Kinsman Rakia 2019 Brandy Alexander Tour: The Modernist keeps it classic

When The Modernist opened in 2017, cocktail lovers around San Antonio knew they were in for a treat. Here was one of the area’s most creative bartenders, Olaf Harmel, opening a bespoke cocktail bar near the heart of downtown.

The result is commitment to both service and quality cocktails and that’s what makes each experience at The Modernist so unique. You’ll see that reflected in The Modernist’s Kinsman Brandy Alexander, which blends a plethora of ingredients to create a fabulous sipper.

For this decadent Rakia Alexander, Olaf blends Kinsman with heavy cream, vanilla ice cream, amaretto, dark Crème de cacao, Cynar for earthiness, a few drops of cold brew coffee and a hint of simple syrup to produce a balanced and creamy cocktail. It’s sweet without being cloying and the Kinsman’s apricot backbone shines through.

Head to The Modernist before December 31 to enjoy a Rakia Alexander of your own!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Kinsman — The Kinsman Brandy Alexander Tour Is Back!

The holidays are here and that means The Kinsman Brandy Alexander Tour is back!

Since 2014, we’ve challenged local bartenders to create their own unique take on the Brandy Alexander, a creamy and decadent tipple, first popularized in the early 1900s in New York. Since then, the brandy-based cocktail has had a number of resurgences, most notably in the mid-70s when it became a favorite of John Lennon’s.

The traditional recipe calls for equal parts Cognac, cream and creme de cacao, but for our purposes we switch grape-based brandy for apricot-filled Kinsman, which opens up a world of opportunities for area bar creatives.

This year’s participants include 11 bars and restaurants that created their own riffs on the Brandy Alexander. Some used familiar ingredients, while others introduced new flavors with fantastic results.

Make sure to support local this season, and have yourself a Merry Little Kinsman!

Here's a list of this year's participating bars and restaurants! For more information visit dorcolspirits.com!

Kinsman Rakia Celebrated the New Year at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa 18 Oaks Restaurant

18 Oaks hosted a Kinsman Rakia-fueled party to ring in 2019. Did we catch you there?

Photos by Chavis Barron.