Botonica in River Oaks is a love letter to Latin America - one cocktail at a time 🍹🌎

HOUSTON –

Tucked in the upscale heart of River Oaks, Botonica isn’t just a bar, it’s a cultural journey through Latin America told in the language of spirits, flavors, and stories.

Founded by seasoned hospitality pro, Alexis Mijares, who has over a decade of experience in cocktail bars across Texas and California, Botonica represents the culmination of a long-held dream. “This bar has lived namelessly in my head for years,” said Mijares. The visionary behind the concept, Mijares said she wanted a space where she could bring together “everything I’ve learned in the world of classic cocktails while unapologetically showcasing my Latin identity.”

A menu that’s as educational as it is delicious

The cocktail menu at Botonica is intentionally curated to be both enlightening and enjoyable. Divided into three parts, it begins with house cocktails that honor Latin spirits and flavors through a modern lens. Then it ventures deeper into storytelling.

The “El Camino de la Margarita” (The Road of the Margarita) takes guests on a historical journey starting with the margarita’s precursor, the brandy daisy, and traveling through nine iterations to arrive at a clarified mole margarita. Think of it as a cocktail tasting tour spanning centuries - which you’ll need a few trips back to the bar to experience in full.

Then there’s “La Jolla Líquida” (The Liquid Footprint), a rotating collection of 50 to 60 classic cocktails shaped by Latin America—whether they originated in the region or were deeply influenced by it. “It’s about giving people not just a drink, but a piece of history,” Mijares explained.

Drinks with a deeper story

Botonica doesn’t just serve cocktails; it serves culture. One of its most popular offerings, the Desert Dove, blends familiar Kettle One vodka with Singani, a lesser-known grape-based spirit from Bolivia. Another standout is the Mentirosa, a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail made with Almavé (a tequila alternative), watermelon shrub, mint, and a non-alcoholic aperitivo. “Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, you still deserve something thoughtful and delicious,” said Mijares.

Guests will also encounter rare ingredients like mamey sapote, a beloved Caribbean fruit with sweet, creamy notes reminiscent of ube or sweet potato. “People are always surprised and excited to see it. It’s a little piece of home for many,” Mijares adds.

Latin America, reframed

For Mijares, the mission goes far beyond craft drinks. Botonica seeks to reframe the dominant narrative in cocktail culture - one that often centers Western, particularly British or American, perspectives. “There’s so much untapped Latin history in the world of spirits,” she says. “It’s not that other people don’t care, but there’s an intimacy that comes from telling your own story.”

Her team, which hails from across Latin America, is central to that storytelling. “This space is Pan-Latin by design. It’s about celebrating excellence from all over the region.”

A personal touch, down to the decor

From the vintage yellow couch reupholstered by hand to the fabrics and color palette, every corner of Botonica reflects Mijares’ personal aesthetic. “My friends walk in and say, ‘This is so Alexis,’” she laughed. “It feels like an extension of me.”

Looking ahead

Botonica is already a standout on Houston’s cocktail map, but its aspirations reach even farther. With plans to host international guest bartenders and foster cross-cultural exchange, Mijares hopes to provide a gateway for Latin bars around the world to connect with American audiences.

In a world that often forgets who’s been telling the story, Botonica rewrites the narrative - one meaningful sip at a time.

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📍 Located at 2301 Westcreek Lane, Houston, TX

🌐 www.botonicahouston.com

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