Weird Cocktails Defying Logic
Words Fallon Alexander
The Austin cocktail scene is continually evolving, with the emergence of more sophisticated cocktail bars, meticulously crafted drink lists, and an increasingly artistic approach to mixology. In each menu, the city’s famous motto, Keep Austin Weird, exudes with creativity. With ingredients that you’d expect to see in your pantry and not in your bar cart, bartenders are making paradoxical pours that will entice your taste buds and leave you begging for more.
Ezov: Everything Bagel Tini
This unique martini riff combines all of the best elements of favorite breakfast food. Featuring everything bagel seasoning-infused gin, feta-washed vermouth, and a finish of dill oil, this cocktail is briny, herbaceous, and crisp. It’s a savory sip that tastes like brunch in a glass and is downright addictive.
2708 E Cesar Chavez St. | @ezovatxv
Did You Know?
Cocktails can also be sustainable. Ezov’s Everything Bagel Martini was recently featured as part of the Zero Foodprint Dirty Drinks Campaign, where a dollar from every cocktail sold was donated to farmers for compost, cover crop planting, and projects that transform dirt into healthy soil. The martini from Ezov was the perfect candidate for this campaign as it turns kitchen byproducts into delicious ingredients. By using leftover feta to wash the vermouth and infusing the oil with the usually discarded dill stems, this cocktail is as green as it is flavorful.
Whislers: He Tastes Like Radio Static
This silky dream is far from what you’d expect radio static to taste like. Whislers is known for crafting insanely unique drinks, and with strawberry-infused Japanese vodka, balsamic vinegar, soy, and milk clarification, this cocktail is definitely another feather in their hat. He Tastes Like Radio Static is sweet, tangy, and a touch salty, making you feel like you’re enjoying a fresh chocolate-covered strawberry sprinkled with a touch of flaky salt.
1816 E 6th St. | @whislersatx
La Barbecue: Barbecue Pickle Back Shot
La Barbecue turns a classic dive bar staple into a full-on experience that is truly Texas. This pickle back starts with a shot of Still Austin whiskey, followed by house-made pickle brine, and finishes with a bite of burnt-end brisket. Salty, smoky, and fiery all at once, it’s all the best parts of barbecue, but in a shot glass.
2401 E Cesar Chavez St. | @la_barbecue
Veracruz Fonda & Bar: Veracruz Colada
This tropical escape in a glass is what happens when you blend beachy vibes with Mexican spice. It starts with rum that has notes of vanilla, caramel, nutmeg, and brown sugar, before adding in coconut cream, pineapple, coffee li-queur, and a pinch of cinnamon. The result is rich, creamy sun-shine—without feeling heavy or too sweet, even though it’s topped with chocolate-covered pretzels. The cinnamon cuts through the tropical sweetness with just enough spice to keep it interesting, making it the kind of cocktail you sip slowly while pretending you’re on the coast of Veracruz in the fall breeze. 1905 Aldrich St., #125 | @veracruzfonda
Mother’s Ruin: Stripper Handshake
The cheeky name doesn’t even begin to describe the sophisticated flavors that come from this old-fashioned-inspired drink. At first glance, you might assume it’s going to be overly sweet due to its combination of bourbon, banana, and vanilla. However, the addition of herbal ingredients, such as Cynar liquor and Angostura bitters, creates a complex and layered experience. Each sip will leave your tastebuds guessing but always wanting more.
1401 E 6th St. | @mothersruinaustin
Cabana Club: Matcha Mochi Martini
Matcha is the new espresso, and this delectable martini proves it.It’s the more youthful, hip cousin to the classic Espresso Martini. The fresh spin on dessert cocktails features Smirnoff vanilla vodka and crème fraîche, creating a creamy, sweet base that is grounded by earthy and smooth matcha.
5012 E 7th St. | @cabanaclubatx
Lefty’s Brick Bar: Green Daisy
Fresh and herbaceous with the slightest kick, Green Daisy is perfectly paired with the patio at Lefty’s. A classic lime margarita elevated with the addition of fresh cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño, resulting in a cocktail that’s refreshing and light, yet boldly complemented by ingredients typically found in salsa rather than a margarita. One sip, and you’ll want another round.
1813 C E 6th St. | @leftysbrickbar
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: Just in time for Thanksgiving, Daydreamer is bringing back their infamous shot that rewrites the rules. Imagine rich, savory gravy in liquid form, and then elevate it. The Wild Turkey & Gravy Shot is an indulgent, salty-smooth gravy back shot that tastes like the best parts of a Sunday dinner plated in one quick sip
