Texas has developed a reputation for producing high-quality spirits, including an impressive array of gins. These Lone Star State distilleries are crafting unique and flavorful gins that capture the essence of Texas while appealing to gin enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
From traditional London Dry styles to more experimental botanicals, Texas gins offer a diverse range of flavors and aromas for discerning palates. Many of these gins showcase local ingredients and draw inspiration from the state’s rich cultural heritage. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, these easy-sipping Texan-made gins provide a delightful drinking experience that highlights the creativity and skill of the state’s distillers.
1) Waterloo No.9 Gin
Waterloo No.9 Gin, crafted by Treaty Oak Distilling Co., embodies the spirit of Texas Hill Country. This award-winning gin blends traditional dry gin elements with a distinct Texan flair.
The gin’s smooth, citrusy profile is complemented by subtle spice notes and a gentle heat. It evokes the essence of a twilight stroll through the Texas countryside.
In 2018, Waterloo No.9 Gin underwent a rebranding. The new look emphasizes simplicity and classic style, shifting focus to the terroir of Texas Hill Country.
This flagship gin from Treaty Oak Distilling showcases local botanicals and flavors. It maintains the characteristics of traditional dry gins while incorporating unique Texas elements.
Waterloo No.9 Gin offers a spiced and dry taste experience. The aroma features mild cedar and coriander notes, while the palate reveals layers of cinnamon, clove, and anise.
Treaty Oak Distilling Co.
Address: 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Contact: +1 512-387-5822
2) Roxor Artisan Gin
Roxor Artisan Gin holds the distinction of being the first artisan gin distilled in Texas. Created by James Beard-awarded chef Robert Del Grande, who holds a Ph.D. in Bio-Chemistry, this gin showcases a unique blend of botanicals.
Del Grande’s expertise in ingredients shines through in Roxor’s composition. The gin features a softer juniper presence compared to traditional varieties, complemented by Texas grapefruit and pecans.
Additional botanicals in Roxor include cinnamon, coriander, orris roots, cocoa nibs, and sarsaparilla. This carefully crafted combination results in a delicate spice profile that sets it apart from its European counterparts.
Roxor Artisan Gin offers a complex flavor experience. The initial sip reveals citrus oil and spice notes that unfold gradually without overpowering the palate. The finish is notably dry, with a punchy first impression.
This Texas-made gin embodies Del Grande’s motto: “Real plants make better spirits.” It represents a milestone in the state’s spirits industry and offers gin enthusiasts a taste of Lone Star innovation.
New Artisan Distillery, 5330 Cornish St, Houston, TX 77007
3) Dripping Springs Traditional Gin
Dripping Springs Traditional Gin offers a unique twist on the classic London dry style. This Texan spirit incorporates southwestern flavors while maintaining a juniper-forward profile.
Crafted at 95 proof, Dripping Springs Traditional Gin caters to both gin and tonic enthusiasts and mixologists seeking a robust, flavorful base for cocktails. Its higher alcohol content ensures the gin’s character shines through in mixed drinks.
The distillers have reimagined the traditional gin recipe by infusing it with regional botanicals. This approach creates a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other gins while still honoring the spirit’s heritage.
Dripping Springs Traditional Gin has garnered recognition for its quality, earning accolades from spirit judges. Its balance of classic and innovative elements makes it a versatile choice for gin lovers.
Address: 5330 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Contact: +1 512-858-1199
Website: www.drippingspringsvodka.com
4) Seersucker Southern Style Gin
Seersucker Southern Style Gin embodies the warm hospitality of the South in every sip. This Texas-made gin offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional London dry styles.
The gin features a carefully crafted blend of botanicals, including a distinctive combination of clove honey and mint. These ingredients contribute to its smooth and flavorful character, making it an excellent choice for both sipping and mixing.
Seersucker Gin shines in a variety of cocktails, from classic gin and tonics to more complex concoctions. Its versatility allows it to perform well in martinis, showcasing its balanced botanical notes.
The distillery also produces a grapefruit-infused variant, which can be enjoyed on the rocks or with a favorite mixer. This citrus-forward option adds a refreshing twist to the original recipe.
Seersucker Southern Style Gin represents the innovative spirit of Texas distilling, offering gin enthusiasts a taste of Southern charm in every glass.
Contact: +1 210-885-5997
Address: 8501 Cover Rd, San Antonio, TX 78263
Website: seersuckergin.com
5) Austin Reserve Gin
Austin Reserve Gin stands out among Texas-made gins for its distinctive flavor profile. This craft gin showcases a bold rosemary note that sets it apart from more traditional London Dry styles.
The gin’s recipe balances juniper with carefully selected herbs, citrus elements, and floral botanicals. This combination creates a complex and layered taste experience that gin enthusiasts appreciate.
Austin Reserve Gin mixes well in cocktails, offering bartenders and home mixologists a versatile spirit to work with. Its unique herbal character adds depth to classic gin drinks and inspires creative new concoctions.
The distillery behind Austin Reserve Gin embraces Texas terroir, incorporating local botanicals to capture the essence of the Lone Star State. This commitment to regional flavors contributes to the gin’s authentic Austin character.
Gin aficionados looking for a departure from conventional profiles will find Austin Reserve Gin an intriguing option. Its robust flavor makes it suitable for sipping neat or with a splash of tonic.
