n 1934, St. Mary’s School of Law was built at 112 College Street, near what would later become the city’s largest attraction – the San Antonio River Walk. There it remained until 1967 when a surge in law students – fueled by the city’s rapidly expanding, post-war population – forced relocation to the main campus of the University.

In April 1968, a law school alumnus purchased the property and reopened its doors as a luxury hotel just in time for HemisFair ’68.

During construction, it was designated that the former Dean’s office would become the hotel bar, branding it “El Colegio” to commemorate the property’s academic heritage.

In keeping with this tradition, El Colegio was decorated with memorabilia, including photographs of the school’s graduates – many of whom turned out to be prominent San Antonio citizens.

For years following the opening, El Colegio found its niche by serving as a gathering spot for attorneys, judges and others who worked in the nearby San Antonio courthouse.

Today, El Colegio is known as a beloved institution, where both locals and guests of Omni La Mansión del Rio enjoy the city’s finest cocktails.

he History of El Colegio

Our rendition of classic pre- and post-prohibition handcraftedcocktails made with Texas spirits and fresh ingredients.

Bartender Whimsy – The bartender whimsy is our ever- changing creation by our bartenders utilizing spirits bornand bred in the Lone Star State Mkt

Bee’s Knees – circa 1933. The phrase “bee’s knees” was prohibition-era slang for “the best.”Dripping Springs Gin, lemon, clover honey water infusedwith lemongrass 12

French 75 – circa 1925. Originated from “Harry’s New York Bar” in Paris. A tribute to the 75mm HowitzerField gun used in WWI. Waterloo Gin, St-Germain,lemon, sparkling wine 13

S idecar – circa 1948. Created in New Orleans, the son of the classic cocktail Brandy Crusta (1862).Rebecca Creek Whiskey, Remy Martin VS, Paula’s Texas Orange Liqueur, lemon juice 16

Vesper – circa 1953. First introduced by Ian Fleming’s James Bond in the novel Casino Royale. Real Ale Gin,Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Lillet Blanc 13

Bourbon Peach Smash – circa 1888. Cousin of the julep and popular in the southern United States.Herman Marshall Bourbon, mint, agave, peach, topped with ginger ale 16

Manhattan – circa 1870. Originally created as an homage to the New York borough. TX Whiskey,Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters 14

Sazerac – circa 1830. Created by Creole pharmacist Antoine Peychaud. Became so popular that Peychaud’sapothecary business quickly became better known as a placeto get a revitalizing potion. Red River Rye Whiskey,St. George Absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters 14

Moscow Mule – circa 1941. Created in Manhattan, but “stalled” on the West Coast for the duration.The birthplace of the Moscow Mule was in New York’sChatham Hotel. Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Soco Ginger Beer,lime juice 13

ibations

ibationsOur rendition of classic pre- and post-prohibition handcraftedcocktails made with Texas spirits and fresh ingredients.

Gimlet – circa 1922. Created in China and found to be brought to the US by the Navy. Named after a small hand drill that is meant to pierce through material. A gimlet pierces things, and so people with a sharp gaze were “gimlet-eyed”. Dripping Springs Gin or Vodka, lime, sugar 12

Rusty Nail – circa 1937 at the 21 Club in Manhattan but made popular by the Rat Pack in the early1960s. Ranger Creek Rimfire Single Malt Whiskey, Drambuie 15

Negroni – circa 1919. Italian Count Camillo Negroni created this aperitif. He loved to throw back anAmericano (Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and club soda),but he wanted a little extra zing in his glass so he replacedthe club soda with Gin. Waterloo Gin, Campari,Sweet Vermouth 13

Cosmopolitan 25 – In honor of the cosmopolitan’s 25th anniversary. Cinco Vodka shaken withmuddled limes, Cointreau and a splash of Chandon Rosé 15

Untraditional Manhattan – Herman Marshall Texas Rye Whiskey, notes of spice with sweet tangerine and is paired with Martini & Rossi Ambrato Vermouth, Benedictine, stirred with orange bitters and cedar-smoked 14

Añejo Old Fashioned – A tequila variation on the classic Old Fashioned. Hornitos Black Barrel Añejo Tequila, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters 15

Texas Old Fashioned – a classic old fashioned made with Yellow Rose Straight Rye Whiskey, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters 14

Texas Greyhound – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, freshly squeezed grapefruit, lime and simplesyrup with a touch of salt 13

O ld Cuban – a twist on a Mojito made with Railean Rum, fresh mint, Monin Pure Cane Syrup, fresh lime, Angostura Bitters and topped with Chandon Brut 13

ibations

argaritas

Our rendition of classic pre- and post-prohibition handcraftedcocktails made with Texas spirits and fresh ingredients.

Agave Honeybee Smash – Herradura Añejo, muddled lemon, mint, honey water. Shaken and servedon the rocks 14

Peach Tea Lemonade – Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, fresh lemon & lime juice, club soda 13

Lemon Drop – Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar 13

Cold Fashioned – Fire Oak Bourbon, Nitro Coffee, Café del Fuego, orange bitters, agave nectar 13

Circa early 1940s – Spanish for “Daisy”, many have claimed toknow the origins of the Margarita. However, to this day, the truth still remains a mystery.

