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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.