Libations that are Worth a Shot
Words by Deven Wilson Photo Courtesy Kinda Tropical
Throw a lime in East Austin, and you’ll hit a cool cocktail bar. Every corner has a future haunt for patrons looking to sip more than just Patron. With elevated takes on the classic marg to mocktails that keep that signature tequila kick minus the alcohol, the Eastside is swimming in amazing cocktails.
Hot Love: Drinks Lounge & Records
As fiery as their record selection, Hot Love spices things up with Ghost Pepper Tequila, jalapeño, lime, agave, and tajin. This spicy little number is a pure delight for heat chasers and a nightmare for anyone who thinks salt is too hot.
drinkslounge.bar | 2001 E Cesar Chavez St.
Tickle Fight: Mama Dearest
Inside this highly eccentric dive bar, there’s a tickle fight in a glass. Made from tequila, lime, and Mountain Dew agave, patrons better brace for the sweet citric fight about to make its way to their tastebuds.
515 Pedernales St. | @mamadearestatx
Cold Pressed Sangrita: De Nada Cantina
At a cantina with a two-page-long list of tequila and mezcal, it can be easy to miss this enticing take on a traditional sangria. Infused with tequila, their Sangrita is the bountiful love child of sangria and a margarita. denadacantina.com | 4745 E Cesar Chavez St.
Midnight Manhattan Mezcalerita: Bar 508
Even at a Mezcal sanctuary like Bar 508, tequila still flows into unique cocktails like the Midnight Manhattan. Bar 508 creates a CDMX version of the classic cocktail by blending tequila, mezcal, pear, and sweet vermouth. bar508austin.com | 508 E 8th St.
Spicy Margarita: La Holly
For marg lovers looking to cool things down, La Holly has a frosty solution: their spicy margarita. Served frozen, even the heat from the jalapeño-infused agave chills out with this lush slushy.
cantinaholly.com | 2500 E 6th St.
Paint it Black Margarita: Kinda Tropical
Looking for something more exciting than the typical marg with a hit of goth vibes? Activated charcoal darkens this drink into a smoky and mysterious margarita with Espolon Tequila and Paula’s Spiced Orange Rum for a sneaky citrus sip.
kindatropical.com | 3501 E 7th St.
The Cesar Chavez: Bosses Office
Now, going to the boss’s office comes with a sense of excitement. The newest speakeasy off East 7th serves Espolon Blanco with bell pepper, jalapeño, and lime for a vegetal cocktail that grounds the pallet. bossesofficeaustin.com | 3223 E 7th St.
Make it a Mocktail
There’s a tequila option for anyone looking to cut out alcohol, too. Sans Bar serves bar-raising mocktails, some of which feature the non-alcoholic tequila, Ritual. They continue to be the place for a good night out sans hangover the next morning.
1818 E 12th St.
