Texas and gin share a long, intertwined history dating back to the state’s wild frontier days. As a bar staple for generations, gin has played a prominent role in Texas saloons and social gatherings. The spirit’s popularity has endured, with modern Texas distilleries now crafting their own unique takes on this classic liquor.
Texas-made gins offer a taste of the Lone Star State’s diverse landscapes and flavors. From citrusy notes reminiscent of Hill Country orchards to spicy hints that evoke the state’s heat, these gins capture Texas in every sip. Local distillers are putting their own spin on gin production, often incorporating native botanicals and drawing inspiration from the state’s rich cultural heritage.
1) Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, while not a gin, has become a beloved Texas spirit. Founded in Austin, Texas, this corn-based vodka has gained national recognition for its smooth taste and versatility.
Tito’s is known for its small-batch production process, which prioritizes quality and consistency. The vodka is distilled six times, resulting in a clean and crisp flavor profile.
Many enthusiasts appreciate Tito’s for its mixability in cocktails. It pairs well with a variety of mixers and flavors, making it a popular choice for both simple and complex drinks.
Despite being a vodka, Tito’s has earned a place among Texas’ top spirits. Its success has helped put Texas on the map as a producer of high-quality alcoholic beverages.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka can be found in most liquor stores and bars across Texas and the United States. It has become a staple in many home bars as well.
Contact: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 12101 Moore Rd, Austin, TX 78719. Website: www.titosvodka.com
2) Balcones Texas No. 1 Gin
Balcones Distilling, known for its award-winning whiskies, has ventured into the gin market with Balcones Texas No. 1 Gin. This spirit captures the essence of Texas in every sip.
The gin features a unique blend of botanicals, including Texas juniper and wildflowers. These local ingredients give it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional London dry gins.
Balcones utilizes a pot still distillation process, allowing for greater control over the final product. This method helps preserve the delicate flavors of the botanicals.
The result is a smooth, well-balanced gin with notes of citrus, floral, and herbal undertones. It offers a complex yet approachable taste that appeals to both gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Balcones Texas No. 1 Gin is versatile enough for classic cocktails or sipping neat. Its robust flavor stands up well in mixed drinks while maintaining its unique character.
Balcones Distilling: 225 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: (254) 755-6003
Website: balconesdistilling.com
3) Desert Door Texas Sotol
Desert Door Texas Sotol offers a unique spirit that stands out from traditional gins. Crafted in the Lone Star State, this sotol brings a taste of West Texas to your glass.
Sotol is made from the Desert Spoon plant, a resilient succulent native to the region. Desert Door harvests these plants sustainably from the wild, taking only a small percentage to preserve the ecosystem.
The resulting spirit has a smooth, distinctive flavor profile. It greets the palate with notes of vanilla and green grass, followed by hints of orange zest, toffee, and mint.
Unlike tequila, Desert Door Sotol finishes with a gentle sage essence. This makes it an excellent choice for sipping neat or incorporating into cocktails for a Texas twist.
Visitors can experience Desert Door Sotol at their distillery in Driftwood, Texas. Here, guests can learn about the spirit’s 10,000-year history and the company’s commitment to honoring traditional foraging practices.
Desert Door Texas Sotol
211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood, TX 78619
www.desertdoor.com
4) Treaty Oak Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin
Treaty Oak’s Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin offers a unique twist on the Old Tom style. This Texas-made spirit incorporates yaupon holly, a native plant used by indigenous peoples for centuries.
The gin’s botanical blend includes juniper, Makrut lime, and anise. Its sweetness comes from wildflower honey, adding a touch of local flavor.
Distilled in Dripping Springs, this gin showcases Treaty Oak’s commitment to Texas-based ingredients. It balances traditional gin elements with regional botanicals, creating a distinctive flavor profile.
Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin serves as an excellent base for cocktails or can be enjoyed neat. Its complex taste appeals to both gin enthusiasts and those new to the spirit.
Treaty Oak Distilling: 12345 Pauls Valley Rd, Bldg G, Austin, TX 78737. Phone: (512) 358-1203. Website: www.treatyoakdistilling.com
5) Dripping Springs Gin
Dripping Springs Gin hails from the Texas Hill Country, offering a unique taste of the Lone Star State. This artisanal gin is crafted with care using a blend of carefully selected botanicals.
The distillers at Dripping Springs prioritize quality and flavor, using pure Texas Hill Country artesian spring water as the base for their gin. This pristine water source contributes to the gin’s smooth character.
Dripping Springs Gin features a balanced profile with prominent juniper notes complemented by hints of citrus and other botanicals. The result is a versatile spirit that works well in classic gin cocktails or can be enjoyed neat.
The distillery’s commitment to quality has earned Dripping Springs Gin recognition in the spirits industry. It has received multiple awards for its exceptional taste and craftsmanship.
Dripping Springs Distillery
5330 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Phone: (512) 858-1199
Website: www.drippingspringsvodka.com
6) Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon
Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon stands out as a quintessential Texan spirit. This handcrafted bourbon is produced in small batches at the Ranger Creek distillery in San Antonio.
The bourbon’s name pays homage to Texas history, referencing the .36 caliber revolver. It’s made using locally sourced Texas corn, adhering to a grain-to-glass philosophy.
Ranger Creek .36 is aged for a minimum of two years in charred oak casks. The Texas climate plays a significant role in its maturation, with hot summers contributing to its unique flavor profile.
This award-winning bourbon offers a smooth sipping experience. It’s also versatile enough for use in cocktails, making it a favorite among mixologists.
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217
Website: drinkrangercreek.com
7) Texas Republic Cherry Vodka
Texas Republic Cherry Vodka offers a delightful twist on traditional spirits. This flavored vodka combines the smoothness of premium vodka with the sweet and tart notes of ripe cherries.
