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The three Grey Goose Essences flavors on a white patio table outdoors with a palm frond and cactus in the background.
Grey Goose Essences
Courtesy of Grey Goose

11 of Austin’s Most Refreshing Summer Sips

Essential Austin-area spots for making up some lost time

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Grey Goose Essences
| Courtesy of Grey Goose
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

We hardly need to say it, but it’s been a long year, y’all. And since most of us missed out on the bar scene in 2020, we’ve got a little catching up to do. What better way than to grab a few friends, head to one of Austin’s many rooftop bars or trendy downtown restaurants, and reconnect over a round or two of cocktails?

We’ve assembled a list of this summer’s 11 essential hotspots, each promising fun bites and unique sips for you to order the next time you assemble your crew in ATX, guaranteeing a night out that was well worth the wait.

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Green Light Social

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Known for its bar-branded canned drinks and “Adult Capri Sun” slurps (try Feel the Burn), Green Light Social is an irreverent, good time bar located on West Sixth Street. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the wall mural emblazoned with the tagline, “Come early, stay late, get lucky.” Enjoy the flavor of downtown Austin’s original Sixth Street party scene on the dance floor, then escape to the rooftop for some fresh air and quieter conversation.

A pink cocktail in a short glass is topped with a carrot and a rosemary sprig.
A cocktail at Green Light Social
Courtesy of Green Light Social

W Austin

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If you’re feeling a little fancy, head to the W, located just a few steps from ACL Live downtown. Inside you’ll find several themed bars to suit your mood inside the Living Room (a/k/a lobby): the Tequila Bar with a screened outdoor porch, the Records Room (featuring 8,000 vinyl albums from floor to ceiling for your perusal), and the not-so-secret Secret Bar, a cozy, red-hued hideaway. If you’re feeling brunch or dinner vibes, take a seat at TRACE, the on-site restaurant. The truffle popcorn is a move for any time munchies hit. Pair your small plates with a round of Essences Press cocktails (your choice of flavor-infused Grey Goose Essences vodka, Topo Chico, and lemon lime soda) and you’re in for a memorable, swanky night.

A spritzy, bubbly clear cocktail in a wine glass sitting by a pool is topped with a strawberry slice.
A cocktail at W Austin
Courtesy of W Austin

Hotel ZaZa

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This whimsical downtown Austin hotel boasts two fantastic bars: Group Therapy on the ground floor, and the poolside Cabana Bar with a gorgeous skyline view of the city. At each bar, you can order up a Spring Fever, a delicious mix of Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil, a tropical energy drink, and sparkling lemonade.

A yellow cocktail has a lemon slice on the rim.
A cocktail at Hotel ZaZa
Courtesy of Hotel ZaZa

Rosedale Kitchen and Bar

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This airy neighborhood kitchen situated near the Shoal Creek Greenbelt is ideal for grabbing brunch with your friends and settling in for some quality catch-up. Chef Janelle Reynolds nabbed the coveted top prize at Austin’s Mac and Cheese Fest 2021 for her limited-time-only Carbonara Macaroni and Cheese with a three-cheese sauce, Italian sausage, egg, and fried garlic. Go all out by pairing that gooey goodness with a Spring Fling: a refreshing Grey Goose vodka cocktail with fresh strawberries, lemon juice, lemongrass, and fresh-picked sage, it sings with notes of spring and rejuvenation.

A clear drink is filled with muddled strawberries and topped with a mint sprig.
Cocktail at Rosedale Kitchen and Bar
Courtesy of Rosedale Kitchen and Bar

Geraldine's

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Head over to the trendy Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt’s rooftop restaurant and bar, Geraldine’s, for a fantastic night of dinner, drinks, and music — or go for jazz brunch on weekends. Like the hotel itself, which was named for the famed Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, Geraldine’s embraces Austin’s live music heritage and was designed from the ground up with acoustics in mind. Have the bartender stir up something soulful to complement your live music journey, like a Cause-Mopolitan, with Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lemon juice. A donation to a local nonprofit organization is included, too.

A magenta cocktail in a coupe glass has a lemon slice with lemongrass speared through it, sitting on the rim.
A cocktail at Geraldine’s
Courtesy of Geraldine’s

The Tipsy Alchemist

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A Dallas import to Austin’s bar scene in 2020 at 70 Rainey Street, the Tipsy Alchemist stands apart with its cocktail menu, which is formatted like the periodic table. Drinks here are served in lightbulb-shaped containers or delivered through a pneumatic tube that snakes around the ceiling (a must-see experience). For something a little different, we recommend the cocktail, Hair of The Dog.

An orange cocktail in a wine glass has freeze dried berries and a strawberry on the rim
A cocktail at The Tipsy Alchemist
Courtesy of The Tipsy Alchemist

Bungalow

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Even before the arrival of the latest herd of high rises on downtown Austin’s horizon, Rainey Street’s trendy bungalows-turned-bars neighborhood stood apart as the place to be for revelers who wanted something a little more laidback. Although things are always changing in Austin, you can still find that chilled out Rainey Street vibe at Bungalow, which prides itself on being friendly and unpretentious (and also welcomes dogs). Order a Strawberry Drip and spread out in the large backyard filled with picnic tables and cushy seating.

