Roxor Artisian Gin – Texas' First Botanical Masterpiece

Updated → August 2025

Experience Texas' pioneering artisan gin, crafted with 12 botanicals including Texas pecans and grapefruit by James Beard Award-winning Chef Robert Del Grande. This 90-proof spirit delivers remarkable smoothness with citrus-forward notes and unique botanical complexity.

The Texas Craft Gin Revolution

The Lone Star State has earned its reputation for bold flavors and innovative spirits, but Roxor Artisian Gin stands as a pioneering force that changed everything. As Texas' first gin, this remarkable spirit represents more than just another bottle on the shelf—it embodies a revolutionary approach to botanical distillation that honors both tradition and innovation.

The craft spirits movement in Texas has exploded over the past decade, with distilleries sprouting across the state like wildflowers after spring rain. Yet when New Artisan Spirits launched Roxor Artisian Gin, they weren't just joining a trend—they were setting new standards for what American craft gin could achieve. The distillery's commitment to using real botanicals without artificial extracts or added sugars marked a significant departure from industry norms.

When Chef Meets Chemistry

Behind every exceptional spirit lies an exceptional creator, and Roxor Artisian Gin benefits from the unique expertise of Master Distiller Robert Del Grande. This James Beard Award-winning chef brings an extraordinary combination of culinary artistry and scientific precision to the distillery, holding both prestigious culinary accolades and a PhD in biochemistry.

Del Grande's dual expertise manifests in every aspect of the gin's creation. His understanding of molecular interactions guides the botanical selection process, while his culinary sensibilities ensure each ingredient contributes to a harmonious whole. This rare combination of skills has produced a gin that appeals equally to mixologists seeking complexity and casual drinkers desiring smoothness. The result is a spirit that transcends typical category expectations, offering sophistication without pretension.

The Twelve Botanical Symphony

The heart of Roxor Artisian Gin lies in its carefully orchestrated blend of twelve botanicals. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the gin's distinctive character. Italian juniper provides the classic gin foundation, while fresh Texas grapefruit and lime zest add bright citrus notes that immediately distinguish this spirit from its London Dry cousins.

The inclusion of Texas pecans represents a bold departure from traditional gin recipes, adding subtle nutty undertones that complement the citrus brightness. Egyptian hibiscus flowers contribute floral complexity and a subtle pink hue, while Peruvian cocoa nibs introduce earthy depth. Supporting botanicals include coriander for spice, orris root for violet notes, sarsaparilla for complexity, grains of paradise for peppery warmth, cubeb peppers for additional spice, and cinnamon for sweet warmth. This diverse botanical bill creates layers of flavor that reveal themselves gradually, making each sip a journey of discovery.

Real Plants Make Better Spirits

New Artisan Spirits operates under a simple yet revolutionary principle: real plants make better spirits. This philosophy drives every decision in creating Roxor Artisian Gin, from sourcing to production methods. Unlike many commercial gins that rely on flavor extracts or artificial compounds, this gin uses only actual botanicals, ensuring authentic flavors that can't be replicated in a laboratory.

The commitment extends beyond mere ingredient selection. The distillery's approach involves gentle steeping of uncrushed botanicals for 24 hours, focusing on what they call "perfume extraction." This method preserves delicate aromatic compounds that might be lost through more aggressive extraction techniques. The subsequent redistillation process carefully separates heads and tails, keeping only the purest heart of the distillate. This meticulous attention to process results in a remarkably clean, smooth spirit at 90 proof that drinks far gentler than its alcohol content might suggest.

The Skyline Bottle Story

The distinctive packaging of Roxor Artisian Gin tells its own story. Designed by co-founder Donald Short, a retired Coca-Cola executive with international market experience, the Skyline Bottle serves as "a toast to the architects that create the skylines of our lives." This architectural inspiration reflects both the urban sophistication of the spirit and its Texas roots, where city skylines rise dramatically from sprawling plains.

The bottle's design goes beyond mere aesthetics. Its substantial feel and distinctive shape make it instantly recognizable on any back bar, while the clean lines suggest the precision and clarity of the spirit within. The packaging reinforces the brand's premium positioning without resorting to unnecessary ornamentation, letting the quality of the gin speak for itself. This thoughtful approach to presentation extends the brand's philosophy of authenticity and substance over superficial appeal.

