Drinks: Haddington's Goes Vintage, TenOak Teaches Bourbon, + New Craft Gin

Old School Libations: Haddington's is already well-known as a spot for artisan drinks thanks to bartender extraordinaire Bill Norris, but they've decided to have some fun this summer by honoring some of the world's best cocktail books. In June, the bar will feature drinks from The Savoy Cocktail Book. The book focuses on Prohibition-era drinks, and include the following spirited combinations: Cameron's Kick, a blend of Irish whiskey, Scotch whiskey, orgeat and lemon; The Bijou, a cocktail of gin, chartreuse, sweet vermouth and bitters; and Millionaire No. 1, a mix of aged rum, sloe gin, apricot brandy, grenadine and lime. Mixologist Norris will also include his own Dover to Calais on the menu, a combination of navy-strength rum, chartreuse, orgeat, lime and Peychaud Bitters. Norris explained the series' inspiration simply recently: "Bartending would be nowhere without these books. And it's a nice way to expose our guests to something a little different!" The series will continue in July with a new set of drinks from the weather-appropriate Tiki classic Trader Vic’s Book of Food & Drink.

Texas Gets A Local Craft Gin: Texas culinary legend Robert Del Grande is a James Beard Award winner and has been at the forefront of Houston's dining scene for decades. Yet his newest project isn't a restaurant - it's a gin. Del Grande has partnered with San Luis Spirits (the team behind Dripping Springs Vodka) to produce ROXOR Artisan Gin. Del Grande and business partner Don Short worked for over a year on a blend of a dozen botanicals for the gin recipe, which includes juniper, Texas grapefruit, lime, coriander, orris root, and even Texas pecans. A recent press release notes that Del Grande's Ph.D in biochemistry was quite helpful in the science of gin botanicals, and that San Luis Spirits stepped in to implement the chef's recipe so that the spirit could be sold statewide. ROXOR is expected to be in stores this month - retail price is approximately $35.

From Basil To Pappy: Warehouse District newcomer TenOak has proven popular for a number of reasons, from the enormous booth seating to the all-local beer taps. But their focal point is being the best bourbon bar in town (a move many of us don't mind at all), and to help educate on their spirit of choice, the restaurant will begin offering "Bourbon 101" classes on the second Wednesday of each month. Tickets for the events are $25, and include passed appetizers along with a flight of the night's featured producer. For the debut event on June 8th, they'll keep it local by having Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon as the focus of the tasting. If you're not aware, this Hye, TX based-producer is attracting raves for their newly-released bourbon, which is tough to find on store shelves. For reservations to the event, email orion@gdiaustin.com to book.