Drinks – Design Dude's Life

Bromance: Treaty Oak Distillery

Dudes, I am quitting my job and retiring to Dripping Springs, TX, home to the Treaty Oak Distillery and Ranch. In fact, I may just set up a tent on the grounds, because this place is heaven on earth (for both bourbon and gin lovers).

I’m drunk on fun! – Probably Me

The Ranch

Now, you dudes already know I love Treaty Oak’s gin and bourbon. The gin is made from botanicals native to Texas Hill Country and is as unique in flavor as Texas itself. (It may or may not be my favorite.) And, the bourbon has distinct nuanced flavors that are one-of-a-kind. Well, I finally got the opportunity to see where it’s all made!

First, the dudes hopped in the car for a quick road trip. The distillery is located a short drive from both San Antonio and Austin. Upon arriving, we parked and walked up to an unassuming fence. But when we entered, we were greeted by rolling hills, open fields, a stage made out of an old semi truck, and vast Hill Country views. I was instantly in love. Cue bromance.

At the ranch – as the distillers lovingly call it – you can schedule a tour and tasting to see how it’s all made, which I thought was incredibly cool. Definitely eye-opening to see the process behind it all. (Bonus: you get a tasting included with your tour!)

You can schedule tours on Saturdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Rickhouse

Next, we made our way to The Rickhouse. This open-air bar has incredible cocktails on tap. I am telling you, you haven’t lived till you’ve had one of their Mai Tais. Just think, the perfectly balanced cocktail every time. It is a game changer. This bar gives the ultimate chill vibe, so take a break and unwind in the cool breezes of Hill Country.

The Rickhouse is open Friday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.

Cocktail Lab

If you are looking for a more upscale cocktail experience, they have you covered. The Cocktail Lab is a new addition to the ranch and is serving up some of the classiest, elevated cocktails you have ever seen. Get ready for a drink that will open all of your senses. I’d recommend one, but I honestly can’t choose. Don’t make me choose!

The Cocktail Lab is open Friday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.

Alice’s Restaurant

After all that drinking you will want to sober up with an amazing meal. Alice’s Restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients with a dash of inspiration. I am still having dreams about their tuna poke, charcuterie board, and enchiladas. Hold on. I’m going back right now. So, I’m going to let the food do the talking on this one.

Did I mention, there are also classes and themed days (like Tiki!)? When I visited, I was able to take a class on the art of Tiki cocktails (my favorites). It was great to learn the art of the craft from the experts themselves. And, it was even better getting to drink your classwork.

So, here’s to one of the best weekends ever! If you have any questions about my experience at Treaty Oak, feel free to email at heydesigndudes@gmail.com or visit their website for more information.

And as always, make sure to never drink and drive and always have a safe plan and a designated driver.

Cheers, dudes!

Getting in the Christmas Spirits: The Gin Edition

The holiday season is in full swing. And if you are like me, you are totally procrastinating right now. Between parties, and gifts, and hosting it’s a lot for one dude to do alone! So, the dudes at Design Dudes have an early Christmas present for you. We teamed up with Drinking in SA to create two festive cocktail recipes for your holiday party. These drinks are sure to impress, and now you have one less thing to worry about. Plus, just one cocktail is sure take the holiday edge off.

Dude, these Christmas cocktails are so lit. – Santa

Now let’s get this tree and yourself LIT!

Recipes:

**White Christmas Negroni**

This play off of a White Negroni gets a little more festive for the holiday season. A White Negroni uses flowery Lillet blanc instead of of sweet vermouth, and we substituted Aperol for Campari in this recipe. (You probably have some Aperol leftover from the totalitarian reign of the spritz this summer.) ANYWAY…

Overall, this recipe is a bit sweeter, lighter, and more citrusy than the classic Negroni. The Lillet offers the citrus notes and lighter color, and the Aperol brings a sweeter finish to the drink compared to Campari.

The gin:

Our Christmas sprit of choice is Treaty Oak Distilling’s Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin. An Old Tom style gin, this spirit features honey produced from wild yaupon flowers, which adds sweetness and vegetal notes. The botanical blend includes Yaupon Holly (so Christmasy, right?), juniper, Makrut lime, anise, orris root, and of course honey. This gin definitely embodies all the flavors of the holidays, making the perfect Christmas cocktail.

Let’s get to mixing!

