In the heart of San Antonio, where the Historic Pearl hums with sizzling energy and thoughtful hospitality, Ladino is playing host to a playful, palate-pleasing chapter of the Kinsman Brandy Alexander Tour. Fresh off maintaining its Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide, the team at Ladino is serving up a truly inspired creation.

This iteration spotlights Bar Lead Debbie Ulin. A familiar and welcoming face at Ladino since its opening day, Debbie worked her way up from server to her current role, proving her dedication and passion for the craft. She might be from Cibolo, but let's be honest, that's practically San Antonio, right?

Outside the bar she’s the proud momma of a very opinionated 7-year-old daughter and two adorable rescue pups, Pee-wee and Lulu. Her personal drink of choice? A classic rye Old Fashioned (heavy on the bitters) or a sophisticated Black Manhattan, proving she has a deep appreciation for spirit-forward classics.

Debbie steps into the Tour with a strong, confident pick: the Karak in the Clouds. The name alone conjures a travel poster for savory adventure. The star of the show is a housemade Karak cream, a lush blend of heavy whipping cream, white chocolate, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, plus a whisper of sugar and Assam tea. Eight dashes of all spice dram later, and you’re greeted with a perfume of spice that feels both familiar and newly exciting. It’s creamy, warming, and wonderfully complex, with the tea and spices cutting through the richness, leaving a lingering, fragrant finish.

But this isn’t a solo act. Debbie’s collaboration partner is a Pastry Chef who knows how to turn dessert into a plot twist. Leslie Turner has been with the team for about 1.5 years, after honing her craft in pastry school in New Orleans and returning home to keep the city’s sweet-tooth crowd happy. Leslie loves making candy, and that love shows in her nougat—an edible moment perched atop the drink. The nougat’s core is a restrained science: whipped egg whites, honey, sugar, a touch of maple syrup for crystallization, and a boil that hits 310 degrees before it’s folded into the airiness of the egg whites. It’s then studded with roasted pistachios, candied ginger, and barberry—an edible garnish that doesn’t just look pretty, but slices the creamy sweetness of the cocktail with a bright, tart bite.

The Karak in the Clouds isn’t just a drink. It’s an experience. A collaboration that reminds us that the San Antonio food and beverage scene is truly special.

Head down to Ladino now through NYE to savor the Karak in the Clouds and its perfect nougat pairing. This delightful duo is a twist on the classic Brandy Alexander you won’t want to miss!