Enjoyed: Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Old Fashioned”.

Ingredients: Buffalo Trace bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, Luxardo cherry.

The occasion: I had finally made it to the state of Texas, and more specifically, to the Hill Country of Texas! I had always wanted to see the Blue Bonnets (the state flower!) in bloom, and our timing was perfect–we spent the morning driving the Willow City Loop, just north of Fredericksburg, and the violet-blue blossoms were plentiful, as were other spring flowers in yellow, purple, and red. We saw gently-rolling hills, grazing cattle, and even a roadrunner (beep beep). In the early afternoon, we rode horses (Copper and Teddy) through meadows and up a ridge, so by early evening, we were ready for drinks and a solid meal. Hill Top Cafe is in a former gas station, and the delicious food reflected the Cajun heritage of the owner. But the best treat was the one-man show put on by the co-owner, Johnny Nicholas, a Grammy winner. He shared stories, jokes, and incredible blues/Americana music. What a fun night!

My rating: **** out of 5. Our waiter was also the bartender and sous chef, it appeared, and he assured me that he made a solid Old Fashioned. He did. The drink was as traditional as can be, and quite generous, too.

Final thoughts: I guess everything is really bigger in Texas–generous drinks, huge slabs of steak and meatloaf and blackberry cobbler, over-the-top decor, and the warmth extended to us by fellow diners/music fans.