Bar Loretta opened its doors in 2021 and has quickly become one of San Antonio’s hottest new restaurants. Located in the historic King William neighborhood, Bar Loretta specializes in elevated, modern Texas cuisine with an exceptional bar program to boot!

Michael Neff, a California native, is the man responsible for crankin’ out top notch cocktails at this swanky Southtown hangout. He’s got plenty of experience to fall back on too. Michael's been in the industry for about 30 years or so, though he admitted he stopped counting after awhile. Maybe it’s like a person’s body count, at some point…you just stop counting, right?

Although he’s more of a beer and a shot kind of guy, all those years of experience have taught him a thing or two about cocktails. You’ll agree when you get your hands on his version of the Brandy Alexander.

The Paperback Novel (he likes to name cocktails after song lyrics), features a healthy dose of Fernet, which according to me and other experts everywhere, always makes a cocktail better. Throw in a house-made Irish cream and finish it off with a lemon zest and you’ve got yourself a damn good cocktail. What else would you expect from a 30ish year industry veteran?

Here’s a thing or two you might not have expected though. Michael plays the banjo, likes to read highbrow western fiction or lowbrow sci-fi and spends a good amount of time restoring and repurposing old furniture. Plus, if he ever wins the lottery, he’s buying his momma’s house for her. What a guy, amirite? But don’t drop them panties just yet ladies and gentlemen, he’s married.

And before you rush out to try Paperback Novel for yourself, allow me to give you a piece of advice. Do NOT take a sip, look at Michael or anyone else making your drink and say, “wow…this is actually really good.” No shit Becky…what did you expect? Amateur hour over here…

Get on over to Bar Loretta before NYE to enjoy this take on the Brandy Alexander that, unsurprisingly, tastes delicious.