How to Enjoy Craft Cocktails at The Roosevelt Room

The Roosevelt Room, nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, is more than just a bar—it’s a temple to the art of mixology. Renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and deeply curated cocktail menu, The Roosevelt Room offers an experience that transcends the ordinary act of drinking. For those unfamiliar with the world of craft cocktails, the experience can feel intimidating: unfamiliar ingredients, complex names, and an atmosphere that demands a certain level of sophistication. But the truth is, enjoying craft cocktails at The Roosevelt Room isn’t about knowing every term or ordering the most expensive drink—it’s about presence, curiosity, and openness to discovery.

This guide is designed to help you navigate The Roosevelt Room with confidence, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned cocktail enthusiast. We’ll walk you through the entire journey—from understanding the philosophy behind the bar’s offerings to selecting your perfect drink, engaging with the staff, and savoring each sip with intention. By the end of this guide, you won’t just know how to order a cocktail—you’ll know how to experience it.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Before You Go

While spontaneity has its charm, a little preparation enhances your experience at The Roosevelt Room. Start by visiting their official website. Unlike many bars that update menus sporadically, The Roosevelt Room often publishes its current cocktail list online, sometimes with detailed descriptions of ingredients, inspiration, and even pairing suggestions. Take note of any recurring themes—perhaps the bar leans heavily on barrel-aged spirits, foraged botanicals, or heritage spirits from small-batch distillers.

Pay attention to the seasonal rotations. The Roosevelt Room’s menu changes quarterly, often aligning with local harvests and regional flavor profiles. A winter menu might feature smoked maple, black walnut, or spiced citrus, while summer offerings could highlight hibiscus, cucumber, or fresh herbs from their own garden. Understanding these patterns helps you anticipate flavor profiles and make more informed choices.

Read reviews from trusted sources like Eater, The Infatuation, or local Austin food blogs. Look for mentions of signature drinks, standout bartenders, or hidden gems on the menu. This isn’t about copying others’ choices—it’s about gathering context so you can engage meaningfully with the staff when you arrive.

2. Arrive With the Right Mindset

Arriving at The Roosevelt Room is like stepping into a private club where every detail has been considered. The lighting is low, the woodwork is rich, and the silence between clinks of ice feels intentional. Resist the urge to rush. Take a breath. Let your eyes adjust. Notice the bottles lined up behind the bar—not just the familiar brands, but the obscure amaros, artisanal vermouths, and house-infused spirits you’ve never heard of.

Your goal isn’t to impress anyone—it’s to be present. This isn’t a place to scroll through your phone while waiting for a drink. It’s a place to slow down. If you’re dining, consider arriving before your reservation to enjoy a cocktail at the bar. The bartenders are trained to guide you, but only if you give them the space to do so.

3. Choose Your Seating Wisely

The Roosevelt Room offers multiple seating options: the main bar, intimate booths, and a secluded back room with a fireplace. Each setting enhances the experience differently.

The bar is ideal if you want to interact with the bartenders. Here, you’ll have direct access to the mixologists who craft each drink. They can explain ingredients, suggest pairings, and even tailor a cocktail based on your preferences. If you’re alone or with one other person, this is your best bet.

Booths offer privacy and a more relaxed vibe. They’re perfect for longer conversations or if you’re celebrating something special. You’ll still receive attentive service, but the interaction is less immediate.

The back room is reserved for larger groups or special events. It’s quieter, more intimate, and often features exclusive cocktails not found on the main menu. If you’re with a group of four or more, ask about availability—it’s worth the wait.

4. Engage With the Bartender

One of the most powerful tools you have at The Roosevelt Room is the bartender. These are not servers—they are storytellers, chemists, and curators. Approach them with curiosity, not pressure.

Start simple: “I’m new to craft cocktails. What would you recommend?” or “I usually like something smoky and bitter—what’s on the menu that fits that?” Avoid generic requests like “Give me something strong” or “I want something sweet.” These are too vague to be useful.

Instead, describe flavors you enjoy. Do you like the tartness of grapefruit? The earthiness of mushroom? The warmth of cinnamon? Mention any spirits you know you like—whether it’s bourbon, mezcal, or gin. Even if you don’t know the difference between a dry and sweet vermouth, saying “I like gin but I’ve never tried it with herbal liqueurs” gives the bartender a starting point.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. “What’s the story behind this drink?” or “Where does the honey come from?” are excellent conversation starters. Bartenders at The Roosevelt Room take pride in their craft and love sharing the journey behind each cocktail. Your curiosity is their invitation to elevate your experience.

