Enjoying Craft Cocktails among the Butterflies

Words by Abby L. Johnson Photo By Will Bowling

If the bar top at Butterfly Bar could talk, it would have a world of stories to tell. Over 200 years old, the bar top has been lost more than once, survived wars, and is now nestled in comfortably at this neighborhood establishment. “It’s stood the test of time. They built things to last back then,” says Kellee Broadway, bar manager.

Though Butterfly Bar began 13 years ago as an off-shoot of The Vortex Theater, it’s evolved over the years from a small café serving beer and wine to a full-service bar. Today, the bar features an extensive menu of signature cocktails, classic concoctions, and inventive mocktails, gaining its name from the butterflies that call the outdoor patio home. Butterfly Bar is a certified butterfly garden meaning, during the summer months, patrons can sip their colorful drinks while keeping an eye on the flight of the lively creatures who inspired them.

Monarch Magic, their signature cocktail, is a stand-out. Its color mimics the beauty of its namesake. Slightly bubbly and not too sweet, it features a Tito’s infusion of mango, tangerine, guajillo pepper, and ginger. “It takes about a month to prepare, so we have to constantly keep the infusion going,” Kellee smiles. The infusion is then mixed with Cocchi Americano, ginger liqueur, lemon, prosecco, soda, and orange bitters and served with a garnish of candied ginger. It offers up a slightly tangy bite, making this drink one of their most popular year-round.

One of their unique offerings is the impressive mocktail menu. Kellee is proud of her personal contribution: Queen Bey. “It’s a strawberry limeade with tajin. It’s very bright, topped with soda so it’s bubbly, and has a little bit of spice to it,” she explains.

Like many businesses, Butterfly Bar has evolved over the last year. One way they continue to build community is through their new to-go cocktails. Patrons can pick up their signature drinks and enjoy at home among loved ones. “It was kind of weird figuring out how to do to-go cocktails,” Kellee admits. “But it was really reassuring that our patrons were excited about getting the drinks.”

Currently, cocktail lovers can participate in the to-go cocktails or enjoy their drinks in the spacious outdoor garden. The Butterfly Bar is a truly community-oriented space. Though it took some time to adapt their live events and ensure the safety and comfort of their clientele, The Butterfly Bar hosts trivia competitions, comedy nights, and live music events. In the meantime, the historic bar top located inside the bar will be waiting patiently to collect the stories of its patrons once again.

Sip&Taste // Adding to the warm, familial feeling of Butterfly Bar’s outdoor patio is Patrizi’s Italian food truck, which serves up authentic dishes pulled straight from family traditions and recipes passed down through the years. Enjoy a hand-pulled pasta while you sip on a Monarch Magic!

Contact:
2307 Manor Road
butterflybaraustin.com
@thebutterflybaraustin