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ODD BOTTLES IN MY LIBARY - PART 1

5/11/2026

My LiBARy is fairly uniform. I have it organized by vodka category and for the most part, they fit well. BUT, I have some bottles that are oddly shaped and throw off my perfect order.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but my OCD does take a hit when one of these comes into the mix. These are just a few currently in my portfolio.
1. Crystal Head Vodka - owned by Dan Akroyd. The black Onyx is an agave based vodka, while the limited edition Pride bottle is the traditional high quality Canadian corn.
2. Bomb City Distillery - made in the Texas Panhandle, the name comes from the city's history of making bombs. I especialy love heir pickle one.
3. Precious Vodka by Jewelines - Gorgeous diamond shaped bottle with a real raw stone in the cap lid. Made from wheat, this vodka is as smooth as it could be.
4. Virus Vodka - Texas made and holds up great in a cocktail. Don't let the branding scare you, it's truly a legit, delicious vodka.
5. Jean Marc XO - this French wheat vodka has changed packaging in the past few years and the new bottle is sleeker and less bulky, but still the same great quality.
Do you have any odd shaped bottles (vodka or other spirit) in your home bar?

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG! AND SO HAS THE VODKA WELL

3/20/2025

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It's Springtime! That means sitting out on the patios with friends, having some nature time on your porch or deck, all while having a nice vodka cocktail. I also enjoy gardening and enjoying the fruits of my labor. However, with the hot days we get here in Central Texas, the poor little plants don't always survive. Well, have I got a solution for you if you like to look at flowers - here's some brands with floral themed labels that are sure to please your palate.

Check out these Flower Power vodkas:
1. Texas Wildflower Vodka - The label is everything you love about Texas wildflowers.
2. King St. Vodka - The beautiful, artful label is what attracted me to this vodka with it's pink flowers with delicate gold accents
3. Dripping Springs Lavender Vodka - well, it's a purple illustration - 'nuf said
4. Dripping Springs Vodka - Limited edition wildflower label. Same juice, enhanced label.
5. Bluebonnet Vodka - The name says it all. I mean, who doesn't love bluebonnets.
6. Azeo Vodka - Distilled from apples, but not apple flavored. I love the dandelion seed head etched on this bottle.
7. Una Vodka - This bottle is slim with flowers on the label and neck, and topped with a glass rose. The vodka is flower infused.

Who wants to pick flowers?

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TEXAS VODKAS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

6/5/2024

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It seems like every week there's a new vodka brand on the shelves. We also see many falling off and unfortunately, many of those brands are small, local distilleries. Let's recap some that we've sadly had to say goodbye to.
1. Grahams Sweet Tea ( This was the first flavored vodkas that I ever had); and
2. Starlite Vodka. Both of these were made by Treaty Oak Distilling in their earlier years. Now their primary focus is whiskey and they also made a pretty tasty gin. While you can no longer find the vodka on shelves, you can still partake of it out at the distillery ranch in Dripping Springs. It's definately worth the visit.

3. Smith's Vodka - My very first distillery visit in the area was to Bone Spirits in Smithville. I was shown the cozy tasting room that held the beautiful handmade bar and furniture made by the owner, along with some merchandise available for purchase. Sadly, they no longer make their own spirits which consisted of Smith's Vodka, Moody June Gin and Bone Bourbon; and now serves as a broker/bottling facility. However, you can on occassion find a bottle or two on the shelf.

4. Famous Vodka - My only experience with this brand was at Cool River's Vodka Fest (RIP to both). I believe it was out of San Antonio. The thing that stood out for me about this one was that it was in a guitar-shaped bottle. But not to worry, if youre looking for a bottle like that. Sixth Street Vodka & Rye in Giddings makes a cool one. I never really saw Famous on shelves and really wish I had a bottle.

5. Frankly Organic Vodka - (This one hurt!) Frankly Vodka made a variety of flavors in addition to their original. Apple Ginger, Grapefruit Cinnamon, Pomagranate Lemon, Strawberry Lemon and the Lemon Basil flavors made this brand extremely popular. Unfortunately, they ceased operations shortly after the release of the Lemon Basil. I worked for them doing tasting promos and never knew what was going on. We did receive notice that promos in Q4 were canceled and then I found out they were no longer in business when equipment went up for auction. Was extremely sad. BUT... rumor has it that they're coming back. No word on when, under what name or if it will be the same product. In the meantime, there are still bottles on the shelves, so if you're a fan, I suggest you grab them while you can.

6. Frog Pond Vodka - This little distillery was located just off 290 in Dripping Springs. The tasting room had a cool art deco vibe and produced both vodka and gin. We did a stop here on one of my Vodka Bus Tours and had a nice relaxing time on the spacious porch overlooking the hills. It's always disappointing to hear news of these small distilleries shutting down.

7. The Sh!t Vodka -Not to be confused with SH!T Vodka... but it is confusing. Even more so now because there is another Sh*t Vodka out of the Netherlands. The Sh!t Vodka never really took off as the name was in legal debate shortly after launching. Fortunately, i knew the owner of the original version and have a sample bottle that he gifted me back in 2017.

8. Uncle Billy's Vodka - An idea ahead of it's time, this brewstillery located on Barton Springs Road, produced it's own beer,bourbon and vodka. The vodka launched to big expectations with a media event. In 2019, they also released canned craft cocktails paying homage to Austinites with names like Ladybird Lemonade and Leslie's Cucumber Sipper (iykyk). Sadly, the brewstillery closed a few years later.