Austin Reserve Gin
Address: Austin, Texas
Website: www.austinreservegin.com
6) Ranger Creek .36 Texas Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling has created a unique gin that pays homage to their famous bourbon. This San Antonio-based distillery ages their gin in barrels previously used for their .36 Texas Straight Bourbon.
The result is a smooth, complex spirit that combines the botanical notes of gin with subtle bourbon undertones. The aging process imparts a golden hue and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Juniper and citrus remain prominent, but whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the hints of vanilla and oak from the barrel aging. This gin works well in classic cocktails or can be enjoyed neat.
Ranger Creek’s commitment to using local ingredients shines through in this craft spirit. Their grain-to-glass philosophy ensures quality control throughout the production process.
The .36 Texas Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin exemplifies the innovation happening in Texas distilling. It offers a unique tasting experience for both gin and bourbon lovers.
Contact: Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Address: 4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217
Website: drinkrangercreek.com
7) Balcones Barrel Rested Gin
Balcones Distilling, known for its award-winning whiskeys, brings its craft expertise to gin with the Balcones Barrel Rested Gin. This unique spirit combines traditional gin botanicals with a touch of Texas flair.
The gin starts with a base of juniper, coriander, and citrus peels. Balcones then adds local Texas ingredients like wildflower honey and fig to create a distinctively Texan flavor profile.
After distillation, the gin rests in oak barrels previously used for Balcones whiskey. This aging process imparts subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the gin, complementing its botanical character.
The result is a complex, sippable gin that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Its smooth texture and balanced flavor make it an excellent choice for those new to barrel-aged gins.
Balcones Barrel Rested Gin showcases the distillery’s commitment to innovation and quality. It offers gin enthusiasts a taste of Texas terroir combined with traditional gin craftsmanship.
Address: 225 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: (254) 755-6003
Website: balconesdistilling.com
8) Enchanted Rock Gin
Enchanted Rock Gin draws inspiration from its namesake, the massive pink granite mountain located north of Fredericksburg, Texas. This spirit captures the essence of the Lone Star State’s rugged beauty and rich history.
Crafted with locally sourced botanicals, Enchanted Rock Gin offers a unique flavor profile that reflects the diverse landscape of Texas. Its blend of traditional and native ingredients creates a smooth, easy-sipping experience.
The gin’s crisp and refreshing taste makes it ideal for enjoying neat or as the foundation for classic cocktails. Its balanced flavor allows the natural botanicals to shine through without overpowering the palate.
Enchanted Rock Gin pays homage to the local legends surrounding its namesake. The distillers have infused the spirit with the mystique of the area, creating a gin that tells a story with every sip.
Address: San Antonio, Texas
Website: www.enchantedrockspiritco.com
Crafting the Perfect Gin Infusion
Crafting gin infusions allows for endless flavor possibilities. Careful selection of botanicals and precise distillation techniques are key to creating a balanced, sippable spirit.
Balancing Botanical Flavors
Choosing complementary botanicals is crucial for a harmonious gin infusion. Start with a neutral base gin and add 3-5 botanicals. Popular choices include citrus peels, herbs, spices, and flowers.
Adjust quantities to achieve desired flavor intensity. For citrus, use dried peels or minimal fresh zest to avoid overpowering. Herbs like basil or rosemary add aromatic complexity. Spices such as cardamom or black pepper provide warmth.
Infuse ingredients for 24-48 hours, tasting regularly. Remove stronger flavors earlier to prevent bitterness. Strain thoroughly and bottle the infused gin.
The Role of Distillation Techniques
Distillation methods significantly impact gin flavor profiles. Traditional pot stills create rich, full-bodied gins with pronounced botanical notes. Column stills produce lighter, cleaner spirits.
Some distillers use vacuum distillation for delicate flavors. This low-temperature method preserves volatile aromatics. Others employ vapor infusion, suspending botanicals in a basket above the spirit.
Batch size affects flavor concentration. Smaller batches allow for more precise control but may lack consistency. Larger batches provide uniformity but require careful scaling of ingredients.
Exploring Texan Terroir
Texas gin distillers incorporate local botanicals and leverage the state’s unique climate to create distinctive flavor profiles. These factors contribute to gins that capture the essence of the Lone Star State.
Unique Botanical Ingredients Sourced Locally
Texas gin makers embrace native plants to infuse their spirits with regional character. Prickly pear cactus adds subtle sweetness and a rosy hue to some gins. Juniper berries harvested from West Texas impart piney notes.
Pecans, the state tree, lend nutty undertones to certain expressions. Wild oregano and sage from Hill Country provide herbal complexity. Citrus from the Rio Grande Valley, including ruby red grapefruit and Meyer lemons, brightens flavor profiles.
Some distillers forage for yaupon holly, the only caffeinated plant native to North America, to add earthy depth. These locally-sourced ingredients create gins that reflect Texas’s diverse landscapes and agriculture.
Climatic Influence on Gin Character
Texas’s hot, dry climate affects gin production and flavor development. Higher temperatures during distillation can intensify botanical extraction, resulting in bolder, more concentrated flavors.
The state’s ample sunshine promotes robust growth of aromatic herbs and fruits used in gin recipes. This abundance of flavorful botanicals allows distillers to create complex, layered profiles.
Extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night in some regions can stress plants, potentially enhancing their aromatic compounds. This may contribute to more intense flavors in locally-sourced botanicals.
Texas’s low humidity can accelerate the aging process for barrel-rested gins, imparting richer, woodier notes more quickly than in damper climates.