5. Understand the Menu Structure

The Roosevelt Room’s cocktail menu is divided into thoughtful sections, each with a distinct theme:

• Classic Revivals – Reimagined versions of timeless cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Negroni, often using house-made ingredients.
• Seasonal Creations – The bar’s most innovative offerings, changing with the seasons and highlighting local produce.
• Barrel-Aged & Fortified – Cocktails aged in oak barrels for depth and complexity, or made with fortified wines like sherry or port.
• Non-Alcoholic – Thoughtfully crafted mocktails that stand on their own, not just juice with soda.

Each drink includes a brief description—read it. You’ll often find references to specific ingredients: “infused with smoked black tea,” “pressed from heirloom apples,” or “tinctured with wild rosemary.” These aren’t decorative; they’re the soul of the drink.

Look for symbols or icons that indicate preparation methods—like a flame icon for a flamed citrus peel, or a snowflake for a frozen element. These details matter.

6. Order With Intention

When you’re ready to order, don’t rush. The Roosevelt Room’s cocktails are designed to be savored, not consumed quickly. Consider ordering one drink at a time. Let it unfold in your glass and on your palate before deciding on the next.

If you’re unsure, ask for a “taster” or “flight.” Some bartenders offer mini pours of 2–3 related cocktails, allowing you to sample different flavor profiles without committing to a full drink. This is especially helpful if you’re exploring unfamiliar spirits or want to compare variations of a classic.

Also, don’t assume the most expensive drink is the best. Price reflects complexity, rarity of ingredients, and aging time—but not necessarily enjoyment. A $14 drink made with locally foraged elderflower and house-distilled gin might be more memorable than a $22 cocktail using imported Japanese whiskey.

7. Savor the Experience

When your drink arrives, take a moment to observe it. Notice the ice—its clarity, size, and shape. Is it a single large cube? A crushed mountain? The ice isn’t just for chilling; it controls dilution and texture. A slow-melting cube preserves the drink’s integrity over time.

Smell the aromas before you sip. Swirl the glass gently. Notice the citrus oils released from a twist, the smoke from a flaming orange peel, or the herbal notes rising from a garnish. The nose is half the experience.

Sip slowly. Let the liquid coat your tongue. Identify the first flavor, then the mid-palate, then the finish. Is it bright and citrusy? Deep and smoky? Does it leave a lingering warmth or a crisp, clean finish?

Ask yourself: Does this taste like something I’ve had before? Or is it entirely new? That sense of discovery is what craft cocktails are about.

8. Ask for a Second Round—But Differently

After your first drink, consider ordering something that contrasts or complements it. If your first was a bright, herbal gin cocktail, try a rich, spiced bourbon-based drink next. If you started with something smoky, move toward something floral or fruity.

This approach—building a tasting journey—is how professionals explore cocktails. It’s not about getting drunk; it’s about mapping flavor territory.

And if you loved your first drink? Say so. “I really enjoyed the Smoke & Honey—can you make me something similar but with a different base spirit?” The bartenders will love the challenge.

9. Know When to Stop

Craft cocktails are not about quantity—they’re about quality. The Roosevelt Room’s drinks are often higher in alcohol content than standard bar cocktails due to their use of high-proof spirits, liqueurs, and fortified wines. One or two drinks are often enough to fully appreciate the experience.

Listen to your body. If you feel the effects sooner than expected, it’s not because the drinks are “stronger”—it’s because you’re tasting them slowly and mindfully. Your palate is more sensitive, and your body is absorbing the alcohol more deliberately.

Don’t feel pressured to order a third drink. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “This has been incredible—I think I’ll enjoy this one and maybe come back tomorrow.”

10. Reflect and Remember

Before you leave, take a moment to reflect. What did you enjoy most? Was it the flavor? The presentation? The story behind the drink? Write it down—just a few notes in your phone or a journal. Over time, these entries become a personal cocktail diary.

Consider following The Roosevelt Room on social media or signing up for their newsletter. They often share behind-the-scenes content, upcoming menu previews, and even virtual tasting events. This keeps the experience alive beyond your visit.

Best Practices

Be Respectful of the Craft

The Roosevelt Room’s bartenders spend years mastering their craft. They study fermentation, chemistry, history, and agriculture. They source ingredients from small farms, distill their own syrups, and hand-carve ice. Treat them as artists, not order-takers.

Don’t ask for substitutions unless necessary. If a drink calls for a rare amaro or a specific type of bitters, it’s because those ingredients are essential to the balance. If you have an allergy or strong aversion, say so politely—but avoid asking to replace every ingredient with something familiar.