9. Dank Vodka {New Label} - Not gone, rather, the old label is. This brand is fairly newer and has been through a bottle redesign and now a new label. Grab old bottles and labels if you see them as they're sure to become collector items. Oh, it's also the first terpentine vodka.

10. Ultimat Vodka - Okay, so this brand isn't local and isn't gone. This honestly, is one of the most beautiful bottle designs I've seen. The sleek, ocean blue cylinder with clear flat glass top is exquisite and can be repurposed as a decanter. A few years ago, the lid was replaced by a screw top and bottle is wider (not a fan), so as far as I'm concerned, it is gone in a way. But this isn't from Texas - okay, true - but it's one time owner John Paul DeJoria lives in Austin and that's close enough. :)

Is there another Texas brand you know of that no longer exists? Tell me! Which brand do you miss the most?

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5 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE VODKA LOVER

12/8/2023

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It's that time of year when you're scrambling to find the perfect gift for the holidays - or just for yourself. Obviously, the easiest gift cure is a bottle of vodka, but maybe go a step above. Here are a few ideas that your vodka lover will cheers to you with.

Brand Gift sets - Grab them while you can. Many wait until closer to Christmas and as a result, miss out on finding them. These gift sets often come with glassware or barware, some even with minis; others offer limited design bottles or special editions. They're priced normally at the same price as the 750ml bottle alone.
Distillery Tours - if you're lucky enough to be near a vodka distillery, a tour & tasting could be a great way to spend the afternoon or evening. Some venues offer food and/or music as well at their tasting rooms. They tend to also have plenty of merchandise for purchase to commemorate your visit. If possible, try to get your purchased bottle signed by the owner or master distiller.
On that note - grab your Texas Vodka Lovers a Vodka,TX membership. This is a great way to find out about local distilleries around Texas and comes with perks when visiting partnering distilleries. Self-paced, so you can visit whenever you want, throughout the year and only $45. Grab yours here and start enjoying exploring vodka distilleries across Texas.
Tickets to the Austin Steam Train's Vodka Train fundraiser. The January 20th run will feature multiple brands with education, tastings and cocktails. Tickets are available now at https://www.austinsteamtrain.org/ - go to View the Train Schedule on the top right.
If in the Austin Area, host a vodka tasting party! Gather your friends and enjoy an educational and tasting experience tailored just for you. Tasting includes education material, tasting sheet for notes, vodka samples of your selected category, cocktails and recipes. To book or for more information, go to https://www.vodkagirlatx.com/services.html

Whichever you choose, you'll keep away the Grinches and stay Merry all season.

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3 VodkaS THAT CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

9/28/2023

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September 15th kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with some fabulous LatinX brands made right here in Texas!

BANNER VODKA
Located in Manor, TX, Banner Distilling not only produces vodka, but an exquisite wheat whiskey too. (I'm secretly hoping they'll make a wheat vodka as well). Banner was one of the first distilleries I ever visited as VodkaGirlATX. Tony Jimenez and I met via Twitter, then in person at Vodka Fest. I later met his partner Logan at a store tasting. We instantly became friends and I have been a supporter of their products and distillery ever since.
Banner Distilling is also a Vodka,TX participating distillery and offers member perks.

DOERS VODKA
One of the most graphic forward brands I've ever come across (triggers my advertising background). This vodka brand is truly a family affair with the entire team doing everything from design, to bottling, to store tastings. You'll also find them at many events and festivals. The whole family built the distillery from the ground up.
Distilled in Smithville, Texas, this small distillery is sadly, not open to the public. Not to fret, you can buy some cool merch on their website.
Empowering the true American immigrant story, Doers Vodka represents American pride and the Latin culture and is made from sacred corn. La Jefa, Arianna Ixcaragua, is the founder and owner and quite the talented artist. Her husband Samuel Aguilar, is El Presidente and siblings, Soliel handles Operations, Inne created the logo and is the Creative Director (and sings beautifully I may add), and Samuel, Jr is the Master Distiller. You'll see them all out promoting their spirit and wearing the latest, coolest art on their newest tshirt design.

WILD RAG VODKA
Made in Sandia, Texas, this South Texas distillery offers three vodka styles for you to enjoy.
1. The Texas Torch is a cinnamon flavored vodka made with a corn base and is 70 proof.
2. Batch 27 is my favorite and is distilled from mesquite beans. There's also a Batch 29.
3. Sandia Silver is made from cane sugar.
Master Distiller, Royal Aguilar has been in Sandia all his life and carries his personality, along that of the area into the vodkas. The Wild Rag name honors the past of those cowboys who used the wild rags for protection from the dust, sun and the occasional lawman. The logo includes a red wild rag around the neck of Texas.

Have you tried any of these yet? All three brands are so different and unique in their own way. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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ODD BOTTLES IN MY LIBARY - PART 1

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! AND SO HAS THE VODKA WELL

TEXAS VODKAS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

5 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE VODKA LOVER

3 VodkaS THAT CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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ODD BOTTLES IN MY LIBARY - PART 1

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! AND SO HAS THE VODKA WELL

TEXAS VODKAS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

5 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE VODKA LOVER

3 VodkaS THAT CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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