Santa Fe's Milk of the Poppy strives to combine a medieval apothecary with a craft cocktail bar

The name alone is a catalyst for intrigue.

According to a release, Milk of the Poppy originated in medieval times as a “specialty concocted beverage known for both its medicinal properties and the remarkable ‘poppy dreams’ it induces.” “Game of Thrones” fans might recognize it as a potent liquid medicine that some call “the Westeros version of morphine.” But in Santa Fe, Milk of the Poppy will be what creative director Al LaFleur describes as a “medieval apothecary meets craft cocktail bar.”

It’s a concept that has been in the works for quite some time. LaFleur, who has a background in creative content, branding and social media, moved from Los Angeles to New Mexico approximately three years ago — but recalls working on the bar even before arriving in the Land of Enchantment. The official grand opening is targeted for March 21, but Milk of the Poppy has already hosted a select few guests for private events.

Santa Fe's Milk of the Poppy strives to combine a medieval apothecary with a craft cocktail bar

The location features a 1,200-square foot lounge that can seat approximately 55 and an outdoor garden patio that can accommodate 30 more — with plenty of era-appropriate decor throughout. Visitors may feel like they’ve entered an alternate reality upon arrival.

“It’s really cool to watch people walk in,” LaFleur said. “And the first thing that they do is kind of just stand at the door … This big medieval door that has these beautiful metal handles to knock (at) the door.

“So you really feel like you’re entering a different world and kind of escaping. The first thing people do is walk in, they stop, and they look around. So they don’t even fully walk in before they kind of take the space in because it’s unlike anything I’ve seen in New Mexico, and it’s fun to offer something that feels like a little bit of an escape.”

Milk of the Poppy is located in Santa Fe’s Railyard District in the same 1910 adobe building as Jean Cocteau Cinema and Beastly Books. The hope is to develop some synergy through the surrounding businesses — LaFleur co-hosts a horror podcast through the theater — to create an entertainment hub.

Part of the fun is the mystery surrounding the drink menu. While a release notes the incorporation of “ancient techniques, flavors and ingredients,” LaFleur can confirm that there will be no offerings with psychoactive properties. In other words, no Milk of the Poppy will be available. However, patrons can expect a unique and diverse selection of original cocktails — as well as a food menu that blends locally sourced ingredients with historical inspiration.

“We’re really fortunate to have such a great team working on this that has this wealth of knowledge of their own. But one of the things that we focus on is kind of using these time-honored techniques and ingredients and flavors,” LaFleur said.

“So really taking from history, there’s people that came long before us that have perfected these techniques and these combinations. Just pulling from things that are already there, but giving things a modern twist, as well. So even if you might be very familiar with a certain cocktail, you can come here and we’ll add our own little spin on it.”

In addition to the creative, patrons will also be able to choose from regional wines and craft beers, as well as more traditional spirits and cocktails.

“We will have lots of classic cocktails, and then reinterpretations of those classics as well,” LaFleur said. “And we’ll be focusing a lot on seasonal menus as well. So there will always be something really fun and unique. Each season you come back, you’re gonna get something a little bit different.”

Everything, from the setting to the menu, is designed to be an immersive, storytelling experience.

“I think there’s a level of engagement people can expect when they come in and visit,” LaFleur said.