Signature Sips

Discover the art of the drink

Looking to take your cocktail game to the next level? Houston mixologists are behind their respective bars, inviting you to imbibe and enjoy their new and unique creations!

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, the intergalactic cocktail bar and gourmet pizza joint by Chris Cusack, with locations on Washington Avenue and Montrose Boulevard, has delighted bar goers with unique and exceptional adult beverages since opening in 2022. With two locations in the city, Cusack and his team invite Houstonians and visitors alike to enjoy a fan-favorite house cocktail, such as the Mambo Sun (White rum, pineapple, simple, coconut-lime foam, lime zest), Mommy, What’s a Funkadelic? (Amaras Verde mezcal, Giffard pineapple liqueur, vanilla syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, house-made tepache), or Half Frozen French 75 (Still Austin Gin, simple, lemon, frozen, topped with sparkling wine).

Keep an eye out for special limited-time menus or timely seasonal cocktails, like the Santa on Acid (Pineapple rum, Jagermeister, Galliano, coconut, allspice, pineapple, lime, special cup for you to take home) or Frozen Mexican Martini (Generous frozen serving of Santo Reposado Tequila, triple sec, agave, lime, fresh orange, olive juice, served in true Betelgeuse fashion). Whether you visit the Washington Ave. or Montrose Blvd. location, pull up a seat and enjoy the delicious cocktail offerings in one of H-Town’s zaniest bars!

High Five Mini Bar

Houston’s smallest bar packs a big punch! High Five Mini Bar (Garden Oaks / Oak Forest), the brainchild of Will Ebarb, is located at Stomping Grounds and offers a menu featuring expertly-made, thirst quenching cocktails. Head to the outdoor bar (the space is typically kid-free by 8pm) for a Wham Bam (reposado tequila, mezcal, sherry, mint, lime, cucumber, soda), Mr. Chips (vodka, creme de cacao, white chocolate liqueur, cold brew), or High Five Rise (tequila, cantaloupe agua fresca, lemon, grenadine, agave). Situated amongst several choice dining options, High Five is the mid century modern bar that has already delighted Garden Oaks / Oak Forest dwellers since opening earlier this year!

Lei Low

Lei Low  in The Heights is the friendly neighborhood tiki bar of a cocktail lover’s dreams! Located on North Main St. in the Heights neighborhood, the bar is an oasis in the heart of the city and features weekly specials and exceptional happy hour offerings. Located next to a corner store, the vintage-America-meets-Polynesian décor indoors, reminiscent of '60s-era island life, awaits. The small space is perfectly cozy for friends or a date in need of a taste of tropical paradise without the pricey plane ticket. Start with the Mai Tai (Demerara and Jamaican Rums, Orgeat, Lime, Orange, & Pineapple), Don’s Own Grog (St. Lucia Rum, Texas Spiced Rum, Blackberry Brandy, Grenadine, and Lime), or the Painkiller (Blended Dark Rum, Coconut Cream, Lime, Orange, and Pineapple). Lei Low doesn’t have business signage outside, just look for the neon rum light to know you’re in the right place. Parking is limited, so ridesharing is recommended.

Refuge

Escape upstairs into the vibey Refuge in Montrose, just off Westheimer Road! Occupying the space that was formerly Penny Quarter, Refuge is the perfect place to step up your cocktail game for a happy hour, date night, or gathering with your friends. Stop in for originals, such as the White Lotus (St. Lucian rum, coconut, pineapple, sparkling wine) or Sojourn (Hawaiian gin, royal tokaji, Caribbean pineapple liqueur, orange blossom). The “Classics and Riffs” feature the Sabai Sabai (Thai rum, basil, lemongrass, soda), Scotch & Coconut (Pandan infused scotch, ambrato vermouth, coconut liqueur), and Ca Phe Sua Da (icelandic vodka, coffee and chicory, condensed milk), to name a few. The bar is intimate and keeps cocktail enthusiasts on their toes with updates to the menu and even the design of the space. Stop in and watch your step on the way out!

Julep

You can’t highlight top Houston cocktail spots without mentioning Julep (Washington Ave.), Houston’s sole James Beard Award-winning bar! Owner Alba Huerta has created a drink list that has made Julep a hometown favorite and must-visit for out of towners for almost ten years. A bar stocked with choice wines and beer are the perfect accompaniment for the stars of the show—the cocktails. The “House Cocktails” feature favorites such as the Lychee Highball (Toki Japanese Whiskey & Housemade Lychee Soda), Century Grand (JW Black Scotch, Licor 43, Cacao, Cocchi Americano, Absinthe), and Snake-Bit Sprout (Gin, Chamomile, Pineapple, Lime, Cider), among other delicious options. Indulge in the classics with the Cherry Bounce Sour (Bonded Corn Whiskey, House Cherry Bounce, Turbinado, Lemon, Angostura Bitters, Egg White), Guatemalan Manbun (Cucumber, Lemon, Whiskey, Ancho Reyes, Peach Liqueur), and Morning Call (Tequila, Lime, Agave Nectar, Tonic, Hibiscus Infused Mezcal). Don’t miss out on ordering one of the namesake beverages on the bar’s menu of juleps including the Tepache Julep (Sous Vide Pineapple Wine, Mezcal, Maraschino, Raspberry, Tamarindo), Mint Julep (Bourbon, Turbinado, Mint), and Prescription Julep (Cognac, Rye Whiskey, Turbinado, Mint, Orange Bitters). Stop in for happy hour, impress a first date, or gather with friends for the award-winning bar experience that only Julep can offer!

Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge

Photo by Becca Wright, courtesy of Jethro's Cocktail Lounge

Classic and delicious cocktails await at Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge (Montrose / Midtown)! House classics, such as Sidecars and Palomas, are the perfect starting cocktails before segueing into more unique offerings on the bar’s menu. Venture into the abyss with a 10 Out of Ten (Flor de Cana rum, strawberry, thyme, orgeat, lime), Born on the Bayou (Rice-washed Rosaluna mezcal, Aperol, vermouth), or Sweet Like Peachtree (Vodka, peach, lemon, simple, ginger beer). The bar offers indoor and outdoor seating, good tunes, and plenty of parking. Although, you will want to enjoy this bevvy of cocktails responsibly, so ridesharing is recommended.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding the perfect cocktail in H-Town, but you are guaranteed to find something you like at the bars mentioned above. Once you’ve taken your taste buds on an adventure at these choice bars, kick back and relax and one of Houston’s best dive bars. We’ve compiled a list of the best ones here.

Photos: Courtesy of bars mentioned on this page. Header photo: Julep.