Drink Archives - Page 20 of 29

Day Trip to Wimberley for a Tasting at Cypress Creek Reserve Rum

May 28, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Cypress Creek Reserve Rum in Wimberley, TX

Cypress Creek Reserve Rum based in Wimberley, TX

There are three things I dread during summer: sweat, swimsuits and sunburns. Rum offers a hand, a beacon of hope and joy to make all of the above a little more bearable – and at times, enjoyable! Its reliability and comfort wash away cares and concerns. And it happens to be the companion of a colorful assortment of summertime beverages: mojitos, pina coladas, hurricanes and daiquiris.

This liquid gold is synonymous with good times. So as soon as I heard we had a rum distillery a stone’s throw from Austin that offers tastings and tours, I was there within 24 hours. [Read more…]

Drink It Local With These 5 Austin Alcohol Companies

May 18, 2015 by Adrienne Albregts 3 Comments

Deep Eddy Tasting Room (Credit: Deep Eddy Vodka)

Over lunch the other day at Shoal Creek Saloon, I got to drinking…I mean, thinking: Why should we call it a Long Island Iced Tea? We have plenty of alcohol companies right here in Austin! Why not call it a Longhorn Tea? It could go something like this:

1 oz Tito’s or Deep Eddy Lemon
1 oz Waterloo Gin
1 oz Treaty Oak Platinum Rum
1 oz Tequila 512
1/2 oz Paula’s Texas Orange
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (not necessary if you go with Deep Eddy Lemon over Tito’s)
Cola to taste, garnish with lemon wedge

Before you try it (and invite me over, of course), you might want to learn about a few of the companies that produce liquor right here in Austin. [Read more…]

David Highfill Shakes and Stirs at The Driskill Hotel Bar

May 13, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar 4 Comments

Inside the elegant Driskill Hotel (Credit: The Driskill Hotel)

Editor’s note: David Highfill passed away on March 25, 2019. May he rest in peace.

My relationship with The Driskill began twelve years ago when I surprised my mother-in-law with afternoon tea. Imagine our surprise to find we were the only reservation. This hotel’s high level of service was apparent when I noticed a harpist with waist long blond hair sitting beside a table set for two. It would have been easily justifiable for the hotel to cancel this indulgence, but they didn’t.

For the next two hours this lovely women played, solely for us. It was surreal hearing the gentle melody flow through the foyer as we nibbled through three tiers of delicacies and sipped steaming cups of tea. It was an unforgettable moment.

Years since, I’ve experienced the indulgence of waking up beneath plush piles of soft linens under the roof at 6th and Brazos, enjoyed Mother’s Day brunch with my girls under crystal chandeliers and spent countless hours with a coffee cup and croissant at the hotel’s bakery, 1886. And when I gave birth to my third daughter, Emma Pearl, our first stop wasn’t home. It was 1886 to pick up a four layer buttercream cake topped with lavender roses my husband had pre-ordered for my 30th birthday. I only associate good memories with The Driskill Hotel, including the day I met David Highfill. [Read more…]

Strange Land Brewery Puts Uncommon Selection on Tap

May 11, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

The tap wall at Strange Land Brewery is full of surprises

Here in beautiful Austin, Texas, breweries are breeding like rabbits. It seems like a new one is born every week. One of these newbies is Strange Land, a brand new jewel in the Austin craft crown. With a focus on creating “the beer less traveled,” Strange Land delivers old world style to the rapidly growing ATX beer scene. [Read more…]

Waller Creek Pub House: Your Haven from Dirty 6th Madness

April 27, 2015 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

Good food and great beer await you at Waller Creek Pub House

Picture this. You’re walking eastward on 6th Street in the midst of Friday night madness. People shouting drink specials. Pounding house music. The street is thick with UT kids and tourists. In desperation, you consider the 15 minute hike to East 6th for respite.

But imagine if there was a chilled out craft beer pub in the dark space between Red River and Route 35. A place with a relaxed vibe, quality beer and spirits and a yummy food menu.

Well, go ahead and open your eyes. Waller Creek Pub House, nestled on Sabine between 6th and 7th, will become your new favorite spot and a safe haven from the downtown hustle. [Read more…]

4 Reasons to Visit Twisted X Brewing in Dripping Springs

April 3, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

View from the outside of Twisted X Brewing and tasting room
(Credit: Peary Photography courtesy of Twisted X Brewing)

The Austin area is home to about 20 craft breweries and counting. One of them is located in Dripping Springs, an area where you will find some of the best craft breweries in Texas.

Twisted X Brewing Co. sets itself apart by making great Tex-Mex beers and housing an impressive tasting room. Their beers are approachable, unique and straight up delicious.

Here are 4 reasons why you should pay them a visit soon. [Read more…]

The Wheel Is East Austin’s Newest Neighborhood Bar

April 2, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler Leave a Comment

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff The Wheel

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff behind the bar at The Wheel (Credit: The Wheel)

At first drive-by, you might think The Wheel is a bike shop. Or, upon hearing the name, surmise that it’s a country western themed franchise.

However, when you actually stop to walk inside this new eastside neighborhood bar, what you find is a shot of “Cheers” camaraderie served in the aura of Breaking Away, with just a touch of Grateful Dead chill.

Owned and Centered in Austin

On a recent sunny afternoon, general manager Ayron Vandergriff readied The Wheel for its daily 4 PM opening while owner Max Moreland sat at the bar, his office. [Read more…]

Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Co. Opens in Cedar Park

March 23, 2015 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company Stage for Live Music

Stage at Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company hosts live music

Coffee. Beer. Good vibes. This is the mantra of Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Co. and I stand behind it.

As I walked up to the brewpub on an overcast morning, I could smell beer brewing in the breeze. It was early, so I got a latte, but you can bet I’ll be back for a beer soon. Cedar Park needs a place like this and I’m happy it’s finally here.

The heart and soul of Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company lies in owners Chad Misner and Jon Lamb, along with part owner and head brewer Zack Gardner and coffee connoisseur Jered Hill. I was able to meet all these friendly guys on this breezy morning, and they were happy to show me around less than a week after opening. They take pride in being locally owned and owner-operated, and do business with one simple mission: Do good. Be positive. Have fun. [Read more…]

The Ultimate Guide to North Austin Bars

February 26, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 2 Comments

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that some of the best watering holes in town are in North Austin. Tucked away in strip malls and surrounded by business parks, these gems north of 183 are easy to overlook.

I’ve compiled my list of favorites for those who call North Austin home, and those who are unfamiliar with the area. So take a look at this guide to North Austin bars to see why up north is the place to be. [Read more…]

5 Austin Businesses Boldly Reinventing the General Store

February 25, 2015 by Natalie Parra-Novosad 2 Comments

There’s a new trend in Austin, with businesses playing convenience store, restaurant, bar and neighborhood hangout all in one (Credit: gina pina via Flickr CC)

Where can you go to buy locally sourced groceries, hang out with friends, have a fresh cup of espresso, grab a beer, hear good music and eat breakfast, lunch or dinner all under the same roof?

As you try to imagine what sort of establishment might be able to pull all that off, you’re probably thinking it has to be a large location or national chain. Well in Austin, that’s just not the case. Turns out, we have quite a few places that bring all these things together in a one-stop-shop for the surrounding community. You’ve probably heard of a couple of them, like Whip In and Quickie Pickie.

These types of stores/restaurants seem to be becoming a trend in Austin. They’re the result of a conglomeration of concepts from around the world like the American general store, the Indian dhaba, the Spanish bodeguita and others, but with a distinctive Austin vibe. [Read more…]

Owned and Centered in Austin

Recent Posts

Welcome to The Austinot