Fort Worth wouldn't be as funky without its unique cocktail menus – so there's an entire week dedicated to them.
Fort Worth is serving up the second annual Cocktail Week this Saturday through Friday. The six-night event will feature signature concoctions from the city's top bartenders paired with chef-driven menu samples. Cocktail week's five trademark events will be returning along with a new preview party hoping to make a splash – Sips.
Tickets are $15-$20 for each event, and a portion of each ticket sold will benefit Fort Worth local arts organizations.
Here's a guide for navigating the whole week.
Saturday
Sips
To whet your palate, Cocktail Week is doing something new this year, hosting Sips, a preview party for the event. The party will feature cognacs, liqueurs and aperitifs to get your appetite ready for the week, and Ben Merritt — owner and head chef of Fixture - Kitchen and Social Lounge and two-time winner of Fort Worth Magazine's Top Chef Competition — will prepare his signature New American cuisine to pair with the drinks.
Where:
Proper on Magnolia
409 W Magnolia Ave.
Time: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Monday
Texas Spirits Tasting Party
You may want to put on a pair of boots for Day Two, which is all about celebrating the spirit of the Lone Star State. The event will feature local signature spirits, live music and eclectic cuisine by Nico Sanchez, the chef behind Meso Maya, Taqueria La Ventana, and Tortaco.
Where:
Mopac Event Center
1615 Rogers Road
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday
Bourbon Bash
In this throwback-themed event, expect a wide range of old-fashioned cocktails from a whiskey sour to mint juleps, along with New Orleans' style appetizers from David Hollister, chef behind Yucatan Taco Stand, Gas Monkey Bar and Grill. There will also be rare bourbons sold on site for an additional charge.
Where:
Thompson's
900 Houston St.
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday
Tiki Drink Rum Party
Basically a tiki party, Wednesday's event will have a blend of tropical cocktails to try, from zombies to hurricanes. The event will include the most colorful drinks of the week, the history behind them, live music, commemorative glasses and cuisine from Magdalena's chef Juan Rodriguez, named Fort Worth Magazine's Best Caterer in 2017.
Where:
The Usual
1408 W Magnolia Ave.
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday
Bartenders Without Borders
Exotic drinks is the theme for Thursday, with cocktail recipes coming from south of the border to Fort Worth. Taking place at the new Salsa Limón in the River District, this event will have live music, rare small batch agaves, mezcal and tequilas for margaritas and other cocktails, along with Latin street food from Keith Grober, former head chef at Rodeo Goat.
Where:
Salsa Limón Distrito
5012 White Settlement Road
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Friday
Gin vs. Vodka Party
Wrapping up Cocktail Week will be the battle to end all battles — Gin vs. Vodka. This event is based around the perfect martini, and after a debate between celebrity judges, participants will vote on which of the two liquors comes out on top. Taking on the not-so-small task of pairing dishes with the two liquors is Texas Bleu head chef Stefan Rishel.
Where:
The Foundry District
4900 Bryant Irvin Road
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Tickets for each event can be purchased here.