10 Must-Try Texas Liquors

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

If you haven’t heard of Tito’s, you must have just gotten here so, Welcome to Texas! Tito’s Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery. They make it in batches, use old-fashioned pot stills, and taste-test every batch. This Texas liquor is designed to be savored by spirit connoisseurs and everyday drinkers alike. Their process, similar to those used to make fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs, requires more skill and effort than others, but it’s well worth it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bar that doesn’t carry it.

Balcones Distilling Pot Still Bourbon

Texas has over 20 registered whiskey distilleries within her borders, and Balcones Distilling is among the most prominent. Their Baby Blue corn whiskey was the first whiskey made in Texas since the Prohibition. A grain-to-glass distiller, all aspects of whiskey creation are performed in-house.  This Texas liquor brand is renowned for making a great product–such a great product that they have traditionally met only 10% of market demand. They’ve got a great variety of spirits totaling 13 different offerings.

Firestone and Robertson TX Blended Whiskey

Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson founded the Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., the first craft bourbon and whiskey distillery in North Texas.

This award-winning Texas liquor is a beautiful auburn color with notes of vanilla bean, oak, and pear. Its bold flavors of honey butter, banana, caramel, and coffee make for a smooth and long finish. To cap things off, each bottle cap is handcrafted using repurposed Texas leathers from donated cowboy boots.

Lone Star 1835 Texas Bourbon

Distilled in Fort Worth, Texas, this Texas liquor has proven to be wildly popular so it only follows that Lone Star created several other flavors with a subtle new mix to the original which starts with bold oaky flavors and finishes with subtle hints of vanilla. Enjoy mixed or straight up!

Tequila 512

This Austin tequila brand won an impressive double gold medal and was awarded “Best in Show” at the prestigious 15th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. That’s pretty amazing for any spirit, but even more so from a tequila company that is less than three years old. The aroma entices with honey and subtle vegetal notes. Meanwhile, the palate has a lightly fruity flavor, suggesting raspberry, honey, and vanilla, plus a sprinkle of cayenne on the crisp finish. Needless to say, their tagline of “The Perfect Anytime Tequila” is spot on.

Deep Eddy Vodka

Born in Austin and raised all over Texas, Deep Eddy Vodka produces seven flavors of vodka all of which are column-distilled ten times using corn, the finest Texas water, and natural flavors. Their original vodka is a great clean-tasting spirit, but what put them on the map was their Deep Eddy Ruby Red grapefruit vodka. Now you can find this Texas liquor in flavors like lemon, peach, sweet tea, orange, and even cranberry. Perfect for cocktails or on the rocks, Deep Eddy does Texas vodka right.

Garrison Bros. Bourbon Whiskey

The first legal Texas Bourbon. Not much else more we need to say other than its 94 proof. Garrison Brothers is a family of Bourbon makers and lovers, fully committed to proving that the finest Bourbon Whiskey on the planet will be born in the Texas Hill country. If you are looking for special Texas liquor, be on the lookout for their Cowboy Bourbon. Uncut & Unfiltered, it is one of the most highly-coveted Bourbon Whiskies in America.

Dripping Springs Gin

Much like Spec’s, Dripping Springs is also a Texas family-owned and operated business. Brothers, Gary and Kevin Kelleher, are dedicated to making world-class vodka and gin. Their traditional gin is juniper-forward with a southwestern twist. Perfect for the G&T drinkers as well as mixologists looking for a rich and flavorful gin for any cocktail.

Desert Door Distillery Sotol

A comfy tasting room, tons of outdoor seating, and one of the most unique spirits distilled in Texas combine to make Desert Door Distillery an absolute must-visit. Sotol – the raw material of the first alcoholic beverage ever consumed in Texas – was sipped as early as 800 years ago.

On the nose Desert Door Original is a lot like a premium tequila, with bright notes of vanilla and green grass – but that’s where the similarities end. Tasting reveals flavors like toffee, mint, and orange zest. The finish is custard-smooth – smoother than any tequila – with subtle hints of sage.

Rebecca Creek Bourbon

The Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon from Rebecca Creek is a real sleeper and one you should pick up when you can. This Texas liquor has floral notes and subtle hints of nuts, the spicy black pepper finish makes for the perfect companion to Fat Ice. Brought to life by Texas State Alum, Steve Son, this limited release is sure to go fast.