Domestically produced spirits are getting a lot of attention from people who enjoy fine expressions for sipping and creating cocktails. We want our readers to know about Devil’s Grin Texas Gin. Launched in 2024, it is an award-winning premium gin rooted in Texas. This handcrafted spirit brings a fresh, unexpected take to the gin category.
Named after the Texas-native mesquite tree’s nickname, “the Devil with Roots,” Devil’s Grin gets its signature “grin” from a distinctive blend of 14 botanicals sourced from six continents. Unlike traditional juniper-forward gins, juniper assumes a supporting role, allowing bright citrus notes, earthy depth, and a subtle spice on the finish to shine through. The result is a highly approachable gin designed to appeal to both seasoned gin drinkers and newcomers alike.
Sustainability is central to Devil’s Grin’s production. The gin is proofed using collected rainwater that’s filtered through a proprietary reverse-osmosis system, while grains are sourced from North Texas farmers. After distillation, spent stillage is collected and repurposed for local farmers as animal feed, supporting a community-focused process.
Devil’s Grin is garnering top accolades. Awards include Best in Show Gin at the 2025 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America and American Distilling Institute Awards, as well as Double Gold honors at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York World Spirits Competition.
Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller of Devil’s Grin Texas Gin stated, “What I wanted to create was a shock to the industry to give gin a more balanced, complex, delicate approach to things, it gives you that London dry front start, your west coast contemporary citrus floral in your mid palate, and rolls into your southern style. So, you get a little bit of that juniper. You get a little bit of citrus, a little bit of floral, a little bit of spice, a little bit of root, a little bit of sweetness, and all those end up as your end palate while you’re tasting. That makes you think, what did I just have? I need to have another sip of that.”
And here are two easy “gintastic” recipes for Devil’s Grin Texas Gin that we know our readers would like to make for friends and family at the next gathering.
FITZGERALD
Ingredients:
-1.5 oz Devil’s Grin Texas Gin
-½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
-½ oz Simple Syrup
-2 Dashes Bitters
-Garnish with Lemon twist
Method: Using a shaker tin, add ice, Devil’s Grin Texas Gin, squeezed lemon, simple syrup and 2 dashes of bitters, cover and shake. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish with Lemon twist, and enjoy!
STRAWBERRY BASIL COCKTAIL
Ingredients:
-1.5 oz Devil’s Grin Texas Gin
-1 Large Strawberry
-2 Fresh Basil Leaves
-¼ oz Simple Syrup
-Garnish with Basil Leaves
Method: Using a shaker tin, add Devil’s Grin Texas Gin, 1 large or 2 small strawberries, basil leaves and simple syrup. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries and basil leaves, add ice and shake. Double strain into a chilled Nick & Nora Glass. Smack Basil leaves for garnish and enjoy!
Photos courtesy of Devil’s Grin Texas Gin
