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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