Crafted in small batches, Texas Republic Cherry Vodka uses locally sourced ingredients to capture the essence of the Lone Star State. The natural cherry flavoring provides a subtle sweetness without overpowering the vodka’s clean profile.
This versatile spirit works well in a variety of cocktails. It shines in a classic Cherry Moscow Mule or adds depth to a fruity martini. For a simple serve, try it chilled over ice or mixed with soda water for a refreshing spritzer.
Texas Republic Cherry Vodka is produced by Republic Spirits in Austin, Texas. The distillery takes pride in creating high-quality, handcrafted spirits that reflect the bold character of the state.
Texas Republic Spirits, 8201 Cross Park Dr, Austin, TX 78754. Website: www.republicspirits.com
8) Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Garrison Brothers holds the distinction of being Texas’ oldest craft whiskey distillery. Founded in 2004, they released their first bourbon bottle in 2010, setting a high bar for Texas whiskey.
Their Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a testament to the Lone Star State’s unique climate. The extreme heat of Texas plays a crucial role in maturing the whiskey, creating distinct flavor profiles.
Bottled at 94 proof and aged for 3 years, this bourbon showcases the distillery’s commitment to quality. The aging process allows the whiskey to cycle in and out of the wood year-round, imparting rich flavors.
Garrison Brothers’ bourbon has garnered acclaim in competitions. Their Single Barrel Cask Strength won Best in Show for Best Bourbon/Corn Whiskey, earning 98 points and a Platinum award.
The distillery’s lineup includes other notable offerings like Laguna Madre, Balmorhea, and Small Batch, all of which have received recognition in various competitions.
Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635
www.garrisonbros.com
9) Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon
Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon stands out as a bold Texas spirit. This whiskey is crafted from 100% organic Texas corn, giving it a distinctive local flavor profile.
The distillation process employs an old-fashioned pot still, adding character to the final product. Yellow Rose ages their Outlaw Bourbon in small barrels for over six months, allowing for rapid flavor development.
At 92 proof (46% ABV), this bourbon packs a punch. It offers a full-bodied taste with notes of toffee, caramel, and vanilla on the nose.
The Outlaw Bourbon represents Yellow Rose Distillery’s commitment to in-house production. It showcases the potential of Texas-made spirits in the competitive whiskey market.
Whiskey enthusiasts appreciate its smooth yet flavorful character, making it suitable for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.
Yellow Rose Distilling, 1224 N Post Oak Rd #100, Houston, TX 77055
Website: yellowrosedistilling.com
10) Blackland Gin
Blackland Gin stands out as a premium Texas spirit crafted with precision and care. This gin hails from Blackland Distillery in Fort Worth, offering a unique taste of the Lone Star State.
The distillery takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and innovative distilling techniques to create their signature gin. Blackland Gin features a blend of botanicals that capture the essence of Texas, resulting in a smooth and flavorful spirit.
With its distinct character, Blackland Gin serves as an excellent base for classic cocktails or can be enjoyed neat. The gin’s balanced profile appeals to both gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Visitors to Fort Worth can experience Blackland Gin firsthand at the distillery’s tasting room. Here, guests can sample the gin and learn about the distilling process.
Blackland Distillery: 2616 Weisenberger St, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Phone: (682) 268-5333.
The History of Gin in Texas
Gin has deep roots in Texas, intertwining with the state’s rich saloon culture and frontier spirit. The spirit’s journey from European origins to Texan distilleries reflects the innovation and resourcefulness of local producers.
Origins and Evolution
Gin arrived in Texas with European settlers in the 19th century. Initially imported, it quickly became a staple in saloons across the state. As demand grew, local distillers began crafting their own versions using native botanicals.
The Prohibition era (1920-1933) forced gin production underground. Speakeasies and bootleggers kept the spirit flowing, often using crude methods that produced harsh, sometimes dangerous concoctions.
Post-Prohibition, Texas gin production rebounded. Distillers refined their techniques, incorporating local ingredients like pecans and lavender. This period saw the emergence of distinctly Texan gin profiles.
Key Distilleries Over Time
Treaty Oak Distilling, founded in 2006, pioneered modern Texas gin production. Their Waterloo No. 9 Gin showcases local botanicals like lavender and pecans.
Dripping Springs Distilling, established in 2008, gained recognition for their artisanal approach. They use pure Texas Hill Country water in their gin production.
Desert Door Distillery, while known for sotol, entered the gin market with innovative recipes. Their use of native Texas sotol in gin production exemplifies the state’s unique approach.
Balcones Distilling, founded in 2008, expanded from whiskey to gin. Their ZKA Texas Gin incorporates wild-harvested juniper berries from West Texas.
These distilleries, among others, have shaped Texas gin’s distinct identity, blending traditional methods with local ingredients and innovative techniques.
Unique Botanical Ingredients
Texas gin distillers craft their spirits with a distinctive Lone Star flair. Many incorporate locally sourced botanicals that capture the essence of the state’s diverse landscapes.
Native juniper berries harvested from the Texas Hill Country form the foundation of several regional gins. These berries impart a crisp, piney flavor with subtle notes of the terroir.
Citrus fruits play a prominent role in Texas gin profiles. Grapefruit from the Rio Grande Valley adds a zesty brightness, while native limes contribute a tangy kick.
Wild herbs and flowers lend complexity to these spirits. Lavender, yaupon holly, and pecan are among the botanicals that give Texas gins their unique character.
Some distillers incorporate prickly pear cactus for a touch of sweetness and a nod to the state’s arid regions. Others use mesquite for a subtle smoky flavor reminiscent of Texas barbecue.
The use of these indigenous ingredients results in gins that are unmistakably Texan. Each sip offers a taste of the state’s natural bounty and rich cultural heritage.