Mister A’s’ Mixology

Posted on June 14, 2019

For summer sipping, look no further than Mister A’s’ iconic rooftop. The bar program, which is headed up by bar manager Zane Thurston, recently released a new menu with every ingredient but the liquor itself made in-house. A particular delight is the “Avocado Toast,” which is a cheeky play on the breakfast dish that has swarmed cafes around the world since first becoming popular in California. Del Maguey’s Vida mezcal, house-whipped avocado, Licor 43, lime, tequila, and house-made simple syrup are mixed into a rocks glass with a black salt garnish. The result is a surprisingly refreshing yet punchy drink, owing to the light consistency of the whipped avocado.

Another drink where the bar team’s prowess shines is the “Last Exit,” which is made with Dr. Zzyzx Chipotle Vodka, house-made pumpkin-almond orgeat (an almond-based sweet syrup), house-roasted pineapple, lime, and Licor 43. To me, any drink with orgeat almost always rings tiki and this is no exception, though the chipotle and pumpkin flavors balance it out and prevent it from tasting too sweet. Anyone who has made the drive from San Diego to Las Vegas should recognize the vodka’s name; Oxnard’s Sespe Creek Distillery coined a line of vodkas named after the famed but mysteriously-named exit off of I-10.

The main menu contains other libations that include a house-made cherry jam, aquafaba foam (made from chickpeas), charred orange reduction, and pineapple-sage shrub. And continuing the trend of menus across town, there’s a section for booze-free drinks, too.

Those looking for something with a bit more kick should head to Mister A’s’ barrel-aged section, which currently offers three proprietary cocktails. My favorite is undoubtedly the “Mesquite Manhattan;” my favorite whiskey is currently Tucson’s single malt Whiskey Del Bac from Hamilton Distillers, and the Warbinger Smoked Southwest Bourbon used in this drink recalls that sweet and smoky mesquite flavor. Mixed with Luxardo, Marasca, Yzaguirre vermouth, and Amaro Montenegro, the “Mesquite Manhattan” offers a refreshing twist on a classic drink in a bar world that often tries to remake it.

The other two barrel-aged options include a Negroni — my favorite cocktail in most scenarios — with You & Yours Sunday Gin, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Campari, Absinthe, and Peychaud’s Bitters. A showpiece for Japanese whisky comes in the form of a Boulevardier with Suntory Whisky Toki, Aperol, Braulio, and toasted coffee beans.

Those stopping in for happy hour should make sure to try the food, too. Sliders, hamachi crudo, steak tartare, and a jumbo shrimp cocktail are a few options that remind drinkers that not only are they sipping on some of the best drinks and views in San Diego, they’re at Mister A’s, which also serves some of the best food in town. 619.239.1377, asrestaurant.com   Jackie Bryant

Mesquite Manhattan & Avocado Toast: Photography courtesy of Mister A’s     Boulevardier: Photo courtesy of Any Proof