WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

ENJOY YOUR DRINK WHILE DOING SOME GOOD: IN HONOR OF TITO’S NEW PHILANTHROPY, THREE AUSTIN BARS SERVE UP SUMMER VODKA COCKTAILS.

Austin-based Tito’s Handmade Vodka now donates 100 percent of proceeds from its online merchandise store (titosvodka.com/store) to charity. The idea comes with a twist: Customers choose their favorite charitable partner from a list including animalfriendly Emancipet to Operation Homefront for military families. Tito’s Vice President of Brand Marketing Nicole Portwood sums it up: “Tito Beveridge’s vision is to make the world a better place... the online store was a natural extension of our philanthropy.”

JUNIPER’S “DOMINICA”

1 oz. Tito’s vodka ½ oz. Sambuca Meletti ½ oz. lemon juice ½ oz. grapefruit juice 3 oz. tonic water Build in a collins glass over ice cubes and garnish with a rosemary sprig and dehydrated lemon wheel. General manager Justin Elliott says: “This is a lovely, long drink with depth and complexity... the bittersweet grapefruit builds off the bitter quinine in the tonic so it finishes with a bracing quality.” 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., No. 304, 512-2209421; juniperaustin.com

THE HIGHTOWER’S “THE GREENGO”

3 oz. “Greengo” mix (blended and strained cucumber, ginger root, sugar, and water mixed with 2 parts lime juice to 1 part Kina L’Aero D’Or) 1.5 oz. Tito’s vodka Shake and strain over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a cucumber slice. Bar manager Robin Ozaki notes: “This is a snappy, refreshing summer drink. The bitter brightness of the Kina L’Aero D’Or melds with spicy ginger and mild cucumber for something easy-drinking yet exotic.” 1209 E. Seventh St., 512-524-1448; thehightoweraustin.com

CLIVE BAR’S “OLD RAINEY SANGRITA”

1 ½ oz. Tito’s vodka ¾ oz. tomato juice ¾ oz. each orange juice + ruby red grapefruit juice ½ oz. lime juice ½ oz. agave nectar ½ oz. Willigan’s Island spicy green bean brine 4 dashes jalapeño tincture + 1 pinch chili powder Shake and strain over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel and spicy green beans. Beverage director Tom Koerner says: “This is a lighter riff on a sangrita, a traditional accompaniment to a dram of tequila. I love it with Tito’s as a fresh, summerfriendly Bloody Mary alternative.” 609 Davis St., 512524-1623; clivebar.com

Two twists on Tito’s: The Greengo cocktail at The Hightower ƥƞƟƭ is spicy and exotic, while guniper ƫƢƠơƭ goes for a drink with depth in its Dominica concoction.