Local Flight Season 4 Episode 5 Smoky Cocktails in Texas

As the sun sets on the Lone Star State, Local Flight dives deep into the world of smoky cocktails. Host Chris and his team explore Texas' vibrant cocktail culture, highlighting unique and flavorful drinks that feature the state's legendary smoked meats. From small-town dives to high-end bars, the crew sample the best of Texas' craft mixology, discovering how bartenders combine a passion for tradition with spirited innovation.

Episode 5 takes viewers to Austin, where the Local Flight team meets master mixologist Travis Tober. At his iconic East Austin cocktail bar, Nickel City, Travis has brought together classic American flavors and an inventive menu that riffs on Texan staples. The team tastes nickel city's famous Pennant Peach – a boozy concoction of peach whiskey and mint – and the meaty, smoky Manhattan Project cocktail, which features a dash of locally made BBQ sauce.

Next, Local Flight heads to San Antonio, Texas's oldest city, to experience the city's burgeoning culinary scene. At a new hot spot, the team chats with the owner and chef, who also happens to be a cocktail maestro. He whips up a signature drink in front of them – a smoky margarita that incorporates a surprising ingredient: mezcal – and tells them how he's creating a new wave of Texas cocktails.

Back in Austin, Chris and his team explore the iconic Franklin's BBQ. Owner Aaron Franklin has made waves with his award-winning brisket, but the team is interested in what goes beyond the smoker. They're curious about how pitmasters use the flavors of smoke as an ingredient in their cocktails. Aaron introduces them to a few of Franklin's signature drinks including an Old Fashioned with a bacon-infused ice cube and their famous Mojito with smoked mint.

But Texas isn't just defined by its barbecue – the state's tequila culture is equally famous. In Episode 5, Local Flight visits a tequila distillery in Austin, where they discover how the agave liquor is made, and learn about the nuances of crafting the perfect margarita. Along the way, they sample some of the distillery's most innovative spirits, including a smoky tequila that perfectly complements the venue's spectacular views of the city.

The final stop in this episode is San Antonio's famous River Walk. The Local Flight team takes in the stunning lights and watery vistas of the city's central canal while enjoying perfectly-crafted cocktails with San Antonio's top mixologists. After a long night sampling the best of Texas' bartending scene, Chris and the crew reflect on their trip and all of the unforgettable experiences they had. The episode ends with a final toast to Texas, with one of the finest smoky cocktails they discovered along the way.

Overall, Episode 5 captures the unique and rich flavor of Texas's vibrant mixology culture. From iconic barbecue joints to tequila distilleries, it showcases the state's diverse culinary landscape while highlighting the creativity and artistry that goes into crafting perfect cocktails. Whether you're a Texan or not, this episode is sure to inspire anyone who loves a great drink.