News Summary
Houston is set to host the inaugural Texas Cocktail Week from September 14 to September 21, featuring $7.13 cocktails at over 30 bars and restaurants. Organized by cocktail expert B.E. Mintz, the event will include guest bartenders from renowned establishments across the country and abroad. Participants can enjoy creative drinks and exclusive pop-up events while utilizing a free digital passport app for rewards. Tickets are priced at $20 for access to all events, highlighting Texas’ growing significance in the cocktail scene.
Houston Kicks Off Inaugural Texas Cocktail Week with $7.13 Cocktails
Houston will be the host city for the inaugural Texas Cocktail Week from September 14 to September 21, offering residents and visitors a chance to indulge in a variety of cocktails for only $7.13 at over 30 participating bars and restaurants. This week-long celebration is organized by B.E. Mintz, a recognized expert in spirits and cocktails, who was a finalist for a James Beard Award.
Throughout the event, cocktail enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy pop-up experiences featuring renowned out-of-town bars and talented guest bartenders. Among the featured establishments are Cure from New Orleans, Press Club from Washington, D.C., Laowai from Vancouver, and Locale Firenze from Florence, Italy. These notable bars will host specific events at Bandista, located at the Four Seasons, on designated dates.
Guest Bartender Schedule
The guest bartender schedule at Bandista includes:
- Cure on September 17
- Press Club on September 18
- Laowai on September 19
- Locale Firenze on September 20
Additionally, there will be other pop-up events featuring Happy Accidents from Albuquerque at Reserve 101 on September 17, Jewel of the South from New Orleans at Nickel City in EaDo on September 18, and Midnight Rambler and Black Swan from Dallas at Johnny’s Gold Brick on September 18 from 10 pm to 1 am. On September 21, Austin’s Paper Cut and Here Nor There will also have a presence at Reserve 101.
Participating Bars and Cocktail Offerings
More than 30 bars are joining the Texas Cocktail Week festivities. Participants can enjoy the $7.13 cocktails at popular spots like Botonica, Camaraderie, Coastline Pizza, Doris Metropolitan, Grand Prize, Julep, Two Headed Dog, and Winnie’s. Bars will offer an assortment of creative and signature cocktails throughout the week, allowing guests to explore a vibrant mix of flavors.
Event Features and Rewards
To enhance the experience, an accompanying free app has been developed, which will serve as a digital passport for attendees. This app allows guests to check in at participating bars, collect points, and earn rewards. Those who visit at least five bars will qualify for various prizes, including a grand prize for the overall winner.
Tickets for Texas Cocktail Week are priced at $20. This entry fee grants access to exclusive events and enables participants to enjoy $5 cocktails at the venues. For complete program details and scheduling, attendees are encouraged to visit the Texas Cocktail Week website.
Context and Significance
This new festival not only aims to highlight the creativity and artistry of bartenders and distillers but also seeks to establish Texas as a significant player on the global cocktail stage. As the fastest-growing hospitality market in the United States, Texas generated travel spending of $97.5 billion in 2024, indicating a robust local economy ripe for events like Texas Cocktail Week.
In other Houston news, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant Picos has announced that it will remain open until early 2026, countering earlier plans to close this month. The decision follows overwhelming customer support, with chef-owner Arnaldo Richards emphasizing the importance of sustaining employment for staff during the holiday season. Picos is set to continue serving beloved dishes for Hispanic Heritage Month, introducing traditional holiday fare, including tamales, starting in mid-November.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap: Texas Cocktail Week in Houston
- Houston Press: Upcoming Food and Drink Events
- Houston Chronicle: First Texas Cocktail Week
- The Spirits Business: Texas Cocktail Week Announcement
- Wikipedia: Cocktails
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cocktail
- Google Search: Texas Cocktail Week

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.