E l Rey – Casa Noble Silver, Cointreau, olive juice, lime 16

Lone Star – Don Julio Reposado, ginger, Texas grapefruit, agave nectar toppedwith grapefruit soda 15

Mexican Firing Squad – Strawberry, jalapeño- infused tequila, lime juice, agave nectar 13

The Alamo – Volcán Cristalino, Paula’s Texas Orange Liqueur, cilantro, agave, lime juice 14

Las Canarias – Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado, Patrón Citrónge, Grand Marnier, lime juice, agave nectar 16

Añejo Honey Margarita – Volcán de mi Tierra Cristalino has a bouquet of vanilla, caramel and oak with subtle chocolate notes. Shaken with Grand Marnier, fresh lime, clover honey 16

rown

TX Blended Whiskey – Fort Worth: auburn color, aromas of vanilla bean, oak and pear. The finish has notes of honey butter, banana, caramel and coffee 13

Ranger Creek Rimfire, Single Malt Whiskey – San Antonio: smoked with Texas mesquite. Sweetsmelling with tropical notes of ripe mango and driedbanana and a hint of vanilla. Smooth and delicatewith a light malty sweetness, the finish is soft,balanced and dry 14

Red River Rye Whiskey – Pilot Point: golden amber honey and rye spice with sweet tangerine, long,bold and spicy finish 11

Balcones Single Malt Whiskey – Waco: hints of toffee and overripe fruits. Has layers of toastedmalt and honey with mellow notes of baked pearsand apples. A long finish is accompanied bycinnamon and cloves 25

B lack Feather – Houston: a young aged bourbon whiskey with drifting notes of caramel and cinnamonup front. Light oak, orange peel, vanilla and roasted corn fills the mouth before a finish of peanuts and spice rounds out the experience 11

Yellow Rose Outlaw – Houston: slightly sweet vanilla and rich caramel notes that linger in the mouth long after, like a freshly baked dessert 14

Rebecca Creek Whiskey – San Antonio: proprietary blend of domestic malted barley and limestone-filtered water from the Trinity Aquifer in theTexas Hill Country 12

ourbon

Ranger Creek 36 Caliber Bourbon – San Antonio: deep amber color, aromas of vanilla, brown sugar with a hint of wood and a caramel, toffee and cinnamon sweet finish 15

Garrison Bros. Bourbon – Houston: dark, sweet and born in the Texas heat. Aromas of nutmeg, butterscotch andvanilla prepare the palate for flavors of oak, butter, whipped cream and angel’s food cake 16

Herman Marshall Bourbon – Garland: locally sourced, corn-based. Aged in charred new white American oak barrels. Flavor of caramel and light oak which is followed by a complex palate of warm spices.The finish is long and smooth 14

F ire Oak – Liberty Hill: fruity and complex with apricot jam and funnel cake drifting on the nose followed with tastes of forest berries, rhubarb, caramel corn and white chocolate mousse 11

Oak and Eden – Lewisville: vanilla, caramel and honey with a lingering finish of coconut and spice, finished with a toasted spire of American oak, masterfully cut and carefully fired to a medium toast 12

Western Son Cucumber – Pilot Point: deliciously fresh and cool notes on the palate with complements of light melon give a soothing finish of mild rind and harvested vegetation 11

D ripping Springs – Dripping Springs: made with sweet Midwestern non-GMO corn, micro-distilledover 20 times in small 50-gallon batches using handmade copper pot stills. Made with pure, mineral-rich artesian spring water from the Texas Hill Country, then slow-filtered through Swedish activated carbon 10

D eep Eddy Grapefruit – Austin: charcoal-filtered six times, Texas aquifer water made with realRuby Red Texas grapefruits, no sugar added 10

C inco – San Antonio: small batch wheat vodka that is filtered through Cordova limestone and isdistilled five times to create a soft lush smooth mouthfeel and a dry clean finish 10

Tito’s Handmade – Austin: Texas’ first and oldest distillery small batch, pot stills and micro- distilled six times. 100% corn vodka 11

lear

uniper

Seersucker – San Antonio: orange and lemon zest are finely balanced with just the right amount of juniperto create layers of sweet flavor. The citrus transitions into notes of honeysuckle and garden-fresh mint that linger on the finish, leaving a wonderful sense of refreshment 10

Waterloo – Austin: London dry-styled gin made with all-Texas botanicals, strong juniper,light citrus 10

D ripping Springs – Dripping Springs: artisan gin crafted in small 40-gallon batches. Juniperforward traditional London dry gin, soft floral notes,a hint of spice and fresh citrus from theTexas Rio Grande Valley 10

Real Ale Gin – Blanco: triple distilled with hand picked botanicals and the unique flavor of sweet menthol and hints of tropical fruit and bananas 10

Railean – San Leon: fabulous aromas of brown sugar, spice and oak. It is soft and well-rounded and as it opens up, it reveals an array of chocolate, caramel and toasted walnut notes. The finish is smooth, warm and relaxing 10

Pecan Street – Pflugerville: distilled from molasses and aged in oak with pecans which creates afull-bodied texture. The butterscotch nose carriesa tinge of orange and a hint of sweetness 10

ugar CaneS

ineTexas is home to some of the oldest vines in the country, some dating back 100 years before California vines. Our list combines the best of Texas wines with some of the truly great wines of the world and are priced by the 6oz / 9oz glass unless noted otherwise.

