7 Houston Hotspots Serving Up the Best To-Go Cocktail Kits

Who doesn't love a good (to-go) happy hour?

Photo by yee yek on Unsplash

It's the perfect time to unwind after a long day at work or chill with friends before heading out on the town.

But what about those days where you can't get off work, and it's just not in the cards for you? Or better, since you're working at home, there doesn't seem to be an end to work?

Don't despair--you can still enjoy happy hour without leaving home.

This past year, with stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures in place, bars and restaurants all around Texas had to basically "figure it out." Houston was not immune to this and was forced to get creative with liquor sales. 

It began back in March of 2020 when Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, signed a measure allowing alcohol sales to go.

Then in the summer, June, to be exact, Abbott passed another benchmark ruling with places still shut down, allowing them to sell pre-mixed drinks as well. It proved to be a needed lifeline for the restaurant industry and was an immediate hit.

It was so successful that many hoped it might become permanent.

Well, it is. Recently, Gov. Abbott signed House Bill 1024, allowing restaurants and bars with mixed beverage permits and who also have kitchens on-site to sell beer, wine, and mixed drinks for pick-up and delivery permanent. 

The best part is that Texas food joints, especially Houston, have now had over a year to bring their A-game to liquor pick-up and delivery, and you, my friend, are the one who benefits most.

From classic cocktails, to craft IPA, and excellent margaritas, it's all at you're fingertips and the best part is you don't need to leave home.

So here you have our top picks for Houston's drinks to-go.

1. Julep

After more than a year of selling drinks exclusively to-go, Julep reopened, and you'll never guess on which day. Kentucky Derby day, naturally.

But preparing for the future, bartenders here also opened a pop-up shop called Ready to Drink Market. The store sells pre-mixed drinks like negronis, martinis, and of course, mint juleps, among other mixed cocktails. It is one way bars in Houston have found success as they prepare for a brave new world.

The shop is open just off the Washington Avenue Bar patio and has some pretty cool branded tees.

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend the spicy house pickle mix with that French 75 (Gin, Lemon, Champagne, and Sugar).

Location: 1919 Washington Ave

Photo by Zaid Patel on Unsplash

2. Lei Low

This North Heights bar almost near perfected the takeout game with their newly launched Lei Low At Home delivery service. They're serving, slinging, and delivering some legit classics and expertly mixed tiki drinks like mai tais, blue Hawaiians, and Zombies, complete with elaborate garnishes like orchids, branded swizzle sticks, and cocktail umbrellas.

Grab yourself a 32 oz. "Painkiller" to kick off that in-home happy hour.

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend the Hurricane snack mix to-go.

Location: 6412 N Main St Ste. C

Photo by Jia Jia Shum on Unsplash

3. Rainbow Lodge

Martini cocktail kit for home?

Your wish is their command. It's true, the Rainbow Lodge's extensive menu of cocktails, from signature drinks like the Border Paloma to classics including Mimosas and the Rusty Nail, are all available for takeout, my friends.

You can also get cocktail kits, like the Old Fashioned kit, which comes with garnishes and serves six. Can you say party at my place?

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend the Fried Texas Quali bites and Buttermilk Hot Chicken Sliders.

Location: 2011 Ella Blvd

Photo by Paige Ledford on Unsplash

4. Boheme

This Montrose's bar's delivery service has you covered from Moscow Mules, Frozen Rose, and Whiskey Sours.

Signature frozen mojitos are one of the best ways to cool off in the heat of Texas summers and all from home. You can now get them to-go, along with piña coladas, frozen rosé, boozy Dreamsicles, and even Jello-Shots. Boheme's mobile bar brings it right to your front door.

All your favorites from Bar Boheme – delivered!

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend the Vietnamese Fries and/or the Bombay spinach dip.

Location: 307 Fairview St

Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash

5. Two-Headed Dog

With a super catchy tagline, you know this punky little bar hidden away on Elgin Street serves up more than just good drinks.

Several to-go cocktails, like a key lime pie daiquiri, a Guava Slayer and tequila concoction, hurricane kits, and even Jello shots, are yours simply for the asking. And of course, it's taken right to you, in the comfort of your home.

Be sure to have them bring some Pure Intentions. Trust us on this.

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend the Grilled Cheesus or Salty Snackage.

Location: 3100 Fannin St #115

Photo by Johann Trasch on Unsplash

6. The Toasted Coconut

Voted one of Houston's 'Hot New Cocktail Bars,' the Toasted Coconut's extensive cocktail menu is where any great, delivered-to-your-door, happy hour begins.

Nearly the entire menu at The Toasted Coconut is available for curbside pick-up to include the following favorites. The 3rd Coast Old Fashioned made with pecan orgeat, and the Jungle Bird, with rum, Campari, pineapple, and lime, and others.

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend some Sweet Chili Wings.

Location: 1617 Richmond Ave

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

7. Traveler's Table

Travelers Table has an inspired selection for sure. In fact, it's globally inspired with concoctions and mixing kits like the Caribbean Queen, made with passionfruit and sparkling wine. Or try this Japanese-inspired one called the Shogun, with Japanese whiskey and plum wine. Traveler's Table offers something for every taste.

One of the must-haves and my personal fav is The Year of Living Dangerously, with mezcal, prickly pear juice, and grapefruit soda. Trust us on this one.

Since food is required with alcohol purchase, we recommend the Crab Samosas.

Location: 520 Westheimer Rd

Photo by The Pop'd Shop on Unsplash

The final sip

While there are literally dozens of options in Houston, we hope we've given you a little peek into some great home delivery places.

Didn't see your fav place?

Leave us a comment; we'll get it on the next round.

References:

>> House Bill 1024

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