Even as new spirit brands flood the marketplace, older ones still have a place on the bar or store shelf as tried-and-true products that you can always count on for a cocktail. Tito’s Vodka, produced in Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery since Prohibition, is one such spirit.

As a vodka, it’s a clear spirit that can accompany just about any flavor, from sweet to savory, in a cocktail, and that versatility has allowed Tito’s to achieve ubiquity beyond Austin in the past few years. But it’s become such a well-known, much-loved brand because it’s also the first spirit to have come out of Texas. Many have since followed — and their creators will often cite Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Vodka, as their inspiration.

Tito’s Texas Tea

1 1/2 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka

1 1/2 oz. freshly brewed tea

3/4 oz. orange curacao liqueur

3/4 oz. fresh sour mix

Dash of honey

Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice. Stir well to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig.

— Tito’s Vodka

Enlightened Austin

1 1/2 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka

2 oz. fresh organic watermelon juice

1/2 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

Dash of agave nectar

Hint of lime

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

— Nate Wales from La Condesa

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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