Tequila, especially of the top-shelf varieties, has been rising in popularity over the last few years, and with the rich Latinx heritage of San Jose, it only makes sense that a new tequileria would fit right in at San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose. Alma Tequileria has been serving up cocktails for a few weeks now but, according to an Instagram post from San Pedro Square Market, it held an official grand opening celebration with a cocktail tasting engagement on March 31st.
Photo Credit: spsmarket/Instagram
Alma Tequileria has taken over the spot that used to be Blush Raw Bar. It is considered an anchor tenant in San Pedro Square Market and has already become a welcome addition to the popular group of shops. Mochinut and Hyland House of Sushi have also recently opened at the marketplace and Market Beer Co. has recently been renovated.
As for the cocktail menu, the Mercury News reports that “you’ve got spirit-forward drinks like the sweet-cinnamon Matador San Pedro and the one-two punch of the Oaxacan Beet Down, which has both tequila and its smoky cousin, mezcal, plus a beet liqueur.” There’s also a spicy strawberry margarita called “The Lady Peralta” which is a nod to the group of settlers who established the San Jose area. These craft cocktails are $13 and $14 each.
You can also order 35 top-shelf tequilas by themselves, which range in price from $11 to $102. And there are six varieties of mezcal along with three beer options and three options for sangritas. The look of the establishment is authentic yet modern thanks to the work of local artist Lila Gemellos who created two murals for Alma Tequileria. The one on the inside was painted in black and white and was meant to complement the interior design.
Photo Credit: San Pedro Square Market/Facebook
In an interview posted on the San Pedro Market Facebook page, Gemellos had this to say about the colorful exterior mural: “I took the lead on the outside because I knew color would draw people in. They both are a bouquet of cacti; Agave, succulents & Peony Flowers. The patio in front of the exterior mural is a lot of peoples’ favorite place to watch live music. When the lights turn on in the evening, my work illuminates and is spectacular!”
Photo Credit: spsmarket/Instagram
You can see the artwork and try the unique drinks from Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. and 2 a.m. The address is 100 North Alamaden Avenue.