A bright pink cocktail in a coupe glass with a strawberry slice on the rim
A cocktail at Bungalow
Courtesy of Bungalow

The Lucky Duck

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A little quirky and a little quacky, this East Austin bar is a quintessentially casual Austin hangout with its sprawling patio, killer draft cocktails, and an on-site food truck for whenever you need a little sustenance. We suggest the super bubbly Lucky Spritz: Grey Goose Essences, Martini & Rossi Fiero, lemon juice, soda, and prosecco.

A light pink cocktail sits in a wine glass with lots of ice and is topped with a lemon slice.
A cocktail at The Lucky Duck
Courtesy of The Lucky Duck

Wonder Bar

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How many clever photo backdrops is too many? We doubt you’ll come up with an answer, but you’ll certainly have fun trying at Wonder Bar, the bar designed “for all your senses” located in the Domain’s Rock Rose area. The bar is owned and operated by the same folks who own nearby Rose Room, Jack and Gingers, and 77 Degrees. Banana swings, disco ball-shaped drink cups, a tub filled with rubber ducks, and an upside-down room are just a few of the surprises in store for those who’ve never visited. Fuel your imagination for your next post with a BBC made with Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil, sweet vermouth, watermelon juice, lime, and ginger beer.

A bright blue cocktail in a glass with ice and a black straw
Cocktail at Wonder Bar
Courtesy of Wonder Bar

Kitty Cohen's

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This self-branded “classy and slightly trashy” retro bar is said to be inspired by rebellious women. The East Austin patio bar gives major Palm Springs vibes with its kitschy artwork, wading pool, and cheekily named cocktails (Snake in the Grass is a current favorite). Come and knock on their door and have yourself a little “Three’s Company” moment.

A cocktail in a blue ombre glass sits by a pool with white umbrellas and has a lemon slice and a strawberry on the rim
A cocktail at Kitty Cohen’s
Courtesy of Kitty Cohen’s

Central Machine Works

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This spacious East Austin hangout inside a 1940s era workshop provides plenty of room to spread out and enjoy live music, burgers, brats, and pizza in the company of your friends. And despite its mission to provide “beers for the working man and woman,” there’s more than just beer on the menu here. Try out a Summer Collins to quench your thirst, which is Grey Goose Essences Vodka (pick your flavor from White Peach & Rosemary, Strawberry & Lemongrass, or Watermelon & Basil) plus sparkling lemonade — it’s summertime, after all.

Two silver cans sit on a bright orange table surrounded by and topped by lemons, peaches and rosemary.
Cocktails at Central Machine Works
Courtesy of Central Machine Works
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

Green Light Social

Known for its bar-branded canned drinks and “Adult Capri Sun” slurps (try Feel the Burn), Green Light Social is an irreverent, good time bar located on West Sixth Street. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the wall mural emblazoned with the tagline, “Come early, stay late, get lucky.” Enjoy the flavor of downtown Austin’s original Sixth Street party scene on the dance floor, then escape to the rooftop for some fresh air and quieter conversation.

A pink cocktail in a short glass is topped with a carrot and a rosemary sprig.
A cocktail at Green Light Social
Courtesy of Green Light Social

W Austin

If you’re feeling a little fancy, head to the W, located just a few steps from ACL Live downtown. Inside you’ll find several themed bars to suit your mood inside the Living Room (a/k/a lobby): the Tequila Bar with a screened outdoor porch, the Records Room (featuring 8,000 vinyl albums from floor to ceiling for your perusal), and the not-so-secret Secret Bar, a cozy, red-hued hideaway. If you’re feeling brunch or dinner vibes, take a seat at TRACE, the on-site restaurant. The truffle popcorn is a move for any time munchies hit. Pair your small plates with a round of Essences Press cocktails (your choice of flavor-infused Grey Goose Essences vodka, Topo Chico, and lemon lime soda) and you’re in for a memorable, swanky night.

A spritzy, bubbly clear cocktail in a wine glass sitting by a pool is topped with a strawberry slice.
A cocktail at W Austin
Courtesy of W Austin

Hotel ZaZa

This whimsical downtown Austin hotel boasts two fantastic bars: Group Therapy on the ground floor, and the poolside Cabana Bar with a gorgeous skyline view of the city. At each bar, you can order up a Spring Fever, a delicious mix of Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil, a tropical energy drink, and sparkling lemonade.

