters, and a playscape to help your kids burn off steam, this neighborhood hangout is the perfect place to unwind. Order the little ones a round of frozen lemonades and yourself a frozen Moscow Mule. Congratulations, you’ve made it through another family outing.
Rumble
This classy cocktail bar on the St. Mary’s strip is known for frozen drinks, especially its white rum and mango concoction, Some Great Reward. But we prefer the Spicy Fro-Guy, a margarita in all but name featuring Suerte blanco tequila, triple sec, fresh lime, and habanero peppers. Try not to drink too many of them — the Q-Bert tiles on the floor can be a bit tricky with a buzz.
Shuck Shack
Technically the Limonade served at Jason Dady’s seafood eatery is not a frozen cocktail, but why split hairs when you can enjoy one of the frostiest warm weather drinks around. The bar team takes Deep Eddy lemon, tops it with Topo Chico, and plops in a lime paleta for a refreshing drink you’ll want to sip all season. It’s perfect with an order of crispy buttermilk fried pickles.
Thirsty Aztec
Even if you’re a lifelong San Antonian, it’s still fun to pretend you are a tourist from time to time and stroll down the River Walk with a drink. Thirsty Aztec’s over-the-top yard frozen cocktails — topped with fruit and neon shooters — may make the town’s more serious mixologists grumble, but sometimes you just want to party like you are on vacation. Hangover be damned.