Tip Generously

Craft cocktail service is labor-intensive. A single cocktail can take 10–15 minutes to prepare, involving multiple steps: infusing, straining, shaking, flaming, garnishing, and cleaning. Bartenders often work long hours for modest wages.

A tip of 20–25% is standard and appreciated. If you received exceptional service or were guided through a tasting journey, consider tipping more. This isn’t just etiquette—it’s recognition of expertise.

Don’t Compare to Chain Bars

If you’re used to ordering a vodka soda or a whiskey sour at a sports bar, The Roosevelt Room may feel alien at first. Don’t judge it by those standards. A $16 cocktail here isn’t overpriced—it’s a curated experience that includes rare ingredients, skilled labor, and an immersive environment.

Think of it like dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. You’re not paying for the food alone—you’re paying for the story, the technique, the atmosphere, and the memory.

Embrace the Unexpected

One of the greatest mistakes visitors make is ordering based on what they know. If you only drink gin and whiskey, you’ll miss out on the bar’s incredible use of pisco, shochu, or even koji-fermented spirits.

Let the bartender surprise you. Say, “I trust you—give me something I wouldn’t normally choose.” You might discover a new favorite spirit or flavor profile you never knew you loved.

Stay Hydrated and Eat

Craft cocktails are often high in alcohol and low in sugar, which can lead to quicker dehydration. Drink water between cocktails. The Roosevelt Room offers sparkling and still water—ask for it.

If you’re planning to have more than one drink, consider ordering a small bite. Their charcuterie board, pickled vegetables, or house-made nuts are designed to complement the cocktails and slow alcohol absorption.

Avoid Distractions

Put your phone away. This isn’t a place to take photos for Instagram (though the drinks are photogenic). It’s a place to be present. The dim lighting, the quiet hum of conversation, the clink of ice—it’s all part of the ritual.

Engage with your companions. Talk about the drink. Ask what they taste. Share your impressions. The best part of a craft cocktail experience is the conversation it sparks.

Learn the Language

You don’t need to become a sommelier, but understanding a few basic terms helps:

• Neat – Spirit served straight, no ice.
• On the rocks – Served over ice.
• Up – Chilled and strained into a coupe glass, no ice.
• Old Fashioned – A base spirit with sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist.
• Highball – Spirit with a mixer, served in a tall glass.
• Fortified wine – Wine with added spirit (like vermouth, sherry, or port).
• Amaro – Italian herbal liqueur, often bitter and complex.

These terms appear on menus and in conversations. Knowing them helps you communicate better and understand what you’re ordering.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Reading

To deepen your appreciation, consider these books:

• The Art of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff – A foundational text on modern mixology.
• Smoke & Mirrors by Greg Henry – Explores the use of smoke, fire, and infusion in cocktails.
• Imbibe! by David Wondrich – The history of classic cocktails and their revival.
• Drinking the Devil’s Acre by Debra Meiburg – Focuses on the global evolution of spirits.

These aren’t textbooks—they’re stories. Read them slowly. Let the history and passion sink in.

Apps and Digital Tools

Several apps can enhance your experience:

• Drizly – For purchasing rare bottles you tasted at The Roosevelt Room.
• Whisky Advocate – Reviews and ratings of spirits used in craft cocktails.
• Cocktail Kingdom – Offers tools like jiggers, bar spoons, and muddlers if you want to recreate drinks at home.
• BarSmarts – Free online courses on spirits, cocktail theory, and service.

These tools aren’t necessary—but they help you continue the journey beyond the bar.

DIY Tools for Home

If you’re inspired to recreate The Roosevelt Room’s magic at home, invest in these essentials:

• A jigger for precise measurements.
• A Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer for smooth cocktails.
• A bar spoon with a twisted handle for stirring.
• A muddler for crushing herbs and fruits.
• A citrus press for fresh juice.
• A large ice mold for clear, slow-melting cubes.

You don’t need a full bar. Start with one or two tools and build over time. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s intention.

Local Resources in Austin

Explore Austin’s craft cocktail ecosystem:

• House Park – A neighborhood bar with a rotating cocktail menu inspired by local history.
• Bar Congress – Another Austin staple known for its innovative use of regional ingredients.
• St. David’s Pharmacy – A speakeasy-style bar with a focus on vintage recipes.
• Local distilleries like Wanderlust Spirits and True West Distilling offer tours and tastings.

Visiting these places gives you context for The Roosevelt Room’s place in Austin’s broader cocktail culture.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Smoke & Honey

One of The Roosevelt Room’s most celebrated drinks, the Smoke & Honey, is a bourbon-based cocktail featuring smoked honey syrup, lemon, black walnut bitters, and a flamed orange peel. The smoke comes from a gentle infusion using applewood chips, and the honey is sourced from a beekeeper in the Texas Hill Country.

