Alexander the Great:
Back in 2025, high above San Antonio on the rooftop of The Moon’s Daughter at the Thompson Hotel San Antonio, Michael Phillips was quietly doing what he does best, building drinks with intention, balance, and discipline.
The setting alone was worth the visit. Perched on the 20th floor, The Moon’s Daughter offered sweeping views of the city and a space that felt removed from the rush below. But it was behind the bar where the real work was happening.
Michael’s featured creation for the Brandy Alexander Tour, Alexander the Great, was a bold reimagining of the classic cocktail. Rather than relying on traditional cream, he introduced a labneh cream yogurt topping, adding a tangy contrast that balanced the sweetness and brought new life to the build. The drink was layered with date-infused Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, creating depth and richness without overpowering the glass.
The result was a cocktail that felt luxurious yet grounded, complex yet restrained. Every element earned its place.
The experience didn’t stop at the pour. Alexander the Great was paired with a slice of molten chocolate cake topped with pistachios, reinforcing Michael’s belief that balance isn’t just in the glass, it’s in the entire moment.
At the time, Michael was also preparing for a major milestone in his career, having been awarded a Pernod Ricard bartending honor that included a master class experience in New York City through Pernod Ricard. Recognition that reflected years of discipline behind the bar.
Born in San Antonio and raised between Houston and New Braunfels, Michael’s path into bartending was shaped by repetition, curiosity, and respect for the craft. Outside of work, he’s known for his love of old country music, especially Willie Nelson, a good IPA, tequila, or Green Chartreuse, and time spent with his tuxedo cat, Campari.
Alexander the Great was more than a featured cocktail. It was a snapshot of the standard Michael brings to every build, thoughtful, precise, and built to leave a mark.
To explore this drink and future builds as they’re added, visit the MENU page:
👉 https://thelastwordbyphillips.com/menu/
You can also read the original feature here:
👉 https://www.brandyalexandertour.com/2024-moonsdaughter
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This is the latter.