At a locally owned liquor store in Leander, shelves are stocked with items requested by customers, and the checkout counter doubles as a tasting bar. On the Rocks is adorned with chandeliers made of mason jars, vintage lighting and wine barrels, and shelving comprises industrial piping and antique doors. Amy Hayward, the owner, and her dog Mrs. Miggins, a poodle with a pink mohawk made with beet juice, greet customers. Hayward tracks down hard-to-find items including organic liquor and beer for patrons at no additional cost. Customers can mix and match craft beers to create custom four- or six-packs. The name On the Rocks, she said, is a play on words for both the store’s location, which is built on solid rock, as well as the reference of how a drink is served. Customer and Leander resident Stephen Coley said Hayward frequently recommends new drinks for him to try, such as Dolce Vita Tequila mixed with passion fruit juice. “She can offer you things that are Texas-made that you can’t always get [elsewhere],” Coley said. “They introduce me to stuff that I’ve never tried before.” Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Hayward said she had many professions, including stints as a bartender, vice president of a credit union and a science teacher. “I told [my husband], ‘I’m going back to school to be a lawyer, or I’m opening a liquor store.’ … He thought I was kidding.” On Fridays and Saturdays from 5-8:45 p.m., patrons age 21 and older can come in for free tastings of various types of alcohol. Hayward said the tastings are a way for customers to try new flavors before purchasing an entire bottle. In the future, Hayward said she hopes to offer delivery services as well as offer mixology and wine-pairing classes.

On the Rocks

3550 N. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 125, Leander 512-986-7001 www.ontherockscrystalfalls.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.