Botoníca is an elevated Latin concept that opened in late May in the River Oaks, bringing a moody ambiance, curated cocktails and "cultural storytelling" to Houston.

According to a May 27 news release, Botoníca is located on the ground floor of SkyHouse River Oaks, a luxury apartment complex on Westcreek Lane.
The Desert Dove with a side of empanadas. (Courtesy Angelique Cook-Cavazos)
What's special about it?

Botoníca's drink menu includes three curated cocktail programs, including The House Menu, La Huella Liquida and El Camino de la Margarita.
  • The House Menu: Showcase of seasonal creations and cocktails that highlight Latin spirits, regional ingredients and expressive techniques
  • La Huella Liquida: Library of over 50 classic cocktails that trace the global imprint of Latin America on cocktail culture
  • El Camino de la Margarita: Menu traces the margarita's evolution from its debated origins to modern reinventions

Examples of some signature cocktails at the Latin bar includes the Chamuyera, Zacapa rum with coffee, banana, amaro, dulce de leche and coconut; and Desert Dove, a combination of Singani 63 with Ketel One, St. Germain, guava, grapefruit and ginger beer.

“Drinks are how we tell our story,” Founder Alexis Mijares said in the release. “Botonica is our love letter to Latin America–through cocktails, culture and connection. Everything we do is rooted in pride, intention and Latin excellence.”

What else?

In addition to the cocktail program, Botoníca will also serve pan-Latin small plates such as caviar and chicharrones, spiced rum cake, a sliced poblano pepper and cream dish and bacon-wrapped hot dogs, per the release.


Guests can also expect entertainment such as live music, burlesque and bossa nova, a Brazilian musical genre that mixes samba and jazz.