The summer season, along with Texas’ famed 100 degree weather, has officially hit Austin and there is very little chill in the forecast. For many Austinites and visitors alike, this means one very important thing: Cooling off.
Whether it be taking a dip at the Greenbelt or simply kicking back with a refreshing summer cocktail, we understand the importance of cooling off in style. However, with the overly dense bar scene in our beloved city it may sometimes be difficult to decide where to go to have said drink. So in the spirit of all things summer, I am here to bring you a weekly featured cocktail and to also introduce you to some of the finest craft bartenders this town has to offer.
This week’s cocktail comes from Antonio Matta of Firehouse Lounge and Hostel. A quaint “Speakeasy” nestled in the heart of downtown, visitors can only access the lounge by slipping through a sliding bookshelf located within the hostel itself. Antonio, a four year resident of Austin by way of San Francisco, is a bona fide cocktail connoisseur who fits right in to this moody environment.
Firehouse Lounge bartender Antonio Matta, creator of the “Back to Basics.”
Antonio has dubbed his summer concoction “Back to Basics,” and follows up with execution to back up the name with a refreshingly intoxicating mixture of Tito’s, Aperol, St. Germain, lemon juice, and Topo Chico. It is a simple, refreshing cocktail with a light, clean, slightly bitter finish. You could even say “Back to Basics” is a perfectly easy-going drink to slowly enjoy over friendly conversation, ideal for getting a night’s shenanigans started.
Be sure to catch Antonio and his simplistic “Back to Basics” at Firehouse Lounge every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
Want to impress your friends? Try making this drink at home. Here’s the mix…
1 ½ oz Tito’s vodka
¾ oz Aperol
¼ oz St. Germain
½ oz Fresh lemon juice
Top with Topo Chico
Firehouse Lounge and Hostel is located at 605 Brazos St.