Flavor Profile Analysis

Tasting Roxor Artisian Gin reveals layers of complexity that unfold gradually on the palate. The initial impression delivers bright citrus notes from the fresh grapefruit and lime zest, immediately establishing this as a contemporary American gin rather than a traditional London Dry style. These vibrant top notes rest on a solid foundation of juniper, providing the classic gin character without overwhelming the more delicate flavors.

As the gin opens up, the middle palate reveals the unique contributions of Texas pecans and cocoa nibs, adding richness and depth rarely found in gin. The floral notes from hibiscus provide a bridge between the citrus brightness and earthy undertones, while the spice botanicals—coriander, grains of paradise, and cubeb pepper—add complexity without heat. The finish brings subtle warmth from cinnamon and a lingering nuttiness that invites another sip. This careful balance creates a gin that works equally well neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for creative cocktails.

Craft Gin Market Comparison

In the crowded craft gin market, Roxor Artisian Gin occupies a unique position. While many American craft gins chase the botanical arms race, adding ever more ingredients in pursuit of novelty, this gin achieves complexity through balance and quality rather than quantity. The twelve-botanical recipe might seem modest compared to gins boasting twenty or more ingredients, but each component serves a specific purpose in the overall composition.

Compared to established craft gins like Aviation or Hendrick's, Roxor Artisian Gin offers a distinctly American perspective while maintaining international quality standards. The use of regional ingredients like Texas pecans and grapefruit provides terroir-driven character without sacrificing broad appeal. At its price point of approximately $35-40, it competes directly with premium craft offerings while delivering superior smoothness and complexity that justifies the investment.

Perfect Serve Recommendations

The versatility of Roxor Artisian Gin shines through various serving methods. For purists, the gin performs beautifully neat or over a large ice cube, allowing full appreciation of its botanical complexity. The 90-proof strength provides enough body to stand up to dilution while maintaining flavor integrity. A simple garnish of grapefruit peel expressed over the glass enhances the citrus notes without overwhelming the spirit's natural character.

For gin and tonic enthusiasts, Roxor Artisian Gin pairs exceptionally well with premium tonic waters. The gin's citrus-forward profile complements Mediterranean-style tonics, while its complexity holds up against more assertive Indian tonic waters. A ratio of one part gin to two parts tonic allows the spirit's character to shine through while creating a refreshing, balanced drink. Garnish options include grapefruit wedge, lime wheel, or even a few hibiscus flowers to echo the gin's floral notes.

Cocktail Applications

The unique botanical profile of Roxor Artisian Gin opens exciting possibilities for cocktail creation. In a classic Martini, the gin's smoothness allows for a higher gin-to-vermouth ratio while maintaining balance. The citrus notes complement dry vermouth beautifully, while the nutty undertones add complexity to the traditional recipe. A 5:1 ratio with quality dry vermouth and a grapefruit twist creates a memorable variation on the classic.

Contemporary cocktails benefit even more from this gin's unique character. The Bee's Knees gains additional depth from the pecan and cocoa notes, while a Gimlet becomes more complex with the interplay of fresh lime juice and the gin's grapefruit character. For adventurous bartenders, the hibiscus notes suggest possibilities for floral-forward creations, while the spice botanicals provide backbone for tiki-inspired drinks. The gin's versatility extends to lower-alcohol cocktails as well, where its bold flavors maintain presence even when diluted with sparkling wine or soda water.

Food Pairing Guide

The culinary heritage behind Roxor Artisian Gin makes it a natural companion to food. The bright citrus notes complement seafood beautifully, particularly grilled fish with herb preparations or ceviche-style dishes where the gin's acidity echoes the citrus marinade. The pecan notes create unexpected harmony with cheese courses, especially aged hard cheeses where nuttiness meets nuttiness in delightful synchrony.

The gin's spice components make it an excellent match for moderately spiced cuisines. Thai dishes with lemongrass and ginger find a sympathetic partner, while Mexican cuisine benefits from the complementary citrus and spice notes. The cocoa nibs suggest possibilities with dessert pairings, particularly dark chocolate preparations where the gin can be incorporated into the recipe or served alongside. Even simple preparations like grilled vegetables gain complexity when paired with a Roxor Artisian Gin cocktail that echoes their char and earthiness.

