Botanica

The newest concept from Be Saha Hospitality Group founder Amar Harrag, who’s known for highlighting unexpected artisanal spirits in Tahona and Wormwood, Botanica’s bar program highlights genever, one of Europe’s oldest distilled spirits, which is served in elegant flutes, as well as one of San Diego’s most diverse selections of gin and other botanical spirits sourced from around the world. Like its sister bars, Botanica also plans to offer educational genever and gin tastings and other events themed around both spirits. The chic lounge area features an art gallery of carefully curated pieces by local and international talent and is one of the few cocktail bars in the United States with an onsite NFT gallery. Beverage director Marina Ferreira has also fashioned an art-centric cocktail program, with each drink reflecting a famous artwork. Standouts include No. 1 Swan, a vintage swan bowl containing Monkey 47 gin, vermouth, olives, and caviar, or Meditative Rose with genever, vermouth blanc, rose, sandalwood, harissa, champagne cordial, and egg white. There’s also a contingent of classic genever and gin cocktails like the Negroni and French 75, plus non-alcoholic options, including Cacao Mushroom Chai with Meow Meow chai, a 10-mushroom blend, turmeric, cinnamon, and cashew milk, and Kentucky Rain, a tribute to Elvis Presley made with spiritless Kentucky 74, lapsang demerara and Aztec chocolate bitters.
How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table online.