River Oaks welcomes a moody, Latin American cocktail bar with today’s official opening of Botonica. Located near the intersection of San Felipe Street and 610, the bar sits on the ground floor of SkyHouse River Oaks apartments at 2031 Westcreek Lane.

  

Photo by Angelique Cook-Cavazos

Botonica founder Alexis Mijares is known for both the cocktail programs she has designed for Houston restaurants and her festive pop-ups: the Cursed Cauldron and Jingle Bell Bar.

Botonica founder and bartender Alexis Mijares is known for the cocktail programs she’s designed for Houston restaurants, as well as her festive pop-ups, the Cursed Cauldron and Jingle Bell Bar. The previously mobile pop-ups will have a home between Botonica’s walls.

"Seeing how much people have loved and supported our holiday pop-ups (Cursed Cauldron and Jingle Bell Bar) was part of the fire behind the decision to bring Botonica to the community,” Mijares tells CultureMap. “They led me to the opportunity and ability to bring this permanent concept to life, and they now have a forever local home — a perfect setting as we work toward expanding them nationally!"

Fans of the Cursed Cauldron’s gothic aesthetic will find similar details at Botonica, with its inky black walls, vintage fabrics, and carefully chosen decor pieces accentuated by lush plants. Mijares worked with her pop-up partner, Angelique Cook-Cavazos, to create the space.

Botonica’s cocktail menu is as thoughtful as its design, divided into three distinct sections. The "House Menu" highlights seasonal creations made with Latin spirits and regional ingredients. La Huella Liquida (“The Liquid Footprint”) features more than 50 cocktails that trace Latin America’s global impact on drinking culture from the 17th century to the present day. El Camino de la Margarita is a study of the margarita’s evolution, from its debated origins to modern twists.

“Drinks are how we tell our story,” Mijares said in a statement. “Botonica is our love letter to Latin America — through cocktails, culture, and connection. Everything we do is rooted in pride, intention, and Latin excellence.”

Notable drinks include the Chamuyera, a decadent concoction of rum, coffee, banana, amaro, dulce de leche, and coconut. For a more fruit-forward option, there’s the Desert Dove, which combines Bolivian brandy with Ketel One, St. Germain, guava, grapefruit, lemon, and ginger beer. The menu also includes Latin wines, beers, and spirit-free options.

"Houston is such a beautifully diverse city with over 3 million Latin residents, and growing, who are bringing various traditions and influences here,” Mijares says. “Curating a menu and space that celebrates the collection of cultures which make up the thriving Latin community was important to me because it’s reflective of my community and my team, who have Latin backgrounds spanning from Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Botonica celebrates what threads those cultures together but also highlights what makes them each unique, and the history that brings inspiration to our creations."

That cultural reflection is also evident in the food menu. Patrons will discover small plates, such as caviar paired with chicharrones and masa blinis. Meanwhile, bacon-wrapped mini Sonoran hot dogs are topped with black beans, salsa verde, crema, and pico de gallo. Desserts include a Chocotaco made in-house and a spiced rum cake soaked in brown butter.

Future plans include art installations from local Latin creatives, along with live performances of jazz, bossa nova, and burlesque. Botonica is open Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday from 4 pm-12 am, Friday and Saturday from 4 pm-1 am, and closed on Monday.