News Summary
Houston is set to host the inaugural Texas Cocktail Week, a week-long event celebrating spirits and cocktail culture. Running from September 14 to 21, the event includes various activities such as cocktail tastings, pop-ups, and unique spa experiences. The Four Seasons Hotel Houston will serve as the main venue, featuring renowned bars and guest bartenders from across the U.S. A cocktail passport will be available, offering access to exclusive events and discounts. This festival aims to elevate Texas’s reputation in the cocktail scene and attract cocktail enthusiasts from everywhere.
Houston will play host to the inaugural Texas Cocktail Week, a new event dedicated to the celebration of spirits, mixology, and cocktail culture. The event, taking place from September 14 to 21, 2025, will feature numerous activities aimed at both cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The Four Seasons Hotel Houston has been announced as the official hotel sponsor and will act as a central hub for all the excitement planned throughout the week.
Starting on September 17 and continuing until September 21, Texas Cocktail Week will offer a plethora of events. Guests can participate in various cocktail pop-ups hosted at Bandista, a notable speakeasy bar within the hotel, and enjoy master spirit tastings at Bayou & Bottle. Additionally, a unique spa experience called the Southern Scrub & Sip will be available at The Spa. This special treatment includes a Texas-made full-body scrub featuring bourbon, brown sugar, and a distinctive gingersnap-pecan scent. Following the scrub, participants will have the option to relax in an aloe milk bath while sipping on a glass of limited-batch Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength bourbon whiskey.
To enhance the guest experience, a special Advance Purchase offer will allow visitors to save up to 25% on room rates when they book their stay three days in advance. Bandista has garnered recognition as #59 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list, celebrated for its inventive cocktails and renowned Southern hospitality. In contrast, Bayou & Bottle boasts an extensive collection of over 200 whiskies from around the globe, along with master tasting classes, whiskey flights, and private cocktail-making sessions that cater to a diverse clientele.
Throughout the week, various events, such as guest bartender shifts, pop-up events, masterclasses, and seminars, will feature notable bars from across Houston and the United States. Confirmed participants include establishments such as Reserve 101, Two Headed Dog, Doris Metropolitan, Johnny’s Gold Brick, and Julep. Guest bartenders will come from esteemed locations such as Jewel of the South in New Orleans and Press Club in Washington, D.C., sharing their expertise and creative cocktail formulations.
For guests wanting to participate in the range of activities, a cocktail passport will be available for $20. This passport will grant attendees access to the week-long events and includes $5 cocktails at participating venues. The event aims to support Texas’s rising status in the cocktail scene, with organizers B E Mintz, a James Beard Award finalist, and Rachel Boyd, taking the lead in showcasing the talent and stories from the Lone Star State.
Houston has recently emerged as the fastest-growing hospitality market in the United States, with travelers contributing a significant $97.5 billion to Texas’s economy in 2024. This growth reflects the city’s capacity to attract tourists and a pool of cocktail and food lovers.
The complete lineup of events for Texas Cocktail Week is expected to be released on August 24, with cocktail passport tickets available starting September 1. This festival is anticipated to highlight the rich storytelling and artistry entrenched in the Texas cocktail industry, ultimately promoting the state’s reputation on a global scale and solidifying its stature within the larger cocktail community.
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Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World
- Wikipedia: Cocktail
- The Spirits Business
- Google Search: Texas Cocktail Week
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cocktail
- The Whiskey Wash
- Google News: 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.
