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#KoolKeeperSummer Cocktail Celebrations

If you know me at all, you’ll understand how much I absolutely adore cocktail hour. When making reservations for dinners out or even when cooking at home with my family, an intentional hour or so prior to dinner is built in specifically for time to enjoy a drink together. There’s truly something special about that brief time spent with loved ones catching up and enjoying one another’s presence, while enjoying a delicious cocktail or glass of wine.

Growing up, my family and I often visited Austin, and quickly, gathering at the Four Season’s lobby bar became a cherished tradition. To this day we continue to find ourselves allotting just enough time before dinner to enjoy a glass of champagne, Manhattan or Old Fashioned while gathered around the bar’s iconic cow-hide couch and listening to live music.

Though I adore these memories with my family, I’ve been lucky enough this summer to expand my love for cocktail hour to other incredible Austin hot spots. Whether these cocktail locations lend themselves more to a casual night out with friends or to a more upscale, special date night, they all provide the perfect place to enjoy your very own cocktail hour.

Check out my top picks below for Austin restaurants and bars serving up the perfect drinks and ambiance for a cocktail celebration of your own!

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  • Corner Jalapeno Hibiscus Margarita.png
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  • FIne Foods That Sangria Wine and the Ann Richards Revenge.jpeg
  • Hotel San Jose Champassion.jpg
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  • Ranch 616 Margarita.jpg
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Garage Bar

My picks: Indian Paint Brush, Queen Anne’s Lace, Forked Tongue

Corner

My picks: Jalapeño Hibiscus Margarita, Flight 49, Texas Deep Fruit

Fine Foods at Austin Motel

My picks: Cold Fashioneds (Frozen Old Fashioned), That Sangria Wine, The Last Chance

Hotel San José

My picks: Frosé, Activated Popsicle Shandy, Champassion

June's All Day

My picks: June’s Punch, Agave Cocktail, Gin Cocktail

Mattie’s at Green Pastures

My picks: Bacchus Cup, Old Fashioned, Kentucky Porch Tea

Ranch 616

My picks: Ranch Waters, The Skinny Rita, The Mexican Martini