Or maybe you've got a lot of time, we don't know your schedule. The point we're making here is that Austin is a city brimming with some very delicious, very iconic drinks that should be on your radar. That's why we've created this handy Austin Beverage Bucket List. Drink 'em all, just not at the same time.
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photo via facebook
4715 E Cesar Chavez St
Since opening in 2021, De Nada has become quite notorious for their strong margaritas that come in these cute pink cups. Between groups visiting and Austin locals this place is always crowded, thanks to this delicious drink. The classic frozen is made with Lunazul Tequila, and comes in a small or large size. Order some of their delicious tacos, order a marg or two, and cross this one off your Austin Beverage Bucket List.
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photo via instagram
79 Rainey St
Although Rainey is not what it used to be, one place remains the same: Banger's. This beer garden has been an Austin staple for years, known for their 200+ beers on draft, live music, house-made sausages, and the extraordinary Manmosa. Come for brunch and get this work of art, a giant mimosa made with an entire bottle of champagne and a splash of O.J. Feeling fancy? Upgrade to the premium Manmosa, made with the good stuff for $40. Know before you go: there are some restrictions, you must purchase an entree and only one Manmosa per person.
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photo via instagram
Frozen Boozy Coffee at Cosmic
121 Pickle Rd
1300 E 4th St
With two locations in town, Cosmic is known for their tasty, refreshing drinks and beautiful outdoor spaces. They have plenty of N/A and boozy drinks, but we're here to talk about their boozy coffee. This frozen treat is perfect for a little pick-me-up at any time of day. Another fan favorite is the Frozen Matcha Painkiller, spiked with your choice of liquor.
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photo credit: Photo Credit: Yelp
Various Locations
Any drink that you're limited to two of in one sitting is bound to be a good time. Baby Acapulco's notorious Purple Rita is a super boozy, super delicious cocktail that's best experienced on a sweltering hot summer day. Before long, you won't even notice the heat.
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photo via facebook
1016 E 6th St
We all love a good Piña Colada... but Shangri La's is special. They make it with tequila, which somehow makes it even better. We can't go to East 6th without stopping by for one of these and you shouldn't either. Stay cool inside with your frozen drink and play some pool, or bring it out to their huge back patio and drink it fast before it melts.
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photo via facebook
1111 6th St
After your Piña Colada, walk down the street to the next East 6th gem, Violet Crown. If the sound of an adult creamsicle sounds good to you, then you are going to love the Iron Whip. If you're feelin' extra wild, add a floater to the top. This drink has been a favorite of Austinites for years, and you'll see why when you try it.
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Photo Credit: Big Red
Various Locations
Big Red and barbecue were meant to be consumed together. Like any other treat, they work so well together because you don't get to have them every day. That sublime combo of savory BBQ and sweet soda is pure Texas distilled into a single meal.
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photo credit: Chuy's
Various Locations
Conventional wisdom implores us to include Chuy's Mexican Martini on this list, and we can't knock a classic. Their Mexican Martini is great and deserving of the hype. Oh, and Matt's El Rancho of course. Honestly, in the Texas heat, you can't go wrong with either of them.
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photo via instagram
1316 S Congress Ave
We're pretty sure everyone already knows about this one. But if not, stop by Hotel San José the next time you're on South Congress and sip on one of their famous frosés out in the courtyard by the pool.
photo credit: Instagram user @markmcchillin
Any mixed drink at Side Bar
602 E 7th St
You ain't a Red River rat until you've gasped at the astonishing liquor-to-soda ratio in one of Side Bar's mixed drinks. This place invented the term 'heavy pour.' No really, "Sidebar Pour" is a thing.
Photo Credit: instagram @domoalleygatotatsu_ya
1600 E 6th St
First of all, if you haven't seen this cat-themed bar from the culinary geniuses behind Ramen Tatsu-ya yet, just friggin' go to Domo Alley-Gato already and take a selfie with the giant maneki-neko cat. Once that's out of the way, order a Kirin Ichiban Lager boilermaker with a frozen cap. The slushy goodness on top of your beer stein can come in one of three flavors: vanilla cream, root beer, or ginger. Your shot pairing changes with each. It's one hell of a unique order.
Photo Credit: Yelp user Mitch H.
1512 E 6th St
There are dive bars and then there are dive bars. La Perla is a Tejano watering hole that serves up one of the most ingeniously simple beer cocktails around - the Armodelo. Modelo + lime juice + beer salt + Tabasco = Bliss. All of the ingredients are poured on top, so pop the top, let it all pour in and then guzzle it down. Just remember to bring cash and your manners, this is a quiet neighborhood bar and they like it that way.
Photo Credit: Yelp user @Raqcuel C.
1707 East 6th Street
In addition to having some of the best (and most criminally underrated) Mexican food in the entire damn city, Tamale House East serves up their own Horchata-infused spin on Iced Coffee. You couldn't ask for a better way to start your day than this.
Photo Via Kitty Cohen's | Frose
2211 Webberville Rd
Kitty Cohen's not-so-secret hidden weapon is the aptly-named Frosé; a drink that combines the perceived fanciness of rosé with the relaxed nature of a frozen blended drink. It is, of course, completely delicious.
Photo Via Serious Eats | Avocado Margarita
614 E Oltorf St
Oltorf Mexican restaurant Curra's Grill is famous for their Avocado Margarita - which they supposedly invented. If you like avocados and margaritas (who doesn't?), you will love this. The avo margs at El Alma and Fresa's, by the way, are pretty damn good too. Try all three to earn the bona fide (okay, completely made-up) title of Avoconnoisseur.
photo credit: ATXWoman
Various Locations
Juiceland has no shortage of miraculously healthy elixirs, but the Wundershowzen is well and truly a cut above the rest. Almond milk, banana, spinach, hemp, peanut butter, and presumably a dash of magic make this drink worthy of inclusion on any Austin Beverage Bucket List.
photo credit: @KParkinson03
517 E. 6th St
Sometimes the most famously elaborate bloody mary in a city is actually the best, as in the case of Casino El Camino. You probably won't finish it, but you'll enjoy every second you spend trying.
Photo Credit: Yelp user @Allison M.
1906 East 12th St.
This frozen drink is well worth taking a trip to East 12th Street, especially when paired with one of King Bee's house-made pizzas. The Bee's Knees is composed of gin, lemon, and honey topped with an artfully added assortment of flowers. It'll have you buzzing like a bee.
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MORE DRINKS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST:
119 E 5th St
Indian Paintbrush at Garage
503 Colorado St
Virgo's Groove at Holiday
5020 E 7th St
303 Red River St
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Got a drink you think should be on our
Austin Beverage Bucket List?