1 1/2 oz. Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin
3/4 oz. Lillet blanc
3/4 oz. Aperol
- Pour over ice in a lowball glass, stir, and garnish with rosemary and fresh cranberries.
- Want to get creative and really impress your guests? Freeze the rosemary and cranberries into large ice blocks.

Jingle Tonic

G&T, G&T, jingle all the way! If you are new to the cocktail game and all of the above scared you, don’t worry! We have a simple, but classic recipe that is stress free and sure to impress any holiday drop ins. This festive gin and tonic is easy to make, but has a festive feel that is perfect for your next Christmas party. Your guests will appreciate the extra touch.

The gin:

For this cocktail we are using Treaty Oak Distilling’s Waterloo No. 9 Gin. While this spirit looks more like your standard gin than the Old Yaupon selection, it is anything but. I would say this is one of the most dynamic and unique gins I have ever tasted. While paying homage to traditional dry gins with ingredients like juniper, coriander, and anise, Waterloo No.9 builds in Texas Hill Country flavor with pecans, lavender, lemon, and grapefruit zest. There is a wide range of flavors, and I guarantee that it will step up your classic G&T.

Let’s get to drinking!

1 1/2 oz. Waterloo No. 9 Gin (or make it a double)
Tonic (This measure is all up to you!)
- Pour over ice in a highball glass, top with tonic, stir, and garnish with rosemary and fresh cranberries. And, that’s it!

Hope you dudes have a great holiday season! Make sure to impress those guys when they come over to your holiday party. Share these recipes if you like them. And, remember to always drink responsibly.

To check out more about Treaty Oak Distilling, click here.

Pumpkin Spice Martini

By now, we are in the thick of pumpkin spice season (aka fall). Basic dudes everywhere are pulling up to their nearest Starbucks to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Don’t pretend like you don’t. We all know you love it.

Man, this is a good PSL. – A Basic Dude

PSLs are great for the morning commute, but what about a pumpkin spice drink of the happy hour variety? The dudes saw the need for boozy pumpkin spice, and we came through with a recipe! We partnered with Drinking in S.A. for the ultimate Pumpkin Spice Martini. Don’t like milk based cocktails you say? Don’t worry. This PSM is completely dairy free. Check out the recipe and make your own!

2oz Cathead Pumpkin Spice Vodka
1oz lime juice
3/4 simple (or more if you like sweet)
Pumpkin pie spice

Shake with ice and serve straight up in a martini glass. Garnish with a dash of pumpkin pie spice.

Cheers, dudes! Don’t forget to let us know how it came out.

Coffee is Bae

It’s no secret that most of my life revolves around coffee and donuts. And why not? They are literally your perfect couple-friends that you can never live up to, but you have to be around to admire. I am the third wheel to coffee and donuts, and it is a beautiful place to be.

You’re such a cute couple. – Me to coffee and donuts

Now, I can’t eat donuts every day. So coffee is my main bae. Bae is probably the most beautiful phrase to come out of 2014. Literally meaning “before anyone else,” that is how I feel about coffee. First thing in the morning, first person I talk to, refusing to acknowledge anything until the first cup is done.

And as far as coffee goes, Caferros is one of my favorite roasters. These little beans are hand picked in Columbia and roasted in small batches right here in San Antonio. A big thank you to all the dudes at Caferros, you are solely responsible for getting me out of bed in the morning and making me a part of functioning society.

One of my favorite things about them is their selection of flavored coffees. Now if you are one of those people opposed to flavored coffees, I understand. I was a coffee purist, too. Caferros is different. All of their flavors are organic and natural, and they are the real deal. My favorites are Texas Pecan, Mint Chocolate (yes Mint Chocolate, you have to try), and their flavor of Summer 2018, Coconut Fudge.

Brew a cup for yourself, dude. Hug your coffee mug in the morning and take in the sweet aroma. Treat yo bae right.

The Drink of the Summer

If you haven’t figured it out by now, let me tell you. The Aperol Spritz is the drink of the summer, and you need to get next to a pool and sip on one right now if you haven’t already.

This Aperol Spritz is awesome! – A culturally informed dude

You dudes want to impress your summer date? Ditch the basic Jack and Coke and take on this simple recipe that is sure to impress. Here’s my recipe so you dudes can try it out!

1 oz. Schweppes Lemon Lime Sparkling Water
2 oz. Aperol
2 oz. prosecco sparkling wine
Optional: 2 oz. Gin if you are feeling on the boozy side.

Serve over ice and garnish with lemon and grapefruit.

Cheers, dudes! Let me know how that date goes.