There's local, then there is Texas local. Supporting Texas distillers has been part of Monarch's DNA since day one on East MLK, and the state's spirit scene has never been better. Here's our shelf-by-shelf tour of what Texas does best.
Vodka: The One That Started It All
Tito's Handmade Vodka put Austin distilling on the map, and it's still the best-selling bottle in both of our stores. Corn-based, gluten-free, and smooth enough to anchor any bar cart. But don't stop there:
- Deep Eddy (Austin) — famous for their Ruby Red grapefruit vodka, basically a Paloma waiting to happen.
- Dripping Springs (Dripping Springs) — small-batch, made with Hill Country artesian water.
Gin: Hill Country Botanicals
- Waterloo Gin (Austin) — big juniper up front with pecan and lavender notes underneath; the No. 9 expression is a favorite for gin and tonics.
- Genius Gin (Austin) — a modern, citrus-forward gin distilled just across town.
- Dripping Springs Gin — orange-forward and friendly, great for gin newcomers.
Whiskey: Aged Under the Texas Sun
Texas heat ages whiskey fast, and the results speak for themselves. The short list:
- Garrison Brothers (Hye) — Texas's first bourbon distillery. Rich, sweet, unapologetically big.
- Still Austin (Austin) — grain-to-glass bourbon and rye made from 100% Texas grain, right here in town.
- Balcones (Waco) — blue corn bourbon and Texas single malt with a cult following.
We went deep on these (with price tiers and picks) in our Best Bourbon & Whiskey guide.
Shop this guide: filter by Texas brands online, or ask any associate for the local shelf tour in store.
SHOP TEXAS SPIRITSAgave & Desert Spirits
Texas can't legally make tequila (that's Mexico's), but the desert spirits made here are something special:
- Desert Door (Driftwood) — Texas sotol, distilled from wild-harvested desert plants. Earthy, slightly sweet, and unlike anything else — try it anywhere you'd use tequila.
- Railean (San Leon) — Gulf Coast rum and agave spirits from a family operation.
Sotol Ranch Water is a staff obsession — the recipe is in our cocktails guide.
Why Buy Texan?
- Your dollars stay with Texas farms, families, and distilleries.
- Local bottles make the best gifts — every one has a story.
- The quality now rivals (and often beats) the big national brands.
Both Monarch locations keep a dedicated local section, and we're always tasting new Texas releases. Ask us what's new — the answer changes monthly.