Texas has long been renowned for its culinary and beverage traditions, and the state’s burgeoning craft cocktail scene is no exception. The Lone Star State’s mixers and bitters have gained recognition for their distinctive flavors and premium ingredients, solidifying Texas’s position in the spirits industry.
Texas-made mixers and bitters are elevating cocktails with their unique tastes and high-quality components. From classic margarita mixes to innovative bitters that enhance whiskey drinks, these locally crafted products are capturing the attention of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The diverse range of offerings reflects Texas’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to excellence in the beverage arts.
1) Liber & Co. Real Grenadine
Liber & Co.’s Real Grenadine stands out as a premium mixer in the Texas cocktail scene. This authentic grenadine syrup is made with cold-processed ripe pomegranates, preserving the fruit’s natural flavors and vibrant color.
The addition of pure cane sugar and orange blossom water creates a well-balanced syrup with an elegant floral aroma. This attention to quality ingredients sets Liber & Co.’s grenadine apart from artificial alternatives.
Real Grenadine can elevate classic cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise or Ward 8. Its rich flavor and color make it a versatile ingredient for both traditional and innovative drink recipes.
Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts appreciate the syrup’s ability to add depth and complexity to mixed drinks. The natural pomegranate taste shines through without overpowering other ingredients.
Liber & Co.’s commitment to crafting authentic, high-quality mixers has earned them recognition in the cocktail industry. Their Real Grenadine exemplifies the company’s dedication to producing essential cocktail syrups that enhance the drinking experience.
Website: https://liberandcompany.com
2) Moore’s Dry Botanical Bitters
Moore’s Dry Botanical Bitters offer a unique Texas twist on classic cocktail bitters. Crafted in small batches, these bitters blend locally sourced botanicals to create a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
The carefully selected herbs and spices contribute subtle notes of citrus, spice, and floral undertones. This balanced combination adds depth and character to a wide range of cocktails.
Bartenders appreciate Moore’s Dry Botanical Bitters for their versatility. They enhance classic drinks like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans while also elevating modern craft cocktails.
The bitters’ dry nature makes them particularly suitable for spirit-forward drinks. They complement whiskey, gin, and vodka without overpowering the base spirit’s nuances.
Moore’s commitment to quality ingredients and artisanal production methods has earned them recognition among mixology enthusiasts. Their bitters have become a staple in many Texas bars and home cocktail collections.
3) Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters offer a unique flavor profile inspired by traditional Mexican mole sauce. These bitters combine cacao, cinnamon, and spices to create a rich and complex taste.
Launched in 2007 by Janet and Avery Glasser, Bittermens has become a respected name in the cocktail world. Their Xocolatl Mole Bitters are particularly well-regarded for their quality and authenticity.
With an alcohol content of 53% ABV, these bitters pack a punch. They come in 4-ounce bottles, making them a cost-effective option for both professional bartenders and home mixologists.
Xocolatl Mole Bitters excel in cocktails made with aged rum, tequila, or mezcal. They add depth and complexity to classics like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, bringing a touch of Aztec-inspired flavor.
Bartenders appreciate the versatility of these bitters. A few drops can transform a drink, adding subtle notes of chocolate and spice without overpowering other ingredients.
While not produced in Texas, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters have found a place in many Texan bars and homes, complementing the state’s love for bold flavors and innovative cocktails.
4) Roxor Artisan Gin Botanical Blend
Roxor Artisan Gin stands out as a unique Texas-made spirit. Crafted by James Beard award-winning chef Robert Del Grande, this gin showcases a thoughtful blend of botanicals.
The botanical mix includes traditional gin ingredients alongside distinctive Texas flavors. Juniper provides a classic gin base, while Texas grapefruit and pecans add local character.
Cinnamon, coriander, and orris root contribute depth and complexity. Unconventional additions like cocoa nibs and sarsaparilla further distinguish Roxor’s flavor profile.
The gin’s aroma prominently features Texas-grown lemons, offering a bright citrus note. This botanical blend results in a softer juniper presence compared to traditional gins.
Roxor Artisan Gin is produced by New Artisan Spirits in partnership with San Luis Spirits. It represents the first gin distilled in Texas, marking a milestone for the state’s spirits industry.
