Coolest Local Drink Trend

Skilled Mixologists

When considering this award, we realized there wasn't one specific place deserving of recognition but rather a select group of restaurant bars and cocktail lounges staffed by innovative mixologists turning out spectacular libations. Some of these talented folks have represented Austin in national and international bartender competitions and are part of the ever-growing Austin delegation making the summer pilgrimage to New Orleans to further their cocktail education at the annual Tales of the Cocktail festival. Their creations are the antithesis of sweet sludge in shot bars or DayGlo swill masquerading as margarita mixes. We salute the talented guys and gals who respectfully prepare classic cocktails, create their own garden-to-bar herbal infusions, and make syrups and flavorings from scratch in order to satisfy discerning drinkers.