Houston’s bar scene continues to flourish. Following the opening of a cocktail-driven patio restaurant earlier this week, Botonica is poised to grace the scene in River Oaks, offering an elevated cocktail experience that honors the Latin American diaspora.
Botonica opens this Friday, May 30, at the ground floor of SkyHouse River Oaks. Its founder is Alexis Mijares, award-winning bartender and Split Base Creative, Beverage Consulting & Production Firm owner. Among her other ventures, Mijares was the mind behind some of Houston’s hit seasonal pop-ups including the Cursed Cauldron and Jingle Bell Bar.
Mijares, alongside Angelique Cook-Cavazos, designed Botonica. The striking new space blends gothic elements with ’20s glamour, lush accents, and vintage textures. Future plans call for Latin-artist-created installations.
The cocktail program is front and the center at Botonica. Curated in celebration of Latin culture, the menu is divided into three parts: The House Menu, La Huella Liquida, and El Camino de la Margarita – each of which offering a unique perspective on traditional Latin cocktails.
“Drinks are how we tell our story,” said Alexis Mijares, founder of Botonica. “Botonica is our love letter to Latin America– through cocktails, culture, and connection. Everything we do is rooted in pride, intention, and Latin excellence.”
Signature cocktails at Botonica include the Zacapa-rum-blended Chamuyera, with coffee, amaro, banana, coconut, and dulce de leche; the tropical Desert Dove, made with Singani 63, Ketel One, St. Germain, ginger beer, lemon, guava, and grapefruit.
On top of craft cocktails, Botonica also serves a variety of mocktails, Latin wines, and beer.
The venue will also serve a curated selection of pan-Latin small plates. Featured plates include the Rajas con Crema, Mini Sonoran Dogs, and Caviar and Chicharrones. On the sweet side, patrons can go with the brown-butter-soaked Rum Cake with Bacardi rum glaze or house-made Chocotaco.
Botonica opens at the ground floor of SkyHouse River Oaks at 2031 Westcreek Lane on Friday, May 30. The venue plans to host live entertainment ranging from bossa nova, jazz, and burlesque, as well as other immersive performances.