Guest Blog: Guide to Specialty Drinks in Austin

Pickletini at Kung Fu Saloon

This guest blog post is by Chris Lloyd.

Austin is a town that enjoys a drink or two (or more). Most of us have a favorite drink — our standard cocktail that we can order just about anywhere. But sometimes you may want to try something a little different. Here are some Austin options for the next time you’re in that situation.

Kung Fu Saloon prides itself on its pickle shots. Some swear the salt from the pickle juice helps with hangovers. I think it’s just a way to laugh at your friends’ faces after they drink it. There isn’t much to them, just a shot of vodka chased with a shot of pickle juice. I have seen some brave souls be more creative with pickle juice as an ingredient, though. Would you believe a pickle martini? If that doesn’t sound appetizing, you can always order one of Kung Fu’s specialty sake bombs.

Downing the Hell Dorado at Jackalope is a team effort

If you are in the mood for some team drinking, head over to the Jackalope and order a Hell Dorado. Make sure you bring a friend, though, because it’s a big drink. I recommend that teams of two compete to see who can down their Hell Dorado the fastest. I also recommend getting an outsider to referee. Don’t forget to get a picture riding the jackalope on the way out/in.

Nothing quite like Trudy’s martini

You can get a Mexican martini at several places around town, but Trudy’s is renowned for them. And Trudy’s has every right to be proud of their drink because it packs quite a punch. In fact, they’ll stop serving you after just two. Some have attempted the Trudy’s triathlon – drinking a Mexican martini at each of their three locations – but I can recommend that only if you have a designated driver (and nothing to do the next day).

Flaming Dr. Pepper at Cheers Shot Bar

If you like your specialty drinks with a little showmanship, your best bet is a Flaming Dr. Pepper at Cheers Shot Bar. This one is quite a spectacle, and you will want someone to get a picture. (The best time to snap the shot is when the bartender lights his or her finger on fire). It’s a festive way to start the evening. Also, Cheers is where the Bush twins spent their 21st birthday. It practically counts as an educational event if you have a drink there.

If you go to one of the several Baby A’s locations, you owe it to yourself to get a Purple Margarita, which is made with Everclear. It is delicious and will put you over the edge quickly. It’s yet another beverage that comes limited to two at a sitting. I highly recommend Baby A’s Queso Compuesto to nosh on while you’re drinking them.

Let’s say you already had a big night out. What can you do to make the pain go away? You might want to check out El Arroyo. You’ll find plenty of greasy Mexican food to soak up what remains. And what will really give you the kick you need is their Red Bull Rita. This margarita will give you a little hair of the dog, along with some Red Bull to give you a boost to start the day.

So there are some of the most famous specialty drinks in Austin. If you know of others, please tell everyone about them in the comments!

Chris Lloyd has been living in Austin for almost ten years.  He helps people find apartments and get around town at his site, Everything Austin Apartments.

Photos courtesy of Anne W., Trudy’s and Chris Lin.