New Artisan Distillery, 5330 Cornish St, Houston, TX 77007
Website: www.newartisandistillery.com
Phone: (713) 299-9307
5) Texas Grapefruit Shrub by The Jam Stand
The Texas Grapefruit Shrub by The Jam Stand offers a tangy and refreshing twist on traditional mixers. This artisanal shrub captures the essence of Texas grapefruit, known for its sweet-tart flavor profile.
Crafted in small batches, this shrub combines grapefruit juice with vinegar and sugar to create a complex, layered taste. The result is a versatile mixer that adds depth and brightness to cocktails.
Bartenders and home mixologists appreciate the shrub’s ability to balance sweetness and acidity in drinks. It pairs exceptionally well with gin, vodka, and tequila, making it a go-to ingredient for creative cocktail recipes.
The Jam Stand’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced Texas grapefruits ensures a authentic flavor that represents the Lone Star State. This shrub stands out among mixers for its bold, citrusy notes and its ability to elevate both classic and contemporary cocktails.
6) Barcoop Bevy Ginger Smash
Barcoop Bevy’s Ginger Smash stands out as a premium Texas-made cocktail mixer. This all-natural blend combines the zesty kick of ginger with a hint of cayenne pepper for an extra zing.
The mixer contains Florida golden cane sugar, lime juice concentrate, and ginger juice. Its versatility allows it to pair well with various spirits, making it a bartender’s favorite.
For a classic bourbon and ginger cocktail, mix 2 parts Ginger Smash with 1 part bourbon over ice. It also works excellently in a Moscow Mule with vodka or a Dark and Stormy with rum.
Those looking for a non-alcoholic option can simply mix Ginger Smash with soda water for a refreshing ginger-lime spritzer. The 1-liter bottle provides ample mixer for multiple cocktails.
Barcoop Bevy emphasizes natural ingredients and bold flavors in their mixers. The Ginger Smash exemplifies their commitment to quality and taste.
7) Demerara Syrup by Liber & Co.
Liber & Co.’s Demerara Syrup stands out as a premium cocktail ingredient for Texas mixologists. This syrup is crafted using demerara sugar, a minimally processed cane sugar with distinct molasses notes.
The addition of gum arabic, an all-natural emulsifier derived from African acacia trees, gives the syrup a smooth, silky texture. This unique combination enhances the mouthfeel of cocktails and provides a rich flavor profile.
Demerara Syrup pairs exceptionally well with rum-based drinks and tiki cocktails. Its complex sweetness and subtle caramel undertones can elevate classic recipes or inspire new creations.
Bartenders and home mixologists appreciate the syrup’s versatility. It can be used as a substitute for simple syrup in many recipes, adding depth and character to drinks.
Liber & Co. offers this product in convenient bottles, making it easy to incorporate into bar setups. The syrup’s quality and consistency have earned it a place among the top Texas-made cocktail ingredients.
Website: https://www.liberandcompany.com
Address: 319 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 585-4055
8) Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters
Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters offers a unique twist on traditional cocktail bitters. This non-alcoholic blend incorporates real blood orange juice with a secret mix of exotic ingredients.
The result is a mellower yet still potent flavor profile that’s slightly sweeter than typical bitters. It adds depth and sophistication to cocktails without the alcohol content of standard bitters.
Mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts consider these bitters a defining ingredient in their creations. The vibrant citrus notes elevate drinks with a burst of blood orange brilliance.
Stirrings uses natural ingredients in their products. This bitters contains no artificial preservatives and boasts low calories, making it a health-conscious choice for cocktail crafting.
The versatile nature of Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters allows for creative experimentation in both classic and modern cocktail recipes. Its balance of sweetness and bitterness adds complexity to a wide range of libations.
Website: www.stirrings.com
9) El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters
El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters offer a distinctive flavor profile that captures the essence of New Orleans. These aromatic bitters combine freshly roasted coffee from Congregation Coffee with notes of chicory, pecan, and cinnamon.
The result is a complex and flavorful addition to cocktails, particularly those featuring brown spirits. El Guapo’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of locally sourced ingredients that can be traced to the farm level.
These bitters are part of El Guapo’s award-winning line, which has garnered four Good Food Awards. The company prioritizes health-conscious consumers by ensuring their products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters contain no added sugar, making them a versatile choice for mixologists and home bartenders alike. Their popularity stems from the unique combination of coffee and nutty flavors that add depth to cocktails.