A yellow cocktail has a lemon slice on the rim.
A cocktail at Hotel ZaZa
Courtesy of Hotel ZaZa

Rosedale Kitchen and Bar

This airy neighborhood kitchen situated near the Shoal Creek Greenbelt is ideal for grabbing brunch with your friends and settling in for some quality catch-up. Chef Janelle Reynolds nabbed the coveted top prize at Austin’s Mac and Cheese Fest 2021 for her limited-time-only Carbonara Macaroni and Cheese with a three-cheese sauce, Italian sausage, egg, and fried garlic. Go all out by pairing that gooey goodness with a Spring Fling: a refreshing Grey Goose vodka cocktail with fresh strawberries, lemon juice, lemongrass, and fresh-picked sage, it sings with notes of spring and rejuvenation.

A clear drink is filled with muddled strawberries and topped with a mint sprig.
Cocktail at Rosedale Kitchen and Bar
Courtesy of Rosedale Kitchen and Bar

Geraldine's

Head over to the trendy Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt’s rooftop restaurant and bar, Geraldine’s, for a fantastic night of dinner, drinks, and music — or go for jazz brunch on weekends. Like the hotel itself, which was named for the famed Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, Geraldine’s embraces Austin’s live music heritage and was designed from the ground up with acoustics in mind. Have the bartender stir up something soulful to complement your live music journey, like a Cause-Mopolitan, with Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lemon juice. A donation to a local nonprofit organization is included, too.

A magenta cocktail in a coupe glass has a lemon slice with lemongrass speared through it, sitting on the rim.
A cocktail at Geraldine’s
Courtesy of Geraldine’s

The Tipsy Alchemist

A Dallas import to Austin’s bar scene in 2020 at 70 Rainey Street, the Tipsy Alchemist stands apart with its cocktail menu, which is formatted like the periodic table. Drinks here are served in lightbulb-shaped containers or delivered through a pneumatic tube that snakes around the ceiling (a must-see experience). For something a little different, we recommend the cocktail, Hair of The Dog.

An orange cocktail in a wine glass has freeze dried berries and a strawberry on the rim
A cocktail at The Tipsy Alchemist
Courtesy of The Tipsy Alchemist

Bungalow

Even before the arrival of the latest herd of high rises on downtown Austin’s horizon, Rainey Street’s trendy bungalows-turned-bars neighborhood stood apart as the place to be for revelers who wanted something a little more laidback. Although things are always changing in Austin, you can still find that chilled out Rainey Street vibe at Bungalow, which prides itself on being friendly and unpretentious (and also welcomes dogs). Order a Strawberry Drip and spread out in the large backyard filled with picnic tables and cushy seating.

A bright pink cocktail in a coupe glass with a strawberry slice on the rim
A cocktail at Bungalow
Courtesy of Bungalow

The Lucky Duck

A little quirky and a little quacky, this East Austin bar is a quintessentially casual Austin hangout with its sprawling patio, killer draft cocktails, and an on-site food truck for whenever you need a little sustenance. We suggest the super bubbly Lucky Spritz: Grey Goose Essences, Martini & Rossi Fiero, lemon juice, soda, and prosecco.

A light pink cocktail sits in a wine glass with lots of ice and is topped with a lemon slice.
A cocktail at The Lucky Duck
Courtesy of The Lucky Duck

Wonder Bar

How many clever photo backdrops is too many? We doubt you’ll come up with an answer, but you’ll certainly have fun trying at Wonder Bar, the bar designed “for all your senses” located in the Domain’s Rock Rose area. The bar is owned and operated by the same folks who own nearby Rose Room, Jack and Gingers, and 77 Degrees. Banana swings, disco ball-shaped drink cups, a tub filled with rubber ducks, and an upside-down room are just a few of the surprises in store for those who’ve never visited. Fuel your imagination for your next post with a BBC made with Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil, sweet vermouth, watermelon juice, lime, and ginger beer.

A bright blue cocktail in a glass with ice and a black straw
Cocktail at Wonder Bar
Courtesy of Wonder Bar

Kitty Cohen's

This self-branded “classy and slightly trashy” retro bar is said to be inspired by rebellious women. The East Austin patio bar gives major Palm Springs vibes with its kitschy artwork, wading pool, and cheekily named cocktails (Snake in the Grass is a current favorite). Come and knock on their door and have yourself a little “Three’s Company” moment.

A cocktail in a blue ombre glass sits by a pool with white umbrellas and has a lemon slice and a strawberry on the rim
A cocktail at Kitty Cohen’s
Courtesy of Kitty Cohen’s

Central Machine Works

This spacious East Austin hangout inside a 1940s era workshop provides plenty of room to spread out and enjoy live music, burgers, brats, and pizza in the company of your friends. And despite its mission to provide “beers for the working man and woman,” there’s more than just beer on the menu here. Try out a Summer Collins to quench your thirst, which is Grey Goose Essences Vodka (pick your flavor from White Peach & Rosemary, Strawberry & Lemongrass, or Watermelon & Basil) plus sparkling lemonade — it’s summertime, after all.

Two silver cans sit on a bright orange table surrounded by and topped by lemons, peaches and rosemary.
Cocktails at Central Machine Works
Courtesy of Central Machine Works

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