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    Drink Diary

    Take a page from our drink diary: Eight great summer cocktails

    Marcy de Luna
    May 28, 2011 | 8:59 am
    • Trattoria Il Mulino's Grappa selection
      Photo by Kevin Marple
    • Samba Grille's Pineapple Cocktail
      Photo by Paul Cedillo
    • Mai's Bar
      Photo by Michelle Rexroat
    • Key Lime Martini at RA Sushi
    • Orangeade at Canopy
      Photo by Marcy de Luna
    • Benjy's Aged White Sangria
      Photo by Jack Thompson

    Given my expansive experience sampling the city's adult beverages, I recently received a request for a list of cocktail recommendations. Perfect timing, considering it's hot time in the city and we're all a little parched. Luckily, I keep of log of newfound favorites — a diary of drinks, if you will.

    I figure, what better time to share a bit of my diary with you, our readers, than now? The heat is on, and staying cool is major. Cheers to a thirsty summer with these summer drink selections:

    Pineapple Fusion Martini at Samba Grille
    Pineapple-and-vanilla-infused cachaca (a rum-like liquor made from fermented sugarcane) is the star ingredient in this enticing drink. The infused cachaca takes 14 days to prepare and contains no processed sugar — the sugarcane, fruit and vanilla bean are enough to make it sweetly tasty. Honorable mention: You cannot go the summer without trying the Brazilian lemonade made with condensed milk, lime, sugar and water. This beverage comes sans alcohol, but add a shot of vodka or rum for a delectable adult cocktail.

    Lotous Blossom Mai-tini at Mai’s
    The new cocktail list at Mai’s offers a range of options including the Lotous Blossom Mai-tini. It's a mix of Grey Goose La Poire vodka, sake, a squeeze of lime and lychee fruit. I like all of the above individually, so it stands without reason that I enjoyed the cocktail. The sake takes the edge off of the slightly sweet pear-flavored La Poire and balances out the drink. Word to the wise — these drinks are strong. Keep Yellow Cab’s number on speed dial if you plan on partaking in more than one.

    Orangeade at Canopy
    This flavorsome orange beverage tastes a lot like Tang, and I mean that in only the best way. A few too many, and you will definitely feel like you're walking on the moon. The recipe includes 1.5 ounces of Dripping Springs Vodka, half an ounce of Paula's Texas Orange, half an ounce of St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur, an ounce of fresh-squeezed orange juice and an ounce of champagne.

    Testarossa at Trattoria Il Mulino
    The Testarossa is a pleasant blend of vodka, Grand Marnier, fresh strawberries, basil and cranberry juice. It was the hit of the table at a recent dinner. Trattoria Il Mulino also makes its own Grappa, and while some are only available seasonally, choices include fennel, fig, rose petal, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, champagne grape, mango and kumquat flavors.

    Key Lime Martini at RA Sushi
    I'm not sure how you can go wrong with key lime flavored anything, especially a cocktail. The recipe calls for a squeeze of half a lime, an ounce of Ciroc Coconut Vodka, an ounce of Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, half an ounce of pineapple juice and dash of cream of coconut.

    Aged Sangria at benjy’s - Upper Washington
    Benjy’s is set to introduce their in-house version of "aged sangria" just in time for summer. Matured to perfection, this batch contains cucumber, apricot brandy, white Sauvignon Blanc and fresh fruit. Prepare for super cool patio cocktails — the cask should be opened any day now.

    Pimm's Cup at Grand Prize
    Nothing screams summer quite like a Pimm's Cup. Traditionally made with Pimm's, lemonade or sprite, an assortment of fruit, a touch of mint and always with cucumber, Grand Prize makes an excellent version with their cucumber muddled, rather than in slices, for an ultra-refreshing cocktail that does best with a generous hunk of orange.

    Ethel Groves at Anvil
    Anvil has just launched their (almost) all-new Southern-inspired summer menu, and my favorite summer addition is the Ethel Groves. Made with dry gin, lemon, St. Germain, thyme and fizzy Southern iced tea, it's hard to stop at just one.

    unspecified
    news/restaurants-bars

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    coming to fredericksburg

    Star Houston chef signs on to luxurious Hill Country hotel

    Eric Sandler
    Oct 22, 2026 | 3:00 pm
    Aaron Bludorn headshot
    Courtesy of Bludorn Hospitality Group
    Aaron Bludorn is opening a new restaurant in Fredericksburg.

    Houston chef Aaron Bludorn is coming to the Hill Country. The chef’s Bludorn Hospitality Group will open a restaurant and lead the culinary program at The Kimpton Fredericksburg, a luxury hotel that’s expected to open in late 2027.

    The still-unnamed restaurant will be a fresh concept from the company that’s behind five Houston restaurants — its flagship fine dining concept Bludorn, seafood restaurant Navy Blue, French-inspired Perseid at the Hotel Saint Augustine, and two locations of Bar Bludorn, including its recently-opened location in The Woodlands. Later this year, Bludorn, his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and their business partner Cherif Mbodji, will open a new restaurant in San Antonio.

    “We really loved the idea of being out in Fredericksburg. With us opening in San Antonio, we’ll already have a team out there,” Bludorn tells CultureMap. “We’re a growing Texas hospitality group. We see it as a great opportunity to grow our brand with Texans in really cool spaces.”

    Bludorn adds that the restaurant will be a new concept from the company. Details, including its name and menu, will be released closer to the opening.

    “We were drawn to Aaron’s ability to create a dining experience that feels both approachable and elevated, where exceptional food and thoughtful service come together in a way that makes every guest feel welcome,” said Blake Berg, senior vice president of development & construction for hotel owner DC Partners. “We recognize that experiential dining is an important part of what makes a destination successful, particularly in a market as distinctive as Fredericksburg. Our vision is to build on the area’s existing culinary character while introducing a new level of creativity, quality and hospitality. Aaron understands that balance. His philosophy aligns with our intentional approach to The Meuse, where every element is designed to complement the community, create a lasting impression and give people a reason to return.”

    First announced in 2025, the Kimpton Fredericksburg is a 210-room luxury hotel. In addition to the Bludorn restaurant, it will offer a 10,000-square-foot outdoor pool and deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

    The hotel will anchor The Meuse, a 22-acre mixed-use development with more than 70,000 square feet of retail space. Previously announced tenants include Houston-based Padre’s Wine Company, Texas bootmaker Lucchese, westernwear label Double D Ranch, gourmet food company Fischer & Wieser, and Jackson Ballard Gallery.

    Aaron Bludorn headshot

    Courtesy of Bludorn Hospitality Group

    Aaron Bludorn is opening a new restaurant in Fredericksburg.

    chefsnews-you-can-eathotelsandersonopenings
    news/restaurants-bars

    most read posts

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