At $19.99 per bottle, these bitters offer an affordable way to elevate drinks with a taste of New Orleans. They can be purchased directly from El Guapo’s website or through select retailers.
10) Scrappy’s Bitters Cardamom
Scrappy’s Bitters Cardamom offers a unique flavor profile for cocktail enthusiasts. This specialty bitter captures the pure essence of cardamom, balanced with delicate citrus notes.
Crafted using organic ingredients of the highest quality, Scrappy’s ensures no artificial flavors are used in their production process. Each batch is held to impeccable standards, resulting in a bolder and truer flavor.
Bartenders and mixologists appreciate the versatility of Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters. It adds a potent kick to various cocktails, from heady rum punches to warming toddies.
The cardamom bitters can elevate classic drinks or inspire new creations. Its complex spice notes pair well with a range of spirits, making it a valuable addition to any bar’s arsenal.
Scrappy’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition in the craft cocktail community. Their cardamom bitters exemplify their mission to make bitters better, providing bartenders with top-tier ingredients for their mixes.
Understanding Texas-Made Mixers
Texas-made mixers showcase the state’s rich culinary heritage and innovative spirit. These unique blends capture local flavors and ingredients, elevating cocktails with a distinctly Texan flair.
Key Ingredients in Texas Mixers
Texas mixers often feature locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the state’s diverse landscape. Citrus fruits like Ruby Red grapefruits and Key limes are common components, lending bright, zesty notes to margarita mixes.
Prickly pear cactus fruit adds a vibrant color and subtle sweetness to some blends. Jalapeño and other chili peppers infuse mixers with a signature Texan heat.
Pecan syrup, derived from the state tree, brings a nutty depth to certain concoctions. Wild herbs like sage and thyme provide aromatic complexity.
Many producers prioritize natural sweeteners such as agave nectar or locally-produced honey, avoiding artificial additives.
Historical Evolution of Mixer Production in Texas
Texas mixer production has roots in the state’s longstanding cocktail culture. The margarita’s popularity spurred early commercial mix development in the mid-20th century.
Small-batch production gained momentum in the 1990s as craft cocktail enthusiasm grew. Artisanal producers began experimenting with regional ingredients and traditional recipes.
The 2000s saw a boom in Texas craft distilleries, which often partnered with local mixer makers to create complementary products. This synergy fueled innovation and quality improvements.
Recent years have witnessed a focus on health-conscious and organic options, reflecting broader consumer trends. Some mixers now incorporate superfoods or offer low-sugar alternatives.
Today, Texas boasts a diverse array of mixer brands, from established names to innovative startups, each contributing to the state’s vibrant cocktail scene.
Exploring Texas-Made Bitters
Texas bitters bring unique flavors and aromas to cocktails, reflecting the state’s diverse culinary influences. These locally crafted ingredients add depth and complexity to drinks, while showcasing regional ingredients and traditions.
Unique Characteristics of Texas Bitters
Texas bitters often incorporate native ingredients like pecans, citrus, and wild herbs. Saba San’s Original Bitters, made in-house at Bento Picnic in Austin, exemplifies this trend with its distinctive aroma and flavor profile.
These bitters frequently feature bold, spicy notes that complement Texas spirits. Some producers use local botanicals like mesquite or prickly pear to create truly Texan flavors.
Many Texas bitters makers focus on small-batch production, ensuring quality and attention to detail. This artisanal approach allows for experimentation with unique flavor combinations.
Popular Pairings with Texas Bitters
Texas bitters pair exceptionally well with locally distilled spirits. Bourbon and rye whiskeys from Texas distilleries make excellent bases for cocktails enhanced by these bitters.
The classic Old Fashioned benefits from Texas bitters, especially when made with pecan orgeat for a regional twist. Bartenders recommend stirring rather than shaking to preserve the bitters’ nuanced flavors.
Margaritas, a quintessential Texas cocktail, can be elevated with a dash of citrus-forward Texas bitters. This addition adds complexity to the traditional lime and tequila combination.
Texas bitters also shine in non-alcoholic drinks, adding depth and sophistication to mocktails and sodas.