BubblesLunetta, ProseccoBrut DOCVeneto, Italy, 187ml. 13

WhiteBecker, ViognierTexas Hill Country 10 // 13.75Saint M, RieslingPfalz, Germany 13 // 18Ruffino, Moscato d’AstiPiedmont, Italy 13 // 18Kris, Artist Cuvée, Pinot GrigioItaly 13 // 18Duchman, VermentinoTexas Hill Country 11 // 15.25

RedFlat Creek, Super Texan,SangioveseTexas Hill Country 15 // 21.5Elouan, Pinot NoirOregon 15 // 20.75Honoro Vera, MerlotJumilla, Murcia, Spain 11 // 15.25Charles Smith Wines, Boom Boom!, SyrahColumbia Valley, Washington 16 // 22

PortsWarre’s, Warrior Port NVPortugal 12Terra d’Oro Zinfandel PortCalifornia 15

Chic Barcelona, Brut CavaCatalonia, Spain, 187ml. 14Chandon, RoséCalifornia NV, 187ml. 15

Whitehaven, Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, New Zealand 15 // 20.75 Chateau d’Esclans, Whispering Angel, RoséCôtes de Provence, France 16 // 22Kendall-Jackson, Vintner’s Reserve, ChardonnayCalifornia 15 // 20.75

Terrazas Altos del Plata,MalbecArgentina 12 // 16.5Barossa Valley Estate, GSMSouth Australia 13 // 18Pedernales, Texas GSMTexas Hill Country 11 // 15.25Louis M. Martini,Cabernet SauvignonCalifornia 14 // 19.25

Warre’s, Otima 20-Year Tawny Port NVPortugal 25

eerIn the early 1800s the beer culture began with English andGerman settlers. Our list takes you on a tour of some of thefinest beers in Texas.

Draft 7.5 Texas Taps – Featuring a rotating selection of Texas craft beers, starting the Dean’s List of India Pale Ale. We have partnered with San Antonio’s Busted Sandal Brewing Company and have created a signature recipe to celebrate 50 years of hospitality here at La Mansión. This IPA is packed with loads of tropical fruit aromas and the light malt backbone provides a foundation of citrus and fruit on the palate.

BottleTexas

Shiner Bock – Shiner 7 4.4%Saint Arnold Santo – Houston 7.5 4.9%No Label Brewing Co. Ridgeback Ale – Austin 7.5 5.0%Austin Eastciders Texas Honey Cider – Austin 7.5 5.0%Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde – Dallas 7.5 5.2%Ranger Creek Mission Trail Ale – San Antonio 7.5 5.3%Ranger Creek Love Struck Hefe – San Antonio 7.5 5.4%Real Ale Brewing Devil’s Backbone – Blanco 7.5 8.1%Community Mosaic IPA – Dallas 8 8.6%Karbach Rodeo Clown Double IPA – Houston 8 9.5%

Non-TexasDos XX 7.5 Corona 7.5Budweiser 7 Bud Light 7Miller Lite 7 Heineken 7.5Michelob ULTRA 7 Guinness 7.5Coors Light 7

raft of Food

Local Corn Tortilla Chips 10Signature Salsa Roja & Guacamole

Artisan Cheeseboard 15Chef’s Selection of Cheese, Dried Fruits, Nuts, House Made Fig Jam

Chile-Lime Shrimp 16Sautéed Gulf Shrimp, Roasted Garlic, Grilled Rustic Bread

Texas Redfish Ceviche 12Aji Amarillo Aioli, Red Corn Tortilla Chips

Grilled Salmon Salad 17Fried Greens, Kalamata Olives, Pickled Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Shallot Vinaigrette

Signature Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad 16Hearts of Romaine, Parmesan, Crouton, Anchovy

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings 12House Made Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Shredded Beef Quesadilla 12Three Cheeses, Roasted Peppers and Onions, Salsa, Guacamole

Crispy Chicken Sandwich 13Heirloom Tomato, Lettuce, Sweet Dill Mustard, Brioche Bun, Coleslaw

Texas BBQ Beef Sliders 15Smoked Brisket, Soft Buns, House Made BBQ Sauce

Old School Double Burger 16Brioche Roll, American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Russian Dressing, French Fries

Consuming raw or undercooked meats / poultry / seafood / shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. Please notify us of any food allergy.