Production Process Deep Dive

The creation of Roxor Artisian Gin involves meticulous attention to every step of the production process. The journey begins with careful selection of botanicals, with fresh ingredients like grapefruit and lime zest sourced at peak ripeness to ensure maximum aromatic intensity. The Texas pecans undergo quality checks to ensure only perfect specimens make it into the botanical bill, as any off-flavors would be magnified during distillation.

The 24-hour steeping process represents a departure from traditional gin production methods. By keeping botanicals whole rather than crushing them, the distillery preserves delicate aromatic compounds that contribute to the gin's complex nose. The neutral grain spirit base undergoes its own quality controls before botanical addition, ensuring a clean canvas for flavor development. The redistillation process employs precise temperature control and careful monitoring to capture only the heart of the run, discarding heads and tails that might contribute harsh or undesirable flavors. This attention to detail at every stage results in the exceptional smoothness that defines Roxor Artisian Gin.

Texas Terroir Influence

The Texas origins of Roxor Artisian Gin contribute more than just marketing appeal—they fundamentally shape the spirit's character. The use of Texas grapefruit, renowned for its exceptional sweetness and aromatic intensity, provides a citrus profile distinctly different from gins using Mediterranean citrus. Texas pecans bring their own terroir-driven character, with oils and flavors shaped by the state's unique climate and soil conditions.

Beyond specific ingredients, the Texas spirit of innovation and bold flavors permeates the entire approach to creating this gin. The willingness to challenge conventions while respecting tradition reflects a particularly Texan sensibility—confident, forward-thinking, yet grounded in quality fundamentals. This regional character helps Roxor Artisian Gin stand out in an increasingly crowded craft spirits market while appealing to drinkers seeking authentic, place-based products.

Buying and Storing Tips

When purchasing Roxor Artisian Gin, look for retailers who properly store their spirits away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. The distinctive Skyline Bottle makes authenticity verification straightforward, though purchasing from reputable retailers ensures product integrity. The gin's premium price point of $35-40 reflects its quality ingredients and careful production methods, representing good value compared to imported premium gins.

Storage at home requires minimal special consideration, though a few practices will help maintain the gin's quality. Keep bottles upright to prevent cork degradation, and store in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. Unlike wine, gin doesn't improve with age once bottled, but proper storage prevents degradation of the delicate botanical flavors. Once opened, Roxor Artisian Gin maintains its quality for years if properly sealed, though the brightest citrus notes may fade slightly over time.

Advanced Mixology Techniques

Professional bartenders and home enthusiasts can maximize the potential of Roxor Artisian Gin through advanced techniques. Fat-washing with pecan oil intensifies the gin's nutty character while adding silky texture, creating a unique base for dessert cocktails. Clarification techniques can highlight the gin's clarity while maintaining its complex flavor profile, perfect for crystal-clear cocktail presentations.

Infusion possibilities abound with this botanical-forward spirit. Short macerations with complementary ingredients like additional grapefruit peel or whole cacao nibs can accentuate existing flavors without overwhelming the base spirit. Temperature manipulation offers another avenue for exploration—serving the gin at cellar temperature rather than freezer-cold allows fuller appreciation of its aromatic complexity. For molecular mixology enthusiasts, the gin's diverse flavor profile provides multiple points of entry for foam, gel, and sphere applications that showcase individual botanical elements.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Roxor Artisian Gin represents a significant achievement in American craft distilling. The combination of culinary expertise, scientific precision, and commitment to authentic ingredients has produced a gin that satisfies both casual drinkers and spirits connoisseurs. Its versatility across serving methods—from neat sipping to complex cocktails—makes it a valuable addition to any home bar.

For those seeking to explore beyond traditional gin profiles, Roxor Artisian Gin offers an ideal entry point into contemporary American craft spirits. The reasonable price point allows for experimentation without significant investment risk, while the quality justifies regular purchase for those who appreciate its unique character. Whether you're a gin enthusiast looking to expand your horizons or a cocktail lover seeking new flavor possibilities, this Texas original delivers on its promise of exceptional taste through real botanical expression.