Last year, with stay at home orders and social distancing measures in place, bars and restaurants throughout Houston had to get creative with liquor sales. First, in March 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a measure temporarily allowing the sale of cocktail kits to go. Then, in June, with bars still closed, Abbott passed another measure, allowing them to sell pre-mixed drinks as well.
Those measures were an immediate hit in conservative Texas, where blue laws tightly control the sale of alcohol. Many Texans — customers and food and drink industry members alike — hoped the alcohol to-go measures would be made permanent. Last week, Abbott officially made it so, signing House Bill 1024, which allows restaurants and bars with mixed-beverage permits and on-site kitchens to sell beer, wine, and mixed drinks for pickup and delivery orders, permanently.
Many eateries in Houston have had a full year to perfect their to-go game, serving up everything from ranch waters, boozy slushes and classic cocktails along with expertly-garnished tiki drinks and “adult juice pouches.” Here’s where to find the city’s best mixed drinks to go — just don’t forget to order food on the side, and as always, tip well.
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