Credit: Texas Cocktail Week – Benjamin Mason
Houston will become the epicenter of cocktail culture this September as the city launches its first-ever cocktail festival. Texas Cocktail Week, running from September 14th-21st, promises a seven-day celebration featuring tastings, masterclasses, and guest bartender appearances.
The brainchild of drinks writer Ben Mintz and communications executive Rachel Boyd, the festival aims to establish Texas as a major player on the international cocktail scene.
Attendees can purchase a $20 ticket granting access to exclusive events and $5 cocktails at participating venues throughout Houston.
Texas Cocktail Week Brings Global Bar Scene to Houston
The festival will feature a Guest Bartender Series showcasing talent from prominent establishments nationwide. Confirmed participants include Jewel of the South from New Orleans, Press Club from Washington DC, Happy Accidents from Albuquerque, and Paper Cut from Austin. International representation comes from LaoWei in Vancouver and Locale from Florence, Italy.
More than 15 Houston venues will participate in the festivities, including Reserve 101, Two Headed Dog, Bandista, Bayou & Bottle, Doris Metropolitan, Johnny’s Gold Brick, and Julep. Each location will host events highlighting different aspects of cocktail culture through pop-ups, seminars, and special menu offerings.
“I’m thrilled to see Texas Cocktail Week come to life,” said Alba Huerta, owner of Houston bar Julep. “It’s the first time we’ll come together as a full industry to celebrate cocktail culture here in Houston. A true moment for our city hosting the global bartending community.”
Texas Cocktail Week Positions Houston as Hospitality Destination
The timing of the festival coincides with Houston’s emergence as the fastest-growing hospitality market in the United States. Travelers spent $97.5 billion in Texas in 2024, according to The Spirits Business, highlighting the state’s increasing importance in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Co-founder Rachel Boyd emphasized the festival’s broader mission beyond entertainment. “Texas has always had the talent, the stories, and the spirit—literally and figuratively,” Boyd stated. “With Texas Cocktail Week, we’re giving our bartenders, distillers, and cocktail lovers the spotlight they deserve. This is more than a celebration; it’s a statement that Texas belongs on the global cocktail stage.”
Texas Cocktail Week passports will go on sale September 1, with the complete program schedule being released August 24. Additional information about participating venues and event details will be available at texascocktailweek.com.