If you haven't yet had the pleasure of stepping into Pastiche, you're missing out on one of the city's true gems.

It’s the kind of intimate, welcoming spot that makes you feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a charming old-world bar. And behind that bar, you’ll likely find the man responsible for this year’s take on the classic Brandy Alexander, Daniel Pittman.

Daniel is a man of the world who found his home here in the Alamo City. A proud father of two daughters, he originally moved to San Antonio to attend UTSA, where he earned a bachelor's in International Business. His studies and an adventurous spirit then took him to Madrid, where he taught English for two years, earned a Master's degree, and traveled all over Europe, citing Lisbon as a particular favorite. When asked about his dream superpower, he'll tell you it's teleportation—a fitting choice for someone who loves to see the world but finds the actual travel a nightmare. He'd love to teleport back to Thailand for the incredible food and people. His journey into bartending began at Sushi Zushi before he moved to Arcade to work under the legendary local bar guru, Chris Ware. Now, he brings that wealth of experience and worldly perspective to his craft at Pastiche.

For this year's Kinsman Brandy Alexander Tour, Daniel created something truly special, inspired by a sweet moment with his daughter. It's called the Queen of Sheba. The idea sparked during a father-daughter gelato trip where his daughter’s curiosity led them to try pistachio. They both fell in love with the flavor, and a lightbulb went off for Daniel. The result is a decadent and nutty spin on the classic cocktail.

The Queen of Sheba features rich pistachio gelato, crème de cacao, a touch of dry curaçao, and a whisper of orange blossom water. All the ingredients are blitzed together in an immersion blender to create a perfectly smooth, velvety texture.

And the name? It’s a nod to the legendary queen who famously declared pistachios to be an exclusively royal food, banning commoners from even growing them. Luckily for us, that decree has long since expired, and we can all enjoy this royally delicious treat. So, make your way over to Pastiche now through NYE, and taste the Queen of Sheba for yourself.