3. Austin 

Photo Credit: Penny De Los Santos,

For a bit of holy hooch, head to Malverde, Austin’s sleek lounge on 2nd Street named after Jesus Malverde, a railroad-laboring outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. In certain parts of Mexico, he’s a revered saint. Malverde offers a host of hand crafted specialty cocktails designed by renowned mixologist Junior Merino, along with extensive selections of tequila, whiskey and local beer. The bar, located above the popular La Condesa restaurant, opens up to an outdoor patio looking out over the W Hotel, legendary Austin City Limits Live! and Austin City Hall, and what would a drink in Austin be without music? DJs sample some of the city’s best local tunes nightly. The bar’s signature cocktail “Cubico” features whole leaf tobacco-infused Hornitos Reposado tequila, vanilla liqueur, lemon, grilled-pineapple juice, mezcal essence, and a volcanic-saffron-infused-salt rim. Another unique concoction to try – “El Guillermo,” featuring infused Jim Beam Black, Navan vanilla liqueur, orange bitters, and grilled grapefruit juice. (400 West 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701, 512-499-0300)

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