A guest who ordered this drink said: “I thought I didn’t like bourbon—it’s too bold. But this tasted like autumn in a glass. The smoke wasn’t harsh—it was warm, like a campfire after rain. The honey made it sweet but not cloying. I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

What made it memorable wasn’t the ingredients alone—it was the balance, the story, and the care in execution.

Example 2: The Desert Bloom

A non-alcoholic option, the Desert Bloom features prickly pear juice, hibiscus infusion, lime, and a saline rim. The garnish is a dehydrated cactus flower. The drink is vibrant pink, tart, and subtly herbal.

A visitor who rarely drinks alcohol said: “I was skeptical—mocktails are usually just juice with soda. But this tasted complex, layered. The salt made the fruit pop. I didn’t miss the alcohol at all. I ordered a second.”

This example shows that craft cocktails aren’t just for drinkers—they’re for anyone who appreciates flavor, texture, and creativity.

Example 3: The Forgotten Tiki

A seasonal offering, this drink used a rare 1970s-era Jamaican rum, pineapple syrup made from fresh fruit, and a house-made allspice dram. It was served in a tiki mug with a carved pineapple and a mint sprig.

The bartender explained that the rum had been discovered in a forgotten warehouse in New Orleans and was one of only three bottles left in the country. The drink sold out in two hours.

It wasn’t the most expensive drink on the menu—but it was the most meaningful. It connected guests to history, rarity, and the art of preservation.

Example 4: The Guest’s Custom Creation

A regular visitor told the bartender she loved gin but hated citrus. She wanted something herbal, earthy, and slightly bitter. The bartender created a custom cocktail using genever (a maltier gin), gentian root tincture, chamomile honey, and a splash of dry sherry. Served up, with a sprig of rosemary.

She returned the next week and said: “That was the first drink I’ve ever had that felt like it was made just for me.”

That’s the magic of The Roosevelt Room. It doesn’t just serve drinks—it creates personal experiences.

FAQs

Do I need to make a reservation to enjoy cocktails at The Roosevelt Room?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at the bar, seating is limited and popular times fill quickly. Booking in advance ensures you get the experience you want.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. The Roosevelt Room offers vegan-friendly cocktails and can accommodate dietary restrictions. Many of their syrups are made without animal products, and they use plant-based garnishes. Always inform the bartender of your needs.

Can I bring my own bottle of spirits?

No. The Roosevelt Room has a carefully curated selection of spirits and does not allow outside alcohol. This ensures consistency, safety, and quality control.

How long does a cocktail typically take to prepare?

Most cocktails take 5–10 minutes. Complex drinks involving infusions, smoking, or multiple steps may take up to 15 minutes. The time is part of the experience—don’t rush it.

Is there a dress code?

There’s no strict dress code, but guests typically dress in smart casual attire. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing. The atmosphere is refined but not formal.

Can I order a cocktail to go?

No. The Roosevelt Room does not offer takeout cocktails. The experience is designed to be enjoyed in the space, with full sensory engagement.

Are children allowed?

The Roosevelt Room is an adult-only establishment. No guests under 21 are permitted, even if not consuming alcohol.

What if I don’t like the drink I ordered?

Speak up. The staff is trained to ensure your satisfaction. If a drink doesn’t meet your expectations, they’ll work with you to create something better. This is part of their service philosophy.

Can I book a private cocktail tasting?

Yes. The Roosevelt Room offers private tasting experiences for groups of 6–12 guests. These include curated flights, educational commentary, and exclusive access to rare bottles. Contact them directly for availability.

Do they offer cocktail classes?

Occasionally. The Roosevelt Room hosts intimate masterclasses on topics like barrel aging, bitters making, or spirit sourcing. Check their events calendar or sign up for their newsletter to be notified.

Conclusion

Enjoying craft cocktails at The Roosevelt Room isn’t about drinking—it’s about discovery. It’s about slowing down in a world that moves too fast. It’s about tasting the difference between a drink made with convenience and one made with care.

Each cocktail tells a story: of a beekeeper in the Hill Country, of a forgotten bottle of rum, of a bartender’s late-night experimentation, of a season’s first bloom. When you sip one, you’re not just tasting alcohol—you’re tasting time, place, and intention.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, The Roosevelt Room welcomes you—not as a customer, but as a guest. And the best way to honor that hospitality is to show up with an open mind, a quiet heart, and a willingness to be surprised.

So next time you find yourself in Austin, step inside. Sit at the bar. Look the bartender in the eye. Say, “I don’t know what I want—but I trust you.”